Washoe Lake State Park, NV

09/05/2026

We’ve got beautiful weather for the start of Labor Day weekend!

08/29/2026

Washoe Lake State Park is now under Stage 2 fire restrictions. No campfires or charcoal, but enclosed propane stoves are okay.

STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS EFFECTIVE TODAY

WASHOE COUNTY, NV. (August, 2026) — Effective today Friday, August 28, 2026, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) is implementing Stage 2 fire restrictions on private and County lands due to extremely dry conditions and increased wildfire danger across the region.

“This has already been a long and challenging fire season for our community and our firefighters, and we are only halfway through what is typically a demanding time of year,” said Fire Chief Richard Edwards, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. “Fire conditions across our region remain extremely dangerous, and even a small ignition can quickly become a serious wildfire. Stage 2 restrictions are an important step in reducing the potential for human-caused fires. We ask everyone to know the restrictions where they are recreating, plan ahead and do their part to prevent a wildfire. Residents can continue to enjoy backyard barbecues, but we ask everyone to use extra caution and make fire safety a priority.”

The following acts are prohibited under Stage 2 fire restrictions:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire outside of contained cooking devices (BBQs, smokers, pizza ovens, etc.)

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or when stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Operating motorized vehicles off existing roads.

Welding, metal grinding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame while outside and not in paved areas (except by permit).

The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. – Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, yarding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering.

Enclosed cooking devices on private property in an established barbecue or campfire ring, clear of flammable vegetation, are currently permitted.

Open burning remains closed for the season in the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, including pile burning and use of burn barrels.

08/10/2026

Just some recent photos from around the park.

08/08/2026

Our first Glow Night Disc Golf event was a success! Thanks to everyone who came out and played the course with us!

08/06/2026

Save the Date! Inaugural Bird Fest at Washoe Lake State Park 🦅

Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for the inaugural Bird Fest at Washoe Lake State Park as we celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, Nevada’s incredible birdlife, and the habitats that support them.

Enjoy guided bird hikes, live bird presentations, owl pellet dissections, hands-on activities, food, and more.

Saturday, October 3, 2026
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
South Washoe Lake State Park – Group Use Area

We’re also seeking vendors, artists, musicians, and community organizations to participate in this inaugural event. If you’re interested in being part of Bird Fest, fill out the application found here, https://parks.nv.gov/events/bird-fest-2026.

Don’t forget to BYOB — Bring Your Own Binoculars!

Hosted by the Nevada State Parks, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance, and the Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department.

07/27/2026

Washoe Lake, located in Washoe Lake State Park, has been placed under a HAB Watch Advisory due to a possible Harmful Algae Bloom.

Visual assessments have indicated a possible bloom. Water tests are currently being conducted by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). These toxic algae can cause serious health issues for humans and animals.

If you see water that looks discolored or smells bad, stay away. Pets should be kept away from all water bodies under a HAB advisory.

For more information on HABs visit nevadahabs.org

SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK

📸: photos taken 7/26-7/27

07/26/2026

What’s the Nightlife like at Washoe Lake State Park? Colorful sunsets give way to dark skies and the sounds of wind, coyotes, owls, and crickets. Black lights reveal a hidden world—glowing scorpions hunting for insects in the nearby sand dunes.

07/19/2026

Carson Kit Fox, mascot for Nevada State Parks, came for a visit this weekend! We had fun introducing him to our campers and talking with everyone about the park and the area.

05/03/2026

The campground at Washoe Lake State Park will be closed from Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 8, 2026. Campsites will not be available during this time period.
The campground will re-open on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

04/15/2026