Local Area Recreation Near Elko KOA Journey

Once you’re settled in, the adventures are just getting started. Elko is home to one of the most impressive museums in the region, beautifully set next to the City Park—perfect for a relaxed stroll or a family afternoon. Traveling with kids? Just steps away, they can burn off energy at the skate park or cool down at the public swimming pool right next door.Ready to explore a bit farther? The California Trail Interpretive Center is just 8 miles west of Elko and offers a fascinating look into the area’s rich pioneer history. For a scenic drive, head 20 miles south to the historic town of Lamoille, nestled at the base of the stunning Ruby Mountains—a picture-perfect spot you won’t want to miss. Nevada proudly holds the title of the world’s number one gold-producing state, so if time allows, a local mine tour is a must and well worth the experience. Prefer water adventures? Launch a kayak or paddle board at Angel Lake, located 60 miles east of Elko, or head just 20 miles away to South Fork Reservoir for excellent fishing and peaceful views. With so much to see and do, it’s impossible to list it all. Visit exploreelko.com to help plan your stay and discover even more local events and attractions.Relax, explore, and enjoy every moment of your time in Elko!

Lamoille Canyon

Lamoille Canyon

All roads lead somewhere amazing out here, but the arguable centerpiece of the Elko region is the glacier-carved range known as the Ruby Mountains, accessed via Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway. This 12-mile paved road works its way up past vistas straight out of a photographer's dream. While exploring the Byway, keep your eyes peeled for Kodak moments, interpretive signs, and access to the bends and beaver ponds of Lamoille Creek. There are plenty of places to pull over for a quick forested jaunt in the woods or to spread out a blanket and enjoy that picnic you packed earlier. Naturally, the range of recreational opportunities is as wide as the landscapes, enticing adventurers with hiking, backpacking, cycling (both on and way, way off the pavement), big-game hunting (the elk are gargantuan), and fishing so good it's almost unfair.

NV

775-331-6444

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California Trail Center

California Trail Center

If anything about the Donner Party has ever piqued your interest, a visit to Elko's California Trail Interpretive Center is long overdue. Memorializing and telling the story of more than 250,000 of brave pioneers who made their way west along the arduous California Trail, this Bureau of Land Management-run facility provides a detailed look into what it was like traveling the California Trail during 1841-1869. Learn the stories of the pioneers who made this 2,000-mile trek, some in search of land, others gold, and all finding plenty of adventure. Work your way through an array of thoughtfully curated, interactive exhibits to learn what it would've been like to endure this famed route west to gain a better understanding of historic and cultural sites found throughout Nevada and the American West.

Hiking

Hiking

Enjoy hiking trails in Elko's scenic Lamoille. With stunning views and plenty of places to take a stroll, Lamoille is a sight to be seen.

Lamoille, NV

Casinos (21+)

Casinos (21+)

Enjoy slots or table games in any of Elko's local casinos. Located all throughout Elko, you're sure to find one you love.

Elko, NV 89801

Rockhounding

Rockhounding

Elko has a rich history in gold mining, but did you know there are hundreds of different types of precious stones just waiting for you to find them? There are lots of places to go and do just that. From the Black Shale pit to Bullion Rd, there are plenty of places to dig up some fun.

Elko, NV 89801

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The Boardwalk at the Spring Creek Marina

The Boardwalk at the Spring Creek Marina

Enjoy lots of summer fun at the Spring Creek Marina. You can rent anything from kayaks to fishing poles. There is food and a GIANT inflatable water park right on the water; you can even lie out and go tanning. The marina offers many activities the whole family can enjoy.

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Off-road Adventure

Off-road Adventure

TV and four-wheel drive trails will take you to remote areas, old mining towns and scenic vistas. You can bring your own vehicles or take a tour operated by professional guides.
Merritt Mountain: Located North of Elko and East of Wild Horse Reservoir. Rich in historic mining cultures as well as beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Near the ghost town of Patsville and Rio Tinto. Available to 4WD vehicles and ATVs. Distance: 84 miles from Elko.

2222 Last Chance Rd, Elko, NV

Elko, NV 89801

775-753-7362

Website

Star Gazing

Star Gazing

Take a short trip up the Ruby mountains for superb Star gazing. With Elko being a small town there isn't as much light pollution so you can star gaze with ease.

Elko, 89801

Ruby Mountain heli-ski

Ruby Mountain heli-ski

Ruby vista lodge has a variety of packages for fun recreational things to do. click the link to discover more of what they have to offer.

Website

Cowboy arts & gear museum

Cowboy arts & gear museum

Step back in time when you walk through the doors of the historic 1907 building that used to house G.S. Garcia's saddle shop in downtown Elko, Nevada. The museum is dedicated to honoring cowboy and gear maker history while also supporting today's makers, artists and ranchers with a special focus on the annual Bit & Rawhide Rein contest held during the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.There is no admission fee, but a $5 donation per visitor is appreciated.

open: Monday's, Friday's and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

542 commercial st

Elko, NV 89801

775-389-1713

Website

Back country ski & sled tours

Back country ski & sled tours

See the wintry sights of the Silver State like never before. SledNV is your northern Nevada resource for backcountry snowmobiling tours, providing safe, fun, and unforgettable experiences that you'll talk about for a lifetime.

1363 snobowl rd

Elko, NV 89801

775-237-3883

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