Washoe Lake State Park

Washoe Lake State Park is a roughly 3200-acre protected area centered on Washoe Lake at about 4500 feet elevation in Nevada's mountains. The park contains a mix of water, grasslands, and woodland habitats with views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges.

The region was home to the Washoe people for generations before silver was discovered in 1859, which brought miners and trading activity to the valley. This transformation shifted the area from an indigenous settlement to a mining-focused zone.

The wetlands here serve as homes for migratory birds that pass through seasonally, making it a place where you can watch wildlife throughout the year. Many visitors come specifically to observe these creatures in their natural habitats.

The park offers year-round camping with 49 sites that have picnic tables and grills, as well as multiple boat launch areas for water activities. Visitors with horses can also use dedicated equestrian trails and facilities throughout the property.

Strong winds that regularly sweep across the lake create excellent windsurfing conditions for those seeking water sports excitement. The shallow waters here require periodic fish restocking to maintain healthy populations.

Location: Nevada

Inception: 1977

Website: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/washoe-lake-state-park

GPS coordinates: 39.24500,-119.78500

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30