Nixon and Pyramid Lake
Located 50 miles northeast of Reno, Pyramid Lake is a beautiful, ancient lake located in the heart of the Paiute tribal reservation. Everyone driving from the west, east, and south will pass by this wonderful lake and through Nixon on their way to Burning Man, 76 miles to the north. Along with its sister town Wadsworth, 17 miles to the south, the community’s residents have been very supportive of Burning Man over its history and are happy to see us. And unless you have plenty of gas, be sure to fill up here. For further information on Wadsworth and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, go to here.
Important Info
– Drive the posted speed limit. 25 mph through town. And keep an appropriate distance between you and the car in front of you.
– Be cautious and mindful of children at-play.
– Be considerate of and patient with the townspeople crossing the road or trying to access their homes, businesses, or tribal services.
– Leave No Trace. Although you may see a pop-up dumpster service on the side of the road, ONLY dispose of your trash, recycling or greywater at authorized locations. Don’t leave it at the lake, on the side of the road, or at some business or rest area.
– Permits are required to access or camp at the lake. In addition to the Nixon Store and I-80 Smokeshop in Wadworth, go here for a full list of locations to purchase one.
– Please don’t look to anything as a souvenir. Everything here is sacred to the Tribe, and souvenir hunting is illegal and prosecuted.
– Nixon is part of America’s Solar Highway, thanks in part to the efforts of Black Rock Solar.
– Finally, keep a steady hand on the wheel and a careful eye out ahead for wandering cows, horses, jackrabbits, and other creatures along the road.
Gas, Food, Supplies, and Lake Permits
The Nixon Store
50 Highway 447 – 775-574-0467 – map
Open daily 7am-6pm. Call ahead for possible extended hours. Gas, food, ice, lake permits, ATM, and other supplies.
Art
Pyramid Lake Museum & Visitors Center Gift Shop
709 State Street – 775-574-1080 – map
Open Wed-Sun 10am-4:30pm. Provides a moving history of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe history and culture and of the lake and environs.
Hospital
Pyramid Lake Health Clinic
705 Highway 446, Nixon – 775-574-0987 – map
Open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, Wed 8am-noon.
Car Repair / Towing
Smith n Tobey
413 Fourth Street, Wadsworth – 775-575-7320 – 775-771-7714 – map
24-hour towing and roadside repairs only on Tribal lands around Wadsworth and Nixon and along portions of State Highway 447, and specializing in off-road recovery.
RV Campground and Greywater Disposal
Pyramid Lake Marina Campground
2500 Sutcliff Loop Road – 775-476-1155 – map
Offers RV full hookups at $25/night and RV greywater disposal.