Rye Patch State Recreation Area

When the Humboldt River flows enough to keep it full, the Rye Patch Reservoir covers some 11,000 acres. The State Recreation Area offers boating, water skiing, fishing, picnicking and camping around the reservoir (the fishing is best in spring and early summer but the catfish are best in the fall).

The 75-foot high Rye Patch Dam was built in 1935-6. The reservoir can store up to 200,000 acre-feet of water and can irrigate up to 38,000 acres of farm land. Rye Patch Reservoir was transferred from Pershing County Water Conservation District and Parks Department to Nevada State Parks and became a State Recreation Area in 1971.

Rye Patch State Recreation Area offers 3 picnic/day use areas, each with tables, campfire grills and restrooms nearby. There is a campground along the river below the dam that offers tables, restrooms and showers but no hookups. There is another campground (25 sites) on the west side of the reservoir that also offers tables, restrooms and showers but no hookups. Camping is first come, first served. There are also many undeveloped campsites around the reservoir that can be reached by boat or by various primitive roads. Camping in these undeveloped sites is allowed unless otherwise posted.

Entry fees: $7 per vehicle per day for non-Nevada residents, $5 per vehicle per day for Nevada residents. Camping: $14 per site per night for non-Nevada residents, $12 per site per night for Nevada residents. Boat launch: $10 per boat for non-Nevada residents, $8 per boat for Nevada residents. Boat/Camping Combo: $17 per day/night combo for non-Nevada residents, $15 per day/night combo for Nevada residents. Group Picnic Shelters: $20 + normal entry fees. Group Campsites: $20 + normal campsite fees.