Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Walker Lake

    3.9 (21 reviews)

    Walker Lake Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Walker Lake

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Beautiful wind clouds above the lake
    Gloria L.

    Walker Lake is a natural desert lake that gets water from the north by the Walker River and has no natural outlet except absorption and evaporation. The lake itself deserves 5 stars being an amazing desert lake that has fed and provided fish and water to native Americans who lived off the lake. The problem comes when people want to live and ranch in the desert and take water from rivers and lakes that can't sustain it. Walker Lake supported over 50% of the economy of Mineral County through tourism and recreation-fishing derbies to boat races, water skiing to an annual Loon Festival. The loons no longer stop over at the lake because there is no food to sustain them. The lake was a key part of Mineral County and Walker River Paiute communities. The area around the lake has long been inhabited by the Paiute who depended on the lake's fish and bird populations for food. More than a century of upstream irrigation diversions of the Walker River have left Walker Lake in a state of ecological collapse with salt at a toxic level. Recently, the Walker Basin Restoration Program significant restoration, conservation efforts, and litigation to bring back Walker Lake to where it can support fish and wildlife. It could be a great comeback story if we all cooperate.

    Lake and Mountain View from 6000 ft
    Mya H.

    Riding along US Route 95 coming from Lake Tahoe we had to stop alongside the mountains and take this photo Walker Lake is located in Mineral County, Nevada along the east side of the Wassuk Range, about 75 mi southeast of Reno. What a beautiful view from 7,000 feet! Standing in front seemed so unrealistic. Wow that was nice experience for my kids especially. They were like they can touch the sky lol. When you look down over the guard rail you see nothing but water from a far. On the flip side, east of Walker Lake offers a variety of recreational opportunities including swimming, picnicking, boating, bird watching, water-skiing and camping. For me the view was a pleasant sight for the moment.

    Sunrise over Walker Lake
    Leisyka P.

    Attempting to access this place feels like you are driving into someone's backyard. It's kinda weird. But the boat ramps are public and you can find them when you get closer to the lake. We saw a coyote meandering along the lakes edge at sunrise which was pretty cool. We were there in January, but this looks like a good spot for water play in the early summer.

    07.03.18 picnic area and campground
    May A.

    There isn't much to do in the area of Walker Lake We were on our way to Las Vegas from Reno on US Highway 95 south, Walker Lake is located along the highway. There were many entrances to the lake along highway 95 but we stopped at Sportsman's Beach to use the toilet. This beach has a campsite which provides thirty one individual camp sites. We didn't drive in further to see the campgrounds but we did see the covered picnic tables on paved grounds complete with each a BBQ pit grill. It was the afternoon of July 3rd when we drove by, the day before the country celebrates Independence Day. A day of picnic and family fun at the lake but there was no one sight. Almost creepy and the feeling of solitude and isolation. I've read later that Walker Lake is experiencing declining water levels and increase in salinity. The silly Yelper who created the page placed the check-in location in the middle of the lake. LoL! Walker Lake is located approx 75 miles southeast of Reno. Review #1088

    A. W.

    I'm gonna get straight to the point here- I love camping at Walker Lake! Traveling from the north, it's perfectly situated for a stop over. No frills unless you consider vast, quiet, empty, and free to be. The perfect combination! A word about the spiders- they are big and plentiful and have essentially taken over the elegant brown 50's era, military-chic shade structures. If you really wanna be treated to a show, find an ant and flick it into a web. You may be so mesmerized that you forget to ever leave?

    Mark B.

    I've traveled by this lake many times over the years. I've always enjoyed the desolate beauty of the lake. Since we were on vacation this time we decided to pull over and take some photos. The lake was very quiet. From what I've read it's not utilized much anymore. Sort of a dying lake. The fact that no one visits it makes me like it even more. Guess you can say I'm not much on crowds of people. Three is a crowd. We enjoyed the quiet and solitude. Stretched our legs a bit. Took some photos then headed on down the highway. We'll see you again Walker Lake.

    Dawn G.

    Great views, nice clean facility for a very reasonable price! Water quality while we visited was not that great and there were tons of spiders and bugs, so I wouldn't have stayed for more than one night given those conditions, but for a one night spot to pull off with a nice view and it will not break the bank.

    Walker Lake and its beauty!
    Patricia C.

