Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
Alamo, NV
Spring-fed lakes and cottonwoods in the middle of the desert along US-93, busy with waterbirds. A good picnic stop before the empty miles ahead.
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge lies near Alamo on US-93 in Lincoln County, Nevada. It was established on August 16, 1963, and now covers about 5,380 acres (2,180 hectares). Fed by Crystal and Ash Springs, its lakes, wetlands and tall cottonwoods meet the desert, in a place that receives only about 6.4 inches (160 mm) of rain a year. More than 260 bird species have been recorded, and the area lies on the Pacific Flyway.
There are about 7 miles (11 km) of trails, from a short loop to longer routes, along with fishing, picnicking and birdwatching. At Upper Lake there are 15 free campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Spring and fall are the best seasons for wildlife, early in the morning and in the evening. The nearest gas station is in Alamo, about 8 miles (13 km) away, and beyond it the lonely highway runs 40 miles (65 km) or more without one, so fill up on fuel and water beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Alamo, NV
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.3000, -115.1200
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May and December. Hot in June–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Picketts RV ParkMotorhome stopover5 mi from Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge · 28 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Motorhome stopover · RachelMotorhome stopover17 mi from Pahranagat National Wildlife RefugeMotorhomes
- Hidden CampsiteCampsite21 mi from Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
- Motorhome stopover · RachelMotorhome stopover21 mi from Pahranagat National Wildlife RefugeMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopoverMotorhome stopover23 mi from Pahranagat National Wildlife RefugeMotorhomes
All campsites in Nevada · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge?
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is in Alamo, NV, at GPS 37.3000, -115.1200. It is about 42 mi from Rachel.
Can you camp near Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Picketts RV Park, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge?
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Extraterrestrial Highway and Nevada ghost towns and Great Basin Highway: canyons, ghost towns and charcoal ovens.
What is there to see near Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kershaw-Ryan State Park (38 mi), Cathedral Gorge State Park (52 mi), Lost City Museum (65 mi) and Fire Wave (65 mi).
When is the best time to visit Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)