Walker River State Recreation Area is the most recent addition to the Nevada State Park system, having opened for public use in September of 2018. As such, the recreation area currently remains in an ongoing state of construction and development as the large tracts of ranch land that make up the recreation area are developed and opened in stages.
Walker River State Recreation Area encompasses 12,000 acres made up of the state's acquisition of several former private ranches, opening up 28 miles of the Walker River to the public that were previously under private ownership. With such a large area, the recreation area offers a large variety of opportunities, including camping, fishing, floating, hunting, hiking, picnicking and equestrian trails.
The recreation area's primary entrance is at the former Pitchfork Ranch property, which lies 6 miles down a well-graded dirt road from the town of Yerington. Here, a visitor center greets visitors with displays of local wildlife and an interpretive history of the land that makes up the recreation area, along with information about future plans.
A network of trails circle the Pitchfork Ranch area, leading to a day use area, several river access points, a riverside nature trail and Riverbend Campground. While the recreation area goes through its transition period, park staff inside the visitor center can be consulted for information regarding river access points, OHV use, and hunting and fishing information.
The "Elbow" at Nine Mile Ranch is the next area to be developed, and it currently includes the Bighorn Campground with restrooms and fishing in an unspoiled area of Walker River. Common species inside the recreation area include great horned owl, mule deer, mountain lion, beaver, coyote, pronghorn antelope and rainbow trout. A state fishing license is required for all fishers over 12 years old.
Currently, the Walker River State Recreation Area continues to change and grow as development of the area continues to take place. A park entrance fee of $5 per car is payable at self-pay stations near main parking areas.
Additional information can be found at the park's website, or by calling 775.463.1609.
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