Swim Blue Water and Explore Elko with Your Family
Why Rent On Wild Horse Reservoir
Wild Horse Reservoir covers 2,830 acres in the remote high country of northern Nevada, built in the late 1930s as part of the national Flood Control Act and surrounded by miles of public land where pronghorn, mule deer, and elk roam freely. The reservoir sits at a quiet remove from Nevada’s main travel corridors, and that remoteness is genuinely the point. For families who want big water, reliable fishing, and the kind of silence that no city park can provide, Wild Horse is a destination worth making the effort to reach.
Summer on the Water
Boating, swimming, and fishing dominate the summer season, with rainbow trout, German brown trout, and other species providing consistent action for anglers of all skill levels. The surrounding landscape bursts with wildflowers in spring, creating a backdrop for lake days that feels more like a painting than a real place. Picnicking and beach days along the shoreline keep families fully occupied without needing to drive anywhere.
Winter Is a Different Kind of Beautiful
Ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing take over in winter, and the reservoir’s frozen surface draws a loyal local following that knows exactly what this corner of Nevada has to offer when the temperatures drop. A well-heated cabin with a fireplace and views of the snow-covered Ruby Mountains makes a winter visit feel like a genuine gift.
Elko: Your Supply Base and Cultural Anchor
The town of Elko, about an hour south, serves as the natural supply point for a Wild Horse trip and adds real cultural depth to the experience. The Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko covers the region’s mining, ranching, and Native American history comprehensively, and the town’s dining scene and Western character make it worth an evening away from the lake.
A Remote Lakeside Cabin That Earns Its Distance
A vacation rental near Wild Horse Reservoir rewards those willing to drive a little further off the main highway. Cozy cabins with full kitchens, outdoor space, and lake views are available for families who want a true Nevada high desert escape. Bring the dogs, bring the fishing poles, and build your own schedule. That is the whole point of a place like this.
- Surface area (mi)
- 7.15
- Max depth (ft)
- 68.9
- Elevation (ft)
- 6207.35
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 35
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Wild Horse Reservoir has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, there are designated swimming areas at Wild Horse Reservoir. There are two swimming beaches, one near the boat launch and the other near the Beach Trail, both providing safe areas for swimming.
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Wild Horse Reservoir is not yet a popular destination because it is still in the planning and pre-permitting phase in Park County, Colorado. The proposed reservoir aims to enhance water resilience and meet future demands, but it has not been completed to attract visitors. The existing Wild Horse Reservoir in Nevada, created in 1937, might be a destination, but the Colorado project is not yet operational.
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The daily catch limits for Wild Horse Reservoir in Nevada include 5 trout, 1 black bass, 1 white bass hybrid (wiper), and 5 channel catfish. The minimum size for black bass and white bass hybrids is 15 inches. There is no limit on yellow perch and northern pike.
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Neither beach at Wild Horse Reservoir is particularly family-friendly as they lack restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food. However, the recreation area does offer other amenities like a campground, picnic areas, and restrooms elsewhere in the park.
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The closest town to Wild Horse Reservoir with basic amenities is Mountain City, which is about 20 miles away. However, Mountain City does not have a gas station, limiting its amenities. The park itself is more accessible via Interstate 80, which is not too far away.
