Fort Churchill State Historic Park

About Fort Churchill:
An integral part of the history of Nevada and the American West, Fort Churchill was built in 1861 to provide protection for early settlers and guard Pony Express mail runs. Today the ruins are preserved in a state of arrested decay within the Fort Churchill State Historic Park, and visitors can walk designated trails to study the ruins. The park also features the renovated Buckland Station, an important way station in the 1800s for pioneer travelers on the Overland Route. With 3,200 acres along the Carson River, the park is an idyllic place for campers, hikers, bird watchers, canoeists and equestrians.

Facilities & Amenities:

Camping: The main campground has 20 sites suitable for travel trailers, motorhomes or tents. Campsites include a table and fire ring, and all are shaded by large cottonwood trees. Sites cannot be reserved and there are no hook-ups, but an RV dump station is nearby. A camping limit of 7 days in a 30-day period is enforced.

Scout Camp is located on the Carson River Ranch section of Fort Churchill, adjacent to the Carson River. It is a large, dispersed camping or day-use area that includes picnic tables, fire rings with grill tops, one vault toilet, and multiple horse corrals. Scout Camp is a carry in, carry out trash area. Horse manure needs to be picked up and carried out, or disposed of in the designated manure dump. There is no electricity or water available here. Sites cannot be reserved.

Group Area: The group area will accommodate up to 60 persons for group camping or picnicking on a reservation-only basis. No electricity is available. No RVs, please. For reservations, contact the park office.

Picnicking: Tree-shaded picnic sites on the banks of the Carson River offer tables, grills and rest rooms.

Visitor Center: The Visitor Center offers exhibits telling the colorful history of Fort Churchill. All park visitors should make this their first stop upon entering the park to better appreciate the ruins. Drinking water and restrooms are nearby.

Programs: Information about program scheduling may be obtained from either park staff or kiosks. Upon request, special presentations can be arranged for groups.

American Discovery Trail: The American Discovery Trail is a great way to experience Nevada's beautiful and rugged backcountry. The Nevada portion of this 6,800+ mile trail covers 500 miles of Nevada's remarkable landscape, traversing 14 mountain ranges and challenging its explorers to a total climb of 34,000 feet! Six of Nevada's State Parks can be accessed by way of this route, including Fort Churchill State Historic Park. Stay with Nevada State Parks while exploring the American Discovery Trail!