Wild Horse Reservoir

Wild Horse Reservoir is a large body of water in Elko County, Nevada, covering a broad area framed by open sky and gentle waves. The lake holds trout and bass while surrounded by dry, high terrain that shifts from wildflowers in spring to snow-covered peaks in winter.

The reservoir was built in 1937 and renovated in 1970, serving mainly as water storage for farming purposes. The surrounding land was once used for ranching and grazing before becoming a popular spot for fishing and camping.

The reservoir takes its name from wild horses that once roamed freely across this landscape and shaped how people understood the land. Today visitors experience the connection to nature that locals have valued here for generations.

The area is open year-round with a boat ramp, picnic areas, and a campground offering 34 sites plus three cabins for rent. Visitors should know that winter ice is thin and uneven in spots, so caution is needed and safety gear should be considered.

The reservoir was created in 1937 and takes its name from wild horses that once roamed this region, though they are rarely spotted in the park itself today. The connection to these animals remains part of local history and identity even as grazing patterns have shifted over the years.