Wildhorse Crossing Campground

4.17

15 reviews

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Wildhorse Crossing Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use is charged at $5 /sit

Standard Site Fee$5.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 15 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

"User reviews are generally positive, with frequent mentions of the campground's peacefulness and wildlife. However, the lack of maintenance at some campsites and the absence of potable water are consistent concerns."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Wildhorse Crossing Campground

41.7226, -115.9001

Driving directionsTravel 68 miles north of Elko on State Highway 225. Cross bridge over river.

Good accessibility from a major highway (State Highway 225).

Nearby places

68 miles from Elko

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Wildhorse Crossing Campground

Experience four distinct seasons in this high desert environment, where each brings its own unique character to the canyon. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms painting the canyon floors in vibrant colors, while moderate temperatures create ideal hiking conditions. Summer days can be warm, but the canyon's depth provides welcome shade and cooler microclimates along the creek. Fall transforms the landscape with golden aspens and crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire gatherings. Winter blankets the higher elevations in snow, creating a serene wonderland for those prepared for cold-weather camping adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Busiest season: boating, fishing, and warm weather draw visitors; good recreational access in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make fall attractive for hiking, solitude, and scenery.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower blooms and flowing streams enliven the canyon; good season for wildlife and scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Area experiences winter seasonality; likely limited services and colder conditions reduce appeal.

Planning Tips

About Wildhorse Crossing Campground

Hidden within the rugged wilderness of northern Nevada, this remote camping destination offers adventurers a chance to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in one of the West's most dramatic landscapes. Here, where ancient volcanic forces sculpted towering canyon walls and pristine streams carve through untouched terrain, visitors discover a raw beauty that few have witnessed. This backcountry gem provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude, spectacular scenery, and authentic wilderness experiences far from the crowds.

The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, with a total of 19 sites available. It is a primitive campground with no water or electricity hookups.

Historical SignificanceThis ancient landscape holds stories spanning thousands of years, from the indigenous peoples who first called these canyons home to the miners and ranchers who later sought fortune in its hidden valleys. Archaeological evidence reveals Native American presence dating back millennia, with petroglyphs and artifacts telling tales of seasonal hunting camps and spiritual ceremonies. The canyon later witnessed the drama of the Old West, as prospectors searched for precious metals and cowboys drove cattle through its remote passages, leaving behind ghost towns and abandoned mines that whisper of Nevada's frontier past.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons in this high desert environment, where each brings its own unique character to the canyon. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms painting the canyon floors in vibrant colors, while moderate temperatures create ideal hiking conditions. Summer days can be warm, but the canyon's depth provides welcome shade and cooler microclimates along the creek. Fall transforms the landscape with golden aspens and crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire gatherings. Winter blankets the higher elevations in snow, creating a serene wonderland for those prepared for cold-weather camping adventures.

ElevationPerched at varying elevations throughout the canyon system, camping areas range from streamside sites at lower elevations to ridge-top locations offering panoramic views. The dramatic vertical relief creates diverse ecosystems within short distances, allowing visitors to experience everything from riparian corridors lined with cottonwoods to high desert plateaus dotted with sage and juniper. This elevation diversity means cooler temperatures at higher camps during summer months and varying wildlife viewing opportunities as different species inhabit distinct elevation zones throughout the canyon.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering rhyolite cliffs rise dramatically from the canyon floor, their colorful bands revealing millions of years of geological history in shades of red, orange, and cream. Crystal-clear streams tumble over sculpted bedrock, creating natural swimming holes and supporting ribbons of green vegetation that contrast beautifully with the surrounding desert landscape. Massive boulder fields, hidden slot canyons, and weathered hoodoos provide endless exploration opportunities, while golden eagles and prairie falcons soar overhead. At night, the absence of light pollution reveals a celestial display that transforms the canyon into a natural planetarium.

Geological RegionSituated in Owyhee Canyon within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, this remarkable geological wonderland showcases the violent volcanic past of the Great Basin. The canyon cuts through ancient lava flows and ash deposits, exposing cross-sections of Nevada's tumultuous geological history. Part of the larger Owyhee Volcanic Field, the area features spectacular examples of welded tuff formations, columnar basalt, and rhyolite flows that create the canyon's distinctive vertical walls. This remote corner of the Humboldt-Toiyabe, America's largest national forest in the lower 48 states, preserves one of the most pristine and geologically significant landscapes in the intermountain West.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

PrivacyReviews indicate mixed levels of maintenance and privacy at campsites. Nick H. mentioned, 'The campsites were generally well maintained except for a couple,' whereas Steve Keller stated, 'The campsites are overgrown with grasses from lack of use.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Wildhorse Crossing Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and OHV road riding. The proximity to the Owyhee River and Wildhorse Reservoir makes it an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts.

HikingHiking opportunities are plentiful, with numerous two-track and dirt roads available. The area is suitable for day hikes and backpacking.

FishingFishing is available both in the Owyhee River and Wildhorse Reservoir, known for trout fishing. The river is described as being 'lined with willows and native brushes,' creating a serene fishing environment.

BikingMountain biking is supported, with multiple dirt and two-track roads. The terrain is varied and suitable for off-road biking.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable highlight, with sightings of foxes and owls reported by Jennifer Ranson: 'We saw a fox and some owls at night.' Nick H. described the setting as 'The rushing river and wildlife nearby made for a pleasant stay.'

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Wildhorse Crossing Campground

Reviews

4.2

15 reviews

Satisfactory

Wildhorse Crossing Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, with frequent mentions of the campground's peacefulness and wildlife. However, the lack of maintenance at some campsites and the absence of potable water are consistent concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean vault toilets and the campground's serene setting. Wildlife sightings, such as foxes and owls, add to the charm. Nick H. described it as 'A quiet, little campground in a...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported overgrown campsites, tall weeds, and a general lack of maintenance. Steve Keller mentioned, 'The campsites are overgrown with grasses from lack of use.' Rick Wagner noted, 'The...

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should bring their own water, as potable water is not available on-site. Trash must also be disposed of at the nearby reservoir.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer months, as noted by Brenda Hale: 'Campers fill the park, boats on the water, fishermen line up on the shore.' However, the lack of water during the...

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Very quiet and peaceful. We saw a fox and some owls, at night.' - Jennifer Ranson. 'The rushing river and wildlife nearby made for a pleasant stay and a peaceful night's sleep.' - Nick H.

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground has 19 sites, with some better maintained than others. Nick H. noted that 'the campsites were generally well maintained except for a couple.'

Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs must be kept on a leash as per campground regulations.

Based on 15 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Wildhorse Crossing Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated January 5, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Nevada

Campgrounds

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Wildhorse Crossing Campground