Lahontan State Recreation Area

09/02/2026

HAB You Heard?

Some lakes and reservoirs throughout Nevada are currently under a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) advisory, but what does it mean?

When water shows signs of a possible HAB, such as green discoloration, swampy odors, and satellite imagery indicating a bloom, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) may issue a Watch Advisory. The water is then tested for cyanotoxins, and the advisory level can move up or down based on the results.

HAB conditions can change quickly. One side of a reservoir may be experiencing a bloom while the other is not, and conditions can shift throughout the day.

Advisories are in place to help you make informed decisions before entering the water. Children and pets are especially vulnerable and should be kept away from water affected by a HAB advisory. Fishing is also not recommended. If you choose to fish, thoroughly clean your catch before consuming it.

Learn more about HABs and advisories at nevadahabs.org.

08/28/2026

🔺 ️Park Alert 🔺️

The reservoir is currently at 110,000 acre feet, therefore the Boat Docks on the Silver Springs side of the park have been pulled for the season. The dock at North Shore Marina will remain in the water until approximately 90,000 acre feet.

08/26/2026

Bummed our "Dark Skies. Strange Encounters" t-shirt wasn't available at the Cosmos in the Desert event? Us too! Good thing we have finally received them, and they are available for purchase on our Online Store: https://www.reservenevada.com/NevadaWeb/Merchandise/MerchandiseSale.aspx

We will also be selling them at Fallon's Cantaloupe Festival August 28th - 30th! Make sure to come find our Gift Shop trailer at the Festival to get your Nevada State Parks gear.

08/22/2026

‼️ HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM DANGER ADVISORY 🚨

Lahontan Reservoir, located within Lahontan State Recreation Area, has been placed under a HAB Danger Advisory due to high levels of cyanotoxins detected in recent water samples collected from the reservoir. This is the highest level of HAB advisory and should be taken seriously.

Water contact is not recommended. Children and pets should stay away from water bodies under a HAB Danger Advisory.

HAB conditions can change rapidly, and the movement and concentration of blooms can be unpredictable. The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is monitoring the situation closely.

Exposure to cyanotoxins can cause health effects ranging from mild skin irritation to serious illness and, in rare circumstances, death. Symptoms may include skin rashes or irritation, respiratory or allergic-like reactions, abdominal pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms. Severe exposure may result in liver or kidney damage.

For more information on HABs, visit nevadahabs.org.

SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK

08/15/2026

Northern Sierra Dutch Oven Group is out here at Day Use on the Silver Springs side of the park running a Dutch Oven Demonstration! Come on out and join them! 😁🍴

08/13/2026

🚀 The stars are calling, and you must go ✨

Enjoy Nevada’s dark skies this Friday and Saturday, August 14-15, 2026 at Lahontan State Recreation Area for the second annual Cosmos in the Desert Dark Skies Festival!

Festivities begin both nights at 8:00pm at the Beach 3 Day Use Area. Star gaze through telescopes, learn about nocturnal wildlife, listen to stories from the past, and try painting in the dark!

Get a taste of dutch oven cooking on Saturday at 11am from the Northern Sierra Dutch Oven Group

Live music from Rebekah Chase Band on Saturday night 🤘 and live painting by Alli Harvey throughout the weekend 🎨

The event activities are free, but park entry fees apply ($5 for NV registered vehicles, $10 for out of state vehicles).

Learn more about the event using the link in our bio or at parks.nv.gov/events. See you there!

08/12/2026

Join us on August 15th at 11am as the Northern Sierra Dutch Oven Group puts on a live, outdoor cooking demonstration at the Day Use Area on the Silver Springs side of the park. If you have ever been been interested in learning about traditional cast-iron camp cooking or are a seasoned cast-iron chef, we welcome you to come make some friends and learn new skills.

This is just one of the many fun things we have planned for the Cosmos in the Desert: Northern Nevada's Dark Skies Festival. More information about the event can be found here:

Find your next adventure at parks.nv.gov

08/10/2026

👽COSMOS IN THE DESERT IS ALMOST HERE! 🚀

Get ready for two nights of stargazing, art, wildlife, music, storytelling and all things dark skies at Cosmos in the Desert: Northern Nevada’s Dark Skies Festival!

August 14–15 | 8–11 p.m.
Lahontan State Recreation Area – Beach 3, Silver Springs Side

This year’s festival features:
- Telescopes and guided stargazing
- Live painting with Alli Harvey
- Live music Saturday with Rebekah Chase Band
- Wildlife walks with Nevada Department of Wildlife
- Constellation talks
- Dark skies storytelling with Yerington Paiute Tribe
- Dutch oven demonstration with Northern Sierra Dutch Oven Group
- Arts and crafts with Friends of Nevada Wilderness
- Dark skies trivia
- Virtual star gazing from Travel Nevada
- Local organizations, vendors and educational exhibits

And don’t forget to check out the 2026 Cosmos in the Desert merchandise, available while supplies last. The new event T-shirt even glows in the dark!

Come experience the night sky, discover something new and celebrate the incredible dark skies of northern Nevada!

Learn more using the link in our bio or at parks.nv.gov/events

05/22/2026

Come check out our Gift Shop Trailer parked near the Ranger Station on the Silver Springs side of the park! It will be opend today until 6pm as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm! Come get your Lahontan swag and any last minute needed gear while supplies last!

05/11/2026

Lahontan Reservoir, located in Lahontan State Recreation Area, 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