Wild Horse State Recreation Area

Visitors enjoy fishing and the scenic views.

Surrounded by Native American and federal lands, Wild Horse State Recreation Area serves two constituencies in this remote area of "Cowboy Country."

Many visitors planning to explore the nearby Jarbidge Wilderness Area on foot or mountain bike use Wild Horse as a base camp. Winter recreationists also use Wild Horse as a base camp for ice fishing or for ski or snowmobile expeditions into Jarbidge. However, winter access is often difficult.

The park is especially popular as a fishing retreat. Wild Horse Reservoir supports several varieties of trout, including cutthroat and German browns, as well as smallmouth bass, channel catfish and yellow perch.

The park's 33 campsites include seven RV pull-through sites. The modern bathhouse includes showers and a fish cleaning station. Because of the scrubby high-desert vegetation, there is not much privacy at the campground.

While fishing is emphasized, nature viewing at Wild Horse is a fringe benefit. Wildlife ranges from ground squirrels and antelope to sage hens and golden eagles.

Wild Horse State Recreation Area is located 67 miles northeast of Elko on State Route 225.