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River Camp — Lahontan State Recreation Area

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

River Camp at Lahontan State Recreation Area is near the Carson River, featuring flat terrain with sparse vegetation. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Visitors can explore Lahontan Reservoir and Fort Churchill State Historic Park nearby.

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Location

River Camp — Lahontan State Recreation Area is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.46400071 N
119.06100018 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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2.0

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2020

Does the job...

Sites are basic, which is fine by me. Sites are spread out and you have privacy from your neighbors. Sites have a picnic bench and a fire pit. There are Porta potties.

Today 9/14/2020 extremely smoky air from surrounding fires. Pesky annoying swarming bugs in the evening.

3 bars for ATT 3G 2 bars for Verizon 3G

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Apr. 29, 2018

No Frills

Lahontan is an acquired taste. If you're looking for a cool "forest" experience, shady pines, and easy-breezy camping then this is NOT the place for you. It's a huge man-made reservoir in the desert. It gets very hot in the dead of summer and shade is limited in many areas. The trees are mainly cottonwood and willow. Most of the camping areas are not formally developed and you just kind of have to "cop a squat" if you can find a decent spot. The area is hugely popular with boating, fishing, and jet-ski enthusiasts so the beaches and the lake can get very crowded. The restrooms in some areas are BASIC - some would even call them "outhouses". Others are much less primitive. There is one developed camp ground on the Silver Springs side (no RV hook-ups).

I grew up camping, boating, and fishing at Lahontan so it has a soft spot in my heart. Just know that it's not for every one.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of River Camp — Lahontan State Recreation Area by Tina B., April 29, 2018
  • Review photo of River Camp — Lahontan State Recreation Area by Tina B., April 29, 2018
  • Review photo of River Camp — Lahontan State Recreation Area by Tina B., April 29, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Lahontan State Recreation Area campgrounds?

Lahontan State Recreation Area campgrounds offer basic amenities suitable for a desert reservoir setting. Sites at River Camp feature picnic benches and fire pits, providing essential camping facilities. Portable toilets are available for restroom needs. The campsites are well-spaced, offering good privacy from neighboring campers. Shade is limited in many areas, especially during summer months. For specific facility updates or seasonal changes, contact the Nevada State Parks department before your visit.

Where can I find a map of Lake Lahontan campgrounds?

Maps of Lake Lahontan campgrounds are available through the Nevada State Parks website or by contacting the park office directly. You can also obtain physical maps at the park entrance station or visitor center when you arrive. For planning purposes, check with the Nevada Division of State Parks for the most current and detailed maps showing all camping areas, facilities, and access points around the reservoir.

Where is Lahontan State Recreation Area located near Fallon, Nevada?

Lahontan State Recreation Area is situated near Fallon in western Nevada. This large reservoir lies in the desert region and serves as a popular recreation destination for the area. The River Camp section is one of several camping areas around this man-made body of water. For exact driving directions from Fallon, check with Nevada State Parks or use GPS coordinates available on their official website.

What do visitors say in reviews about Lahontan State Recreation Area?

Visitors describe Lahontan as "an acquired taste" - not your typical forested camping experience. The large man-made desert reservoir offers spacious, private sites that are basic but functional. Campers appreciate the separation between sites and the included picnic benches and fire pits. Summer heat can be intense with limited shade. Evening insect activity can be bothersome at times. Cell coverage for AT&T shows around 3 bars of service. This destination tends to appeal more to those seeking a desert reservoir experience rather than traditional forest camping.