Water Canyon Recreation Area — Hotel in Winnemucca

This was our first BLM experience. Wasn't sure we would stay here because I was worried about the road, but turned out ok. The dirt road is 1.6 miles but is well maintained so it was a fairly smooth drive in. Got a little nervous with some power lines draped over the road but we made it. The road inside the campground is actually a little rougher than the road leading in, and there are speed bumps all through the campground. No camp host and no map showing where campsites were, so we had no idea how many sites there were. We passed the first spot, went to #2 which is a pull-thru with the stream just a few steps away but no shelter. It was so unlevel that we went looking for more. Got to #3 next to the first pit toilet and dumpster but it was occupied. The road after that gets narrow and we could not see anything beyond the crest in the road and were worried about being able to turn around, so we just went back and took #1 which is right at the entrance and near the kiosk. It is a back in but level left-to-right, with a nice ramada and concrete picnic table. The table is supposed to be wheelchair accessible (not the same as ADA compliant) but anyone in a wheel chair will need help in the gravel. The stream isn't too far, you can hear it. This site has a sewer connection but it was locked, maybe this was or is sometimes a host site. There are the abandoned remains of butterfly gardens, looks like it's been a few years since anyone has tended to them. Similarly there are remnants of a disc-golf course running through the campground, unsure if anyone uses it. After dinner (and after unhooking) we drove our truck to the end of the campground, about 1.5 miles from the entrance. We found 2 more pit toilets and dumpsters, and several more designated campsites. Found a trail head at the turn around. In addition to the designated sites there are several places and side roads where you can just park and camp if you want. Place is very unsafe, no police presence or enforcement rangers. Around 5pm the place becomes a hangout for locals to come and drink and do drugs. Very unsafe, no police presence or enforcement rangers the 3 days...

Run away, as fast as you can! On our way to Oregon we planned to stop and camp up a canyon by Winnemucca Nevada so that we didn't have to drive all night. I'm sure most of the time it's a great place but... We had quite an experience: Going up that canyon around 11 pm, I didn't think twice about all of the leaves on the road. We saw most of the camp sights were taken, some with people sleeping out in the open, near the road, instead of in their tents.... Think about that again in a second. Then I noticed the leaves moving. I first thought it was tarantulas (I saw a lot of those in Texas crossing a road once during mating season). But then we looked closer. Now upon further study, I'm pretty sure they are the "Mormon Crickets" species. They tend to "swarm" and cover roads, literally becoming a road hazard due to drivers being so grossed out at the crunching they hear, and boy did we hear that. (Think now about the campers on the ground who probably assumed, due to it being dark, that it was just leaves, only to wake up in the middle of a Fear Factor episode with no million dollar prize). Needles to say, we got back on the road and drove as fast as we could, for a few more hours since we didn't have time to wait for the Seagulls to come rescue us.

So no, this place just didn't...

Water Canyon Recreation Area is a free ($0) campsite. The campground has beautiful views and several sites that are equipped with firepits/grills and picnic tables. There is plenty of room for tent 🏕 camping, as well as some spots for RVs. Many dirt roads run through the hills for off roading as well and there are plenty of hiking trails. Some of the campsites are not so obvious and only look like parking spots-- but follow the short trails that lead into the tree covered areas near the creek and you will see open campsites that branch off of where you parked. Overall, this is a great place to spend a few days. You get the full outdoor experience while also only being about 10 minutes away from the city. Most of the park has Wi-Fi, however there is a stretch coming in that will switch your Wi-Fi to 2G. Just restart your phone and it will go back to 4G. If you have children or pets, just be sure to keep a close eye on them as there are snakes. Most are garden snakes but there are 6 different poisonous snakes in the area, including rattlesnakes--so just be careful. They tend to hangout near the creek. There is a very friendly rat in the area that will beg you for food and even try to get cuddly with you lol. He's harmless. Clean up after yourself and have a...