Walker Lake Recreation Area

Overview:

The BLM managed portion of the west side of Walker Lake includes Sportsman’s Beach, Tamarack Beach, and 20-Mile Beach.

Camping: A mix of developed camping (Sportsman’s Beach) and primitive camping (Tamarack Beach and 20-Mile Beach) are available. There is no water or electricity at any of the sites. All sites are fee-based, and first-come, first-served.

Vehicle Access: A high-clearance vehicle is not required. However, some of the areas are unpaved and the roads may be sandy, muddy, rugged, or contain sharp debris.

Activities: Enjoy camping, RV-camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, bird-watching at Walker Lake. Visitors should take caution that lake water is extremely mineralized and salty, and swimming is becoming a less common activity due to varying water quality conditions.

Point of Interest

The 30,000-acre, 12 mile long by 5-mile wide lake has a shoreline that varies from steep and rocky on the west side to sandy beaches on its east side.

Walker Lake is located in Mineral County, Nevada. This lake is a rare perennial lake of the Great Basin and is important for a variety of resident and migratory wildlife species. Approximately 38,000 acres in size, Walker Lake is the most prominent geographical feature in the region and the primary focal point for recreation in the area. 

Know Before You Go:

• There is no electricity or water available.
• The lake water quality condition varies considerably.
• Due to high salt content, it is not recommended to let pets drink the lake water.
• Four-wheel drive is recommended for any shoreline driving.
• Sites are first-come, first served.
• The fee drop box is located past the boat ramp at Sportsman's Beach.

Nearby Attractions:

Walker Lake State Recreation Area, is about a 5-minute drive south of Sportsmans' Beach, and is managed by the Nevada State Parks, features covered picnic tables and boat access. 

Site Areas:

Sportsman’s Beach

Sportsman’s Beach is the most developed and popular camping area of the BLM-managed portion of Walker Lake. It is the south-most site of the BLM camping areas, closest to US-95, and at the base of a dramatic mountainside.

Upper Campground

• Paved Access
• Two Vault Toilets
• Dumpster (may vary by season)
• Sites 1-16
• Each site includes a covered picnic table, fire ring, and an approximately 45-foot paved parking pullout.
• This area is closest to US-95.

Middle Campground

• Paved Access
• Information Kiosk & Fee Drop Box
• Two Vault Toilets
• Dumpster (may vary by season)
• Sites 17-21
• Each site includes a small shade structure, picnic table, and an approximately 55-foot deep unpaved parking area (pull-in).
• This area is closest to the Boat Ramp.

Lower Campground

• Unpaved Access
• Two Vault Toilets
• Sites 22-31
• Each site includes a covered picnic table, fire ring, and unpaved pull-through parking.
• This area is the most secluded of the Sportsman’s Beach camping.

Boat Ramp

• Unpaved Access
• Two Vault Toilets
• Two covered day-use picnic tables
• Two handicap designated unpaved parking spots are available at the vault toilets.
• Unpaved parking area suitable for approximately 15 cars is available past the vault toilets.
• The boat launch is partially paved. However, water levels may be below the paved portion.

Tamarack Beach

Tamarack Beach is located south of 20-Mile Beach and north of Sportsman’s Beach.

Primitive Camping

• Unpaved Access
• One Vault Toilet
• Sites are unnumbered, there are 12 staggered sites leading to a loop turnaround.
• At the end of the loop turnaround is a drive that leads to shoreline driving.
• Each site has an approximately 45-foot long pull-in parking space. There are no other amenities at the site (primitive camping).

20-Mile Beach

20-Mile Beach is located north of Tamarack Beach and Sportsman’s Beach. It is the most removed from US-95 and features a more natural appearance as well as sweeping views of the north shores of the lake.

• Unpaved Access
• One Vault Toilet
• Sites are not designated.