    Living at Walker lake is an experience all of it's own! Unfortunately the alkaline level in the lake killed off all the fish, and the farmers upstream have choked off the water, allowing the lake to dry up, so no one really utalizes the lake or the campsites. Occasionally you'll see a local out on their boat, but there isnt much activity other than that.. On the up side, there are VIEWS FOR DAYS!! Sunrises and sunsets that melt your worries away!! Big horn sheep that gives you a child like aww in amazement with the raw, natural beauty of what a natural earth resembles. As the water rises and the alkaline levels deplete, the fish will be stocked and we Walker Lake will buzz like never before! #savewalkerlake

    Truck and trailer parked above the lake with plenty of room.
    Tara W.

    We were driving from Zephyr Cove to Goldfield, NV, and this gem of a lake just happened to be on our route. There is lots of room to park, places to picnic in the shade, boondock, public no-flush toilets, sandy beach spots, and the gorgeously clear salt lake. There is also a boat launch for water toys. We enjoyed our time splashing in the water and admiring God's beautiful creation.

    Solitude, Spiders, and Space!
    Wayne B.

    The place is perfect for one trying to conquer Arachnophobia. Harmless spiders abound, and if you can get through that, you will certainly enjoy the peaceful setting. Campsites are plentiful during the summer months, as the temps hover in the 90's, and as you get closer to the waters edge, its more quiet due to the proximity of the highway. Be sure to explore the beach and discover the diverse wildlife, as I highly recommend it during the evening when the stars seem to be within arms reach!

    Loren K.

    A very large lake on the way to Reno off the 95. We stopped by to take stretch. Our dogs walked around the edge of the lake while we rested up and had a snack. What a beautiful view of the lake and the mountains around it. There are covered benches to eat at and a few bathrooms around the recreational area. There are numerous exits to chose from off the 95 to enjoy the surroundings. Sadly, the lake has shrunk in size over the years and so fishing is down to a minimum. The high salt content would make it not very enjoyable to cool off in- my dogs were covered with salt residue when they dried off.

    Beautiful day on the Serene Lake Walker
    Allen Amy B.

    We were driving to Reno from Vegas and say this Beautiful lake! It is so gorgeous and serene!!! So excited to go camping here!!!

    Charles P.

    We drove by this lake on the way Reno Nevada. It looked a little low but beautiful all the same. I can't wait to come back and spend a weekend.

    Sun starting to set; the mountains behind me casting a shadow across the lake was gorgeous.

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 36
    Thanks 11
    Love this 29
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 40
    Thanks 0
    Love this 33
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 43
    Thanks 0
    Love this 41
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A. W.
    0
    26
    5

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tara W.
    115
    23
    20

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Online R.
    15
    182
    4

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Walker Lake

    Review Highlights - Walker Lake

    I hope Mineral county is able to sustain Walker lake and preserve it for years to come.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Travertine Hot Spring - Hotspring at the top

    Travertine Hot Spring

    (142 reviews)

    Amazing natural Hot springs. We stopped by here on our way from Tahoe to Mammoth and really enjoyed…read morethe beautiful scenery and the natural Hot springs which were really awesome. One tip if you get to the main springs try not to go to the one on the right which is the bigger pool because it's more stagnant water and so there were a lot of these red looking worms or maggots swimming in there. The smaller pool on the left is much cleaner as there are two mini waterfalls that are keeping the water circulating and fresh. Anything less than five stars is an injustice so a glowing five stars and two thumbs up for Travertine Hot Springs!

    Travertine Hot Spring is one of those rare places that stays with you long after you leave…read more I've been lucky enough to experience this spot in multiple seasons and it truly delivers every single time. Whether it's a crisp winter soak with snow on the ground, a calm spring sunrise, warm summer nights, or the quiet stillness of fall, this place always feels right. What makes it special isn't just the hot springs themselves, but the feeling of escape. At night, the sky opens up, endless stars, the Milky Way glowing above you, and if you're patient (or lucky), shooting stars cutting across the darkness. It's peaceful in a way that's hard to find anymore. This is my favorite place to unplug, reset and breathe. No noise, no rush, just nature doing what it does best. Respect the land, pack out what you bring in and soak it all in. If you're looking for a true Eastern Sierra experience raw, beautiful and unforgettable this is it.

