The Pitchfork Ranch is the newest of the state parks. It is part of the larger Walker River State Recreation Area, an acquisition consisting of four historic ranches along the Walker River. This new recreation area consists of miles of lands along the Walker River that were previously private and inaccessible to the public.
Currently, only Pitchfork Ranch in the northern area has been developed and is open for public use. The Bighorn Campground at “The Elbow” is the other developed portion of the Recreation Area, and is accessed from SR 338 south of Wellington. Future development plans include the additional ranches to the south of Pitchfork, the Rafter 7, Flying M, and the Nine-Mile Ranch.
The trails in the park are primarily the existing two-track dirt roads along with river and through the ranchlands. The main park roads are either paved or improved gravel, and provide lots of flat surface for a leisurely walk or bicycle ride. The area is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Off-roaders also are able to use the park as a base camp and staging area to access the miles of trails outside of the park. OHVs are allowed for ingress and egress on existing roadways only.
Paddling the 5.6-mile Pitchfork Ranch Water Trail is a nice way to cool off on hot summer days. See the links below for the water trail map and river flow data.
There are two main campgrounds in the park, River Bend and the new Quail Run Campground, which has RV hookups. Cabins are available to rent – see the State Parks website for more information.
Cabin are available for rent along the Walker river. Rental costs start at $120 for NV residents and $130 for out-of-state on weekdays AND $145 per night for NV residents, and $150 per night for out-of-state on weekends. Annual Permit discounts will apply to all these rates based on type of valid annual permit that applies toward the camping fee. An annual permit can yield between $5-$15 discount per night based on the type of permit they have. Cabins include only 1 vehicle in the fee, any additional vehicles will be an added fee of $15 per night. Total vehicles allotted per cabin is 4. Visit the Nevada State Park website for more information on how to reserve your cabin!
The Walker Basin Conservancy works to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental, and recreational interests throughout the Walker Basin. The Conservancy conveyed more than 12,000 acres of land and nearly 30 miles of the East Walker River to the State of Nevada to become the Walker River State Recreation Area (WRSRA). The new State Park opens this amazing stretch of river to public access, promotes protection of wildlife, and increases recreation in the region. Walker Basin Conservancy continues to work closely with state agencies to manage restoration activities on the WRSRA and actively promotes local public access, information, and recreation opportunities within the Basin. Learn more at: https://www.walkerbasin.org/community-recreation
For equestrian specific information visit Nevada Horse Trails.
Nevada State Parks has switched to a reservation system. Check the requirements for camping here!
For OHV riders, the park provides access to the Pine Grove Hills and miles of trails in the area. See the Nevada OHV Program website for more information.
See the TravelNevada website for more information on the park and surrounding communities.
Click here for a detailed map of the Walker River Water Trail.
For current river levels and flow rates visit https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/10293500/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D
See the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s website for hunting and fishing regulations.
Nevada Division of State Parks, Walker River State Recreation Area website.
Download map files for your own use.
From Yerington, head south on Hwy 208 and turn left on East Walker Road. Drive south for 4 miles to the giant arch entrance of the Pitchfork Ranch on your right.
From Hwy 395, near Topaz Lake, turn east onto SR 208. Stay on SR 208 for about 31 miles, heading toward Yerington. Turn right onto East Walker Road, and follow the dirt road for 4 miles to the park entrance.
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