Tree-shaded picnic and camping areas are provided along the Carson River. Fort Churchill is located off Alternate U.S. 95, eight miles south of Silver Springs, and is open all year. Fishing, swimming, boating and water-skiing are popular here. Camping is allowed at undesignated areas and there are facilities for picnicking and day use. Just north of Hawthorne is Walker Lake, a starkly beautiful high desert lake that offers undeveloped campgrounds and limited picnic sites.
Walker Lake is open all year.
Park rangers offer tours throughout the year. Roads can be closed during heavy snow or rain. Travelers on Interstate 80 will find the Rye Patch State Recreation Area about 22 miles east of Lovelock. The park includes a reservoir with boating, swimming and water-skiing as well as camping and picnicking. Improved boat launching ramp and campgrounds are located near Rye Patch Dam.