    Barney Lake

    Barney Lake

    (1 review)

    I can't believe nobody has reviewed this awesome hike yet! The hike begins at Mono Village…read moreCampground which can be found by turning onto Twin Lakes road in Bridgeport and taking said road all the way to end, which is the Campground. You can park in the day use area if you're just doing a day hike but if you plan on doing backcountry camping, you'll need to pay them the $10 bucks to leave your car overnight. That $10 will buy you up to 7 days of parking. Follow the road between the maze of tents and motor homes until you reach the sign that marks the official beginning of the trail to Barney Lake. Take that trail roughly 4 miles up and you'll find it. It's simply gorgeous and an amazing view up there. From here, you can turn around and head back or continue up the trail to Robinson Lakes, Crown Lake, Snow Lake, and eventually, Yosemite National Park. The trail is very easy to follow and is mostly on an even level. There's switchbacks towards the end as you near the lake, but they're not bad incline wise. From car to lake and back to the car, it's just a hair over 9 miles. This is one of my favorite hikes in the area and I do it at least once or twice every season. Just please be respectful and leave no trace. Also, this area is known to be popular with Bears. I've personally never seen one here, but a lot of others have. That being said, you have nothing to be fearful of. If you do come across one, give it plenty of room and respect and you'll be fine and for god's sake DON'T FEED THEM! Or any wildlife for that matter. You have no idea how many moronic tourist I yell at for feeding squirrels and deer. Lol.

    Bridgeport Resevoir

    Bridgeport Resevoir

    (36 reviews)

    When life comes crashing through my door with the demands of adulthood igniting a gasoline soaked…read moremidlife crisis brought on by the sprinting in place that is the pace of the bay area... I retreat to Bridgeport. As I sit here watching the sun kiss the top of breeze curled waves with the wind at my face and my troubles behind me I think of how simple happiness can be. I truly wish I could be here forever. Bridgeport holds a special place in my heart, showing me stars like i'd never seen before or since, cradling me in a hidden oasis of peace and traquility. My cat is in love with Bridgeport as well. She was even brave enough to go out on one of the rented Kayaks, a mere $15 for 2 hours. Crusing the glass like reflection of the snow topped sierras for the price of a hipster's latte, priceless. 4 days went by in a flash, but the memories will always remain cemented, etched into a safe place in my mind labeled, "Break Glass in case of Emergency." The camp sites are clean, cheap and roomy, the bathroom decent enough, and the views are stunning. It's a place where in the company of the waters symphony against the shore all of life's answers come easy. Not the first time and certainly not the last that I will visit my favorite place, Bridgeport.

    I enjoyed everything about this place! Going out on the water was so lovely and the views are top…read moretier. I loved the campsite I was in and it was close to the restrooms where they had showers!! What a luxury. The owner Chase and his grandmother were so sweet and accommodating. It's a pretty affordable spot compared to all the other places in the area. I found out that the bugs weren't even mosquitos either. I had zero bug bites and let me tell you I am a mosquito magnet. Overall I love this place and it will definitely be a staple in our families summer spots. Thank you to the friendly staff for such a great experience!

    Lahontan State Recreation Area

    Lahontan State Recreation Area

    (15 reviews)

    I have so many fond memories of being here with my folks in my younger years. It was so nostalgic…read morevisiting last week. Water levels are lower than I remember, but it was nice to take a trip down memory lane. Every Summer, my parents drove their RV and I watched from the top bunk. My brothers and I could never stay in our seats. My parents never knew what we were up to. We always booked the same block of camping sites and we invited three other family's every year. The old tires swings on the cottonwood trees were always a hit with us kids and staying up late catching June bugs, telling scary stories around a campfire and roasting marshmallows for smores. It was cool showing my kids where my parents brought us camping.

    Decided to take the teenagers to the lake after the wrestling tournament. Although it's a bit…read morechilly today, after a full day of wrestling somehow the kids found a way to get in the water. It's freezing for me so no thank you LOL. We have been camping at this lake for about 15 years now. There are many ways to camp here. There are tons of beaches that you could just Camp with tents or trailers/RV right on the beach or they have some improved camp sites with designated camping spaces. The price is around $8 a night. The first time we came here, it was completely flooded out. We stayed in the improved campgrounds, and over a few days the water came all the way up to our trailer and about a week later it was completely covering the trailer tires. After a year or two, the water level started to recede, and the lake seemed to be drying up. And after a few years we saw a pattern of flooding and then drying up. We tend to camp at this lake mostly when it is flooded. The water seems much cleaner, and there's so much more of it LOL.

    Walker Lake - lakes - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...