BLM Recreation Sites Open and Ready for Visitors

ELKO, Nev.— The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Elko District encourages everyone to get out and enjoy your public lands this year. There are many opportunities for day or overnight use in Elko County and four BLM recreation sites are now open.

For the rustic camper, located just 30 miles north of Wells, is the Tabor Creek Recreation Area. There are 11 developed sites with picnic tables and fire rings and three restroom facilities. The Zunino Reservoir Recreation Area is 35 miles from Elko on State Route 227, past South Fork Reservoir. There are eight developed sites with restroom facilities. Neither site offers drinking water or garbage service. Users must be prepared to pack out everything that is brought in. Fees for both areas are $2 for day use or $2 a night to camp.

A little less rustic is the North Wild Horse recreation area 66 miles north of Elko on Mountain City Highway, or State Route 225. The campground offers 18 developed sites, which includes three group sites. There are six restroom facilities with a garbage dumpster on site. There is no drinking water available at the campground, but water is available in the area. Fees are $6 a night to camp or day use is $2.

Northeast about 85 miles from Elko is the Wilson Reservoir Recreation Area, the Elko District’s campground with the most conveniences. Take State Route 225 about 24 miles north to Lone Mountain Station and turn left onto State Route 226 and follow the signs. The last 17 miles to the recreation area are dirt road. There are 21 developed sites with tables and fire rings. There is a sanitary dump station and garbage service as well as seven restroom facilities. Drinking water is available, provided the temperatures are above freezing. Day use and boat ramp fees are $2. Camping is $4 a night.

Those who plan on exploring beyond the Elko area may purchase America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes at the Elko District Office. This annual pass provides a number of options for use at Federal recreation sites that charge fees. These include sites managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, BLM and Bureau of Reclamation. The America the Beautiful program offers six different pass options for various uses and amenities and this year is free for active-duty military and their families. Eighty to 100 percent of all money collected from annual pass sales remains at the local site to be used for service and facility improvements. More information can be found at www.recreation.gov.

Passes, maps and more information can be obtained by visiting your BLM Elko District Office at 3900 Idaho St., by calling (775) 753-0200, or visiting our website at on.doi.gov/elkoRec.