Wildhorse Crossing Campground
4.177 reviewsWildhorse Crossing Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Overnight use is charged at $5 /sit
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this 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.
Campsite details
Sites 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
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
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.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are plentiful, with numerous two-track and dirt roads available. The area is suitable for day hikes and backpacking.Fishing
Fishing 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.Biking
Mountain biking is supported, with multiple dirt and two-track roads. The terrain is varied and suitable for off-road biking.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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.'Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is not provided at the campground. However, users can dispose of trash at the nearby reservoir, as noted by Alnferley Nevada: 'This is a dry camp and no trash collection but can dispose at reservoir.'
Campground Map
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
Camper Reviews
4.2
7 reviews
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 7 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 7 reviewsShow more
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 7 reviewsShow more
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 7 reviewsSeasonal 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 7 reviewsShow more
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 7 reviewsSite-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 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but dogs must be kept on a leash as per campground regulations.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025