Washoe Lake State Park

Nestled within one of Nevada’s most scenic valleys, Washoe Lake State Park is a picture-perfect basecamp for exploring the Reno and Lake Tahoe areas. From the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada to piney foothills and lush meadows, the park and surrounding landscape provide limitless outdoor fun. Its location 30 minutes from the state’s oldest settlements—Virginia City, Genoa, and Carson City—places it at the center of Silver State history.

Valley History

“Washoe,” the namesake of the valley and state park, derives from the Washoe (Wá∙šiw) people—the first occupants of the area. During the summer months, these communities retreated to cooler elevations at nearby Lake Tahoe and wintered in Washoe Valley.

As explorers made their way West, mining towns popped up throughout the region, particularly after the discovery of gold in nearby Dayton and the unparalleled silver strike in Virginia City. In the late 19th century, Washoe Valley became an important thoroughfare and logistical hub. Once the mining boom subsided, residents turned to ranching and farming—an easy prospect thanks to the lush landscape.

Historic landmarks are easy to find in the valley, like the Ophir Mill—built in 1872—located on Washoe Lake’s west shoreline. Bowers Mansion, a stately Victorian manor built in 1863, illustrates the great wealth extracted out of nearby Virginia City. Visitors can make an appointment to tour the mansion, but the grounds are free and a splendid spot for an afternoon picnic.  

Something For Everybody

Washoe Lake State Park was established in 1977 to preserve 3,775 acres of the valley for future generations. The park offers plentiful opportunities for fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Watersports like kayaking are obviously a big draw, and the zephyr-fed waters make it a popular destination to windsurf.

For those who prefer to adventure with a camera and binoculars, wildlife is abundant throughout the valley. Nevada’s iconic wild horses roam freely in the eastern hills that lead to Virginia City. Countless songbirds, hawks and other large birds of prey frequent the lake as a resting place along their migration routes, too.

The lake is home to a mixture of naturally reproducing and stocked bullhead catfish, wipers, brown trout, white bass, and Sacramento perch. Little Washoe Lake—a smaller, separate body of water (except in heavy rain years)—delivers amazing shore fishing opportunities.

Washoe Lake State Park Campgrounds

Visitors can get the most out of a visit to Washoe Lake State Park by staying on-site (ensuring easy access to those early bites on the lake). The park has a total of 49 campsites, each with a table, grill, and fire ring. Some campsites include shade structures, and several can welcome RVs up to 45 feet long. Two comfort stations (one with a shower) are available as well. Campground A has water and utility hookups at all of its sites, while Campground B is open seasonally and without utilities. Campsite reservations can be made in advance but aren’t required.

A group day-use area is also reservable through Reserve Nevada for both day and overnight use. Enjoy a covered pavilion, 20 picnic tables, grills, power, lighting, a sink, and counters, plus a sandy volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and restrooms. On-site equestrian facilities offer an arena, corrals, horse washing station, and a covered barbecue area with all the amenities. Tent and RV camping is permitted here, and a large parking area provides easy horse trailer access. Groups of up to 200 people can reserve this area.