River Camp — Lahontan State Recreation Area
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