State: Nevada
Short Name: Rye Patch Reservoir State Rec. Area
Address 1: 2505 Rye Patch Reservoir Road
City: Lovelock
Zip: 89419
Phone: (775) 538-7321
Open: Open all year
Number of Sites: 42
Camp URL: http://parks.nv.gov/rp.htm
Full Hook: Yes
Free: No
Rye Patch Reservoir, along the Humboldt River, covers 11,000 acres when full. Here, visitors enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, camping, and picnicking. A campground, boat launch and picnic sites are provided. Rye Patch is located 22 miles north of Lovelock on Interstate 80.
Location and Climate:
Rye Patch visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, fishing and water-skiing at the recreation area’s 22-mile long reservoir on the Humboldt River just west of Interstate 80. Located 22 miles north of Lovelock and 50 miles southwest of Winnemucca, Rye Patch is open all year round.
The reservoir has 72 miles of shoreline and 11,000 acres of water surface when full. The high water elevation is 4,135 feet.
Most park users prefer to visit during the warm months of late spring and summer. The area’s climate is typical of northern Nevada’s desert country. Rainfall is slight, averaging less then 6 inches annually. Clear, sunny skies are the rule, with summer daytime temperatures peaking near 90 degrees F. However, campers should note that summer temperatures can drop as much as 40 degrees at night. In mid-winter, daily highs average 40 degrees F, and nighttime temperatures sometimes drop below zero.
Entrance Fee: An entrance fee is charged to enter the park, with additional fee for camping and boat launching. Current fees are posted at the park entrance. Click here for all individual park fees by region.
Picnicking: There are three designated picnic (day use) areas in the park. The river picnic area has tables, grills, and restrooms. The west side group use and picnic area has space for groups of up to 100 persons, with tables, grills, water and restrooms. A third area is near the swim beach.
Camping: Camping is first come/first basis. Camping is $10.00 per night per vehicle OR $14.00 with a boat. No hook-ups available. There also three group areas that can be reserved for an additional $20 per night plus entrance fee per vehicle. The river campground below the dam has tables and restroom/showers. The campground on the reservoir’s west side has 25 improved camp units and restroom/shower. There are also many undeveloped campsites along the reservoir that can be reached by boat or primitive roads. Camping is allowed in these areas unless other wise posted.
Recreational Vehicle Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is located on the dam’s west side.
Boat Launching: A double-lane boat ramp and a dock are located nest to the campground on the reservoir’s west side. A single-lane boat ramp and restroom are located 10 miles north at Pitt Taylor.
Fishing: You can fish from shore or boat to catch crappie, wipers, white bass, channel catfish, black bass, walleye and Sacramento Perch. Catfish also can be caught in the Humboldt River. Most anglers use worms or liver for catfish, minnows for bass and walleye, and jigs for crappie, perch and bass. (Be sure to bring your own bait since it often is not available in the area.) Fishing is usually best in spring and early summer, with fall being a good season for catfish. A Nevada fishing license is required.
To ensure the quality of Rye Patch State Recreation area for future generations, we ask that you:
Stay on trails
Pack it in – Pack it out