Sportsmans Beach Walker Lake Recreation Area

This site is actually called the “Walker Lake Recreation Area” by BLM. Sportsman’s Beach is the camping area nearest the water (which is still 1/4 mile away at current lake level). There is an upper area near the highway and a lower area best suited to RVs. There is a $6 fee for camping. Dumpsters are available for trash.

I've stopped at this campground twice and have very few complaints! There are two areas to camp at, one up higher and the other lower, walking distance from the lake. I've stayed at both.

Both locations have plenty of spaces, complete with a fire pit and covered area containing a picnic table. There is a bathroom at both, although the upper lot bathroom was locked when I was there the first time.

The campground is right off the main road so you do hear road noise (and if at the upper site can definitely see lights from vehicles). The noise at the lower site is much lower.

Down near the lake it was definitely windier and a bit colder than the upper sites.

I saw no signage about camping fees both times I've stopped.

This is a nice place to stop for a short respite from the road and a bite to eat. I have travelled by this area many times and my comments are always the same. There are no trees at all! There are some shade structures built but still. This is the picture of a very beautiful, barren, desert lake.

Stayed one night at Sportman's Beach Campground. Half price for seniors with National Park pass. Peaceful. Bathrooms. Level pull thru sites.

Vault toilets, trash container, covered picnic tables and nice view of Walker Lake. As per other reviews, there are three levels at this campground. We selected a site at the top for the amazing view and nice breezes. A bit less breezy and more buggy in lower campsites closer to water. It was Memorial Day weekend but the place was only about 20% full. Boaters and families playing at the lower level had the place almost to their selves. Glad we stayed at the top away from the generator noise below. You will definitely have road noise but not a deal breaker for us. Price was right especially with our pass. Select 2nd and 3rd levels if winds are high.

2 hour drive S. of Reno The Dirt led us to Sportsman’s as a stop off on our way to Az. Love it!!!

I've stayed at Walker Lake's 20 Mile Beach campground a few times and I'd say the site has a few pros and cons.

It has some remarkable sunrises and sunsets and it's easy to access places to camp (Though be aware there are some sandy sites that might be inaccessible without a 4x4 vehicle).

The downsides are that the smell of the lake itself isn't exactly pleasant, you're never very far from the highway so there's regular road noise, and depending on the season the mosquitos can be rough.

Either way it's worth stopping in to check out the views!

We stayed at the 20 mile beach camp site. As you make your way down the dirt road, the road will fork at the public trash bins. We headed right, and followed a dirt road down towards the lake. You will see a large round clearing, and that is where we set up our large Kodiak cabin style tent. The dirt road down to the site was a little bumpy. Maybe not suitable for low profile vehicles. We drove in in a Chevy pick up.

Bring mosquito repellent because there are tons of bugs. The lake is pretty dirty. There’s a lot of missy looking substance on it. My kids tried fishing, even though the fishing report stated fishing was not good. I have 9 and 11 year olds... They don’t like to reason when it comes to fishing, or “wetting a line” as they say.

The camp ground is mostly gravel and coarse sand. I had to use a heavy hammer to stake our tent. We didn’t see or hear any snakes. The nights were very pleasant. There is wildlife all around, but nothing kept us up at night. I was kind of hoping for some owl hooting, or coyotes, but I didn’t hear any. This site is also far enough from the road, where you really don’t hear the traffic. Make sure to step out, or open a window to enjoy the sunrise.

beautiful views! but the view is all there is... after reading that it is a "dead lake"...plus the scent of the water....noo thanks on getting in there.