Lahontan State Recreation Area is a public recreation area surrounding Lake Lahontan, a 17 mi impoundment of the Carson River, located approximately 18 mi west of Fallon, Nevada. The reservoir features 69 mi of shoreline and 11200 acre of water when full. Much of the park lies below 4000 ft in elevation and is dominated by high desert sagebrush. Wooded areas of native cottonwoods and willow trees can be found along the shore of the lake. Primary access points to the park are along U.S. Route 50 near the Lahontan Dam and off U.S. Route 95 in the town of Silver Springs. A corridor known as Carson River Ranches connects Lahontan with Fort Churchill State Historic Park.

History

Following passage of the Newlands Reclamation Act of 1902, the Lahontan Dam was constructed along the Carson River between Fallon and Carson City. The dam, measuring 162 ft high and 1700 ft long, was completed in 1915. The reservoir was named after ancient Lake Lahontan which covered much of Nevada during the last ice age. Submerged beneath the water were parts of stagecoach routes which existed during the 1800s including Williams Station, the scene of the Battle of Williams Station, a minor skirmish during the Paiute War. Originally operated by Churchill and Lyon counties, Lahontan became a state-operated recreation area in 1971.

Activities and amenities

Park activities include boating, water skiing, fishing and camping. The park has two developed picnicking areas as well as a developed campground at Silver Springs Beach #7. Primitive camping is allowed in most other areas. Multiple trails can be found along the length of the reservoir.