State park

Walker River State Recreation Area

Walker River State Recreation Area is a state park in Lyon County, Nevada. Campsites cost $15 per vehicle ($20 for non-NV vehicles), plus $10 for sites with utility hookups. Day use costs $5.00 ($10 for Non-NV Vehicles). Hours: Vary by location.

Check current closures and fire restrictions for Walker River State Recreation Area on the managing agency's own page.

Walker River State Recreation Area map

Walker River State Recreation Area boundary from USGS PAD-US or the managing agency, simplified for display. Not for navigation or legal boundaries.

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Closures

  • Construction on East Walker Road from Hwy 208 to Pitchfork Ranch since January 19, 2026: the park stays open, expect delays and one-lane access (as of September 28, 2026). Current notice
  • The Rafter 7 and Flying M ranch units are not yet open for public access, unless use is granted by special request and approved by park management (as of September 28, 2026). Current notice

Fire restrictions

One fire restriction order is recorded for this unit as of Sept. 30, 2026. Each links the signed order.

Nevada Fire Info, BLM Nevada's interagency fire site, keeps the Nevada fire restrictions map and signed orders for every fire zone, and a Nevada fire map of active fires.

Common questions

Camping costs $15 per vehicle ($20 for non-NV vehicles), plus $10 for sites with utility hookups. Some campgrounds take reservations and others are first come, first served. 25 sites have utility hookups. Bighorn Campground at the Elbow is not reservable and has no hookups; the Pitchfork Ranch group campground is by reservation only (as of September 28, 2026). Stays are limited to 14 days in any 30-day period.
Entry to Walker River State Recreation Area costs $5.00 ($10 for Non-NV Vehicles). Hours: Vary by location.
Construction on East Walker Road from Hwy 208 to Pitchfork Ranch since January 19, 2026: the park stays open, expect delays and one-lane access (as of September 28, 2026). The Rafter 7 and Flying M ranch units are not yet open for public access, unless use is granted by special request and approved by park management (as of September 28, 2026).
Yes, 25 campsites at Walker River State Recreation Area have utility hookups.
Electric hookups available. RV dump station on site. Showers available.
Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Mondays and state holidays. Hours may change without notice due to staffing (park notice, March 27, 2025) (as of September 28, 2026).
Yes, dogs are allowed at Walker River State Recreation Area.
No, drones and other remote-controlled aircraft are not allowed at Walker River State Recreation Area.
Yes, Walker River State Recreation Area has cabins available.

Before you go

  • Electric hookups available
  • RV dump station on site
  • Showers available

Camping at Walker River State Recreation Area

Camping costs $15 per vehicle ($20 for non-NV vehicles), plus $10 for sites with utility hookups. Some campgrounds take reservations and others are first come, first served. 25 sites have utility hookups. Bighorn Campground at the Elbow is not reservable and has no hookups; the Pitchfork Ranch group campground is by reservation only (as of September 28, 2026). Stays are limited to 14 days in any 30-day period.

Reserve a site with the park's booking system

Trails

  • Pitchfork Ranch Water Trail (5.6 mi one way, moderate) Paddling route on the East Walker River with Class II and III rapids, depending on flows
  • Nature Trail Pitchfork Ranch trail near the cabins and river; closed to motorized vehicles
  • Eagle's Roost trails Open to hikers and bicycles only; no horses or motor vehicles

What to see

  • Feature Pitchfork Ranch Century-old ranch and park headquarters: 7 miles of East Walker River, 2 campgrounds, visitor center
  • Feature The Elbow Rustic, undeveloped East Walker River section at Nine Mile Ranch, known for trophy fishing
  • Feature Rafter 7 Ranch 3,000-acre riparian unit about 12 miles south of Pitchfork Ranch along the East Walker River