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Home >  United States  >  Nevada  >  South Fork  >  

South Fork State Recreation Area

South Fork State Recreation Area

United States, Nevada, South Fork 

Sandee

South Fork State Recreation Area

United States, Nevada, South Fork 

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South Fork State Recreation Area is a picturesque destination located near Elko, Nevada, offering a blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Situated in the Ruby Mountains, this area provides stunning landscapes with a serene lake and diverse wildlife, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and camping, with well-maintained campgrounds available for both RVs and tents. The area is also known for its rich history, having been home to American Indian tribes and early settlers, including those on the California Trail.

The recreation area covers nearly four thousand acres, featuring the 1,650-acre South Fork Reservoir, which is renowned for its trophy-class trout and bass fishing. The surrounding meadows and hills offer ideal habitats for wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and various bird species.

With its year-round accessibility and diverse recreational opportunities, South Fork State Recreation Area is a must-visit for anyone seeking an escape into the great outdoors.

For dining near South Fork State Recreation Area, The Klub Bar & Grill is a popular choice, offering a casual atmosphere with a great selection of beers and cocktails. It is family-friendly and provides both dine-in and takeout options. Other dining options in the nearby area include Himiko Sushi and Steak House, Inez's D&D, and Cooks Steak House & Saloon in Elko.

For accommodations near South Fork State Recreation Area, there are several options available in Elko. However, the area itself offers camping facilities, including the East Campground and Coyote Cove Campground. For hotel stays, visitors often choose options like Gold Dust West Elko, which provides comfortable rooms and amenities. Other nearby options include local motels and inns, but specific hotel links are not readily available for this area.

South Fork State Recreation Area offers a range of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The East Campground provides power hookups, flush restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and grills. The area also includes boat ramps and parking near the dam. For those looking to rent equipment, there are no specific rental services within the park, but nearby towns like Elko offer various outdoor gear rentals.

The park's facilities are well-maintained, with picnic areas and barbecue grills available for public use. Additionally, the area is equipped with public restrooms and vault toilets in less developed sections.

South Fork State Recreation Area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities to suit different interests. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the reservoir, as well as hiking and mountain biking on the surrounding trails. The area is also popular for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot deer, coyotes, and various bird species.

During winter, the park transforms into a winter sports destination, with ice fishing and cross-country skiing being popular activities. Horseback riding is another option, allowing visitors to explore the scenic trails and meadows.

South Fork State Recreation Area offers some accessibility features to ensure that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the park. The East Campground has flush restrooms with showers, which are generally accessible. However, specific wheelchair-accessible facilities or rentals are not detailed in available information. Visitors with mobility needs should contact park authorities for more detailed accessibility information.

Parking at South Fork State Recreation Area is readily available, with designated parking lots near the campgrounds and boat ramps. The parking areas are generally accessible and well-maintained, providing easy access to the reservoir and surrounding trails. Fees for parking are included in the day-use admission, which is $5 for Nevada residents and $10 for out-of-state visitors.

Boat launching requires an additional fee of $10 for Nevadans and $15 for non-residents. The proximity of parking to the recreational areas makes it convenient for visitors to enjoy their activities without long walks.

South Fork State Recreation Area has a rich history, having been part of the Tomera Ranch before its acquisition by the state in the early 1980s. The reservoir was created with the construction of the South Fork Dam, which was completed in 1988. The area is known for its diverse wildlife, including Rocky Mountain mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species.

Historically, the region was traversed by early settlers, including the Donner Party, who used the nearby California Trail. Today, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while appreciating its historical significance.

Near South Fork State Recreation Area, there are several attractions worth visiting. The nearby city of Elko offers the Western Folklife Center, which celebrates the region's cowboy culture. The Northeastern Nevada Museum provides insights into the area's history and natural environment.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Horse Palace Trails and Riparian Hot Springs offer additional opportunities for exploration.

Basic Details

INM66X+W8 South Fork, NV, USA

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Lifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Playground

  • Restrooms

  • Shops

  • Showers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Bike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Fishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Surfing

  • Tours

  • Volleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Bikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Bars

  • Food Snacks

  • Local Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Restaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Car Access

  • Disabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Free

  • Parking - Paid

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • South Fork State Recreation Area - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does South Fork State Recreation Area have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does South Fork State Recreation Area have lifeguards?

    No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.

    Is South Fork State Recreation Area a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is South Fork State Recreation Area good for swimming?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.

    Does South Fork State Recreation Area have restrooms?

    No, this Beach does not have restrooms on or near the beach.

    Is South Fork State Recreation Area a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near South Fork State Recreation Area?

    No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.

    What are the activities at South Fork State Recreation Area?

    Yes, this Beach is a good place to Camping

    Does South Fork State Recreation Area have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.

    Is South Fork State Recreation Area a dog-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.

    Is South Fork State Recreation Area good for surfing?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.

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