Lahontan State Recreation Area

Lahontan State Recreation Area is a large reservoir surrounded by high desert landscape with scattered cottonwood groves along the water. The shoreline features multiple bays, sandy beaches, and rocky outcrops creating varied scenery across the sprawling lake.

The dam was completed in 1915 to store water for irrigation of farmland in the region. The project arose from early 1900s efforts to develop water supplies for the expanding agricultural communities.

The reservoir holds submerged remnants of 1800s stagecoach routes, including Williams Station, connected to events during the Paiute War period.

The reservoir has several campgrounds with basic facilities like restrooms and picnic grills, and visitors can camp primitively at many spots along the shore. Access is easiest via marked boat ramps and developed areas distributed around the water.

The lake supports several fish species prized by anglers, with northern pike and walleye being particularly common catches. The waters also provide habitat for various birds of prey that hunt over the reservoir regularly.

Location: Nevada

Inception: 1971

Website: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/lahontan

GPS coordinates: 39.42310,-119.11000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:07