The gorgeous beach at Washoe Lake
A primitive, but simply gorgeous state park off Hwy 395 between Reno and Carson City in W.Nevada.
NOTE/ Review updated as of last stay Sept, 2012
Link to campground here: Washoe Lake State Park, NV
Link to map location here: Washoe Lake State Park, NV
- Site Quality = 4/5
Although this is a primitive (non-hookup) campground it gets absolute tops marks for sites. All are paved, large very flat sites with good separation and lovely sitting areas. Mostly back-ins with a few pull-throughs. Most have shelters with picnic table, grill and fire-pit. Lovely views of surrounding hills from every site. Both loops are very similar although the front (sites 1-24, nearest the beach) loop seems to have the best selection of pristine sites. - Facilities = 3.5/5
Facilities are decent. Flush toilets and individual (very large) shower stalls. Only main ding is the showers are a tad older and have timer-buttons and those annoying spray heads. Lots of surrounding space incl. day-use area, boat ramp, hiking trails and beach/lake access. On-site dual dump station and potable water. - Location = 5/5
This is a great location in my opinion. You are conveniently close to Hwy 395 and to two major cities (Reno & Carson City), yet far enough off-road to have a sense of complete nature and quiet. The campground is wonderfully natural and seems way “out there”. - Pet Friendliness = 5/5
Another great park for pooch. Many miles of hiking trails on-site including a wonderful trail to the lake right from the front campground loop to walk & play by the water.
Overall Rating = 4.4
BONUS ALERT = Camp with sweeping 360-degree views and quiet right near Hwy395!
Summary: We chose this primarily as a convenient stop-over on Hwy 395 south, but ended up absolutely delighted by the campground. Although it’s only a few miles off the highway and close to two major cities (Reno and Carson City) it feels incredibly remote, quiet and natural. The sites are simply pristine. Huge, flat paved surfaces with lots of separation, beautiful “sitting areas” and lovely 360-degree views of the surrounding hills. A cute 1/2 mile trail takes you to the lake-side, plus there are several miles of other trails in the area. Overall a really lovely campground and we would most definitely come again.
Extra Info: Full 4 bars of 3G Verizon signal on cellphone and datacard. Weak (intermittent) 4G LTE signal, but we were able to stabilize it with our external antenna (yeah!). Sites cost $17/night no hookups. 49 sites, all first-come-first-serve. On-site dump station and potable water.
Pull-through site view (#16 shown)
Typical back-in site (#12 shown)
Another back-in site view (#9 shown)
View of our rig (site #14)
Typical “sitting area”
View of facilities
The “pack” walking on the shoreline
Looks a lot like New Mexico. Glad you guys stayed here and didn’t try the Carson Nugget like we did!
It DOES look like NM doesn’t it? Exactly the thought I had when we pulled in.
Nina
Nina, I have a question for you about Orilla Verde recreation Area in New Mexico. I’m thinking about staying there on my way to Colorado next spring. I don’t care for the campgrounds in Santa Fe, but wish to be in the area. Are the rv campgrounds walk-in only? Would it be difficult to get a spot in mid-April, do you think?
Hi Karen,
There are actually several options around that area which are really nice.
1/ If you’re looking to be close to Santa Fe and want something “green” I’d actually recommend the COE campground west of the city called Cochiti Lake. It’s also near the Tent Rocks National Monument which I’ve heard is really cool! They have reservations on-line for this campground. We didn’t stay here, but have heard it’s nice and it’s on our list for when we come back to the area.
2/ If you want to be closer to Taos then I’d definitely recommend one of the the two BLM areas around there.
a) Orilla Verde BLM -> This is inside the gorge and very small (only ~7 RV sites), but very pretty. It’s all first-come-first-serve. We stayed there the week-end of Labor Day and didn’t have trouble getting a site, so I think you’ll be fine in April
b) Wild Rivers BLM -> This is a bit further north and the campground is on the RIM of the gorge. Many more sites here, all first-come-first-serve and many big-rig friendly. We went to have a look and no-one was there when we went by so again I think you’ll be fine in April. Seems v.little used. This is where we’ll stay when we come back to Taos. Lovely views!
Nina
We have passed by Washoe Lake so many times! One daughter, one granddaughter, their husbands and their sons (one each) live in or near Carson City. (Yes, it is CARSON rather than CARLSON)./ All the time we spent up there this summer, we thought about driving around the lake, never did. Now we have a better reason to go there next trip! Thanks for the review/
Thanks Suzy! Just updated the review w/ the correct spelling! This is a great place to stay in the area. So happy we discovered it.
Nina
Love, Love, Love all of your rv parking reviews…but I think you meant Carson City (no L) on this one…just for others looking for this awesome spot! Thanks and keep ‘em coming!
Arrrgh!! Yes, I meant Carson City!! Thanks for catching that. Just updated the review. Nina
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