Elko, Nevada Campgrounds and RV Parks

Elko, Nevada

RV parks are available in and near Elko.

The city of Elko was named by a Central Pacific Railroad official, Charles Crocker, who was fond of animal names and adapted the name elk for this city or so the story goes. Elko was at the east terminus of the tracks. In its early days, Elko served as a ranch and mining freight and supply centre.

Cattle ranching is still an important part of the local economy, since Elko is part of an extensive four-state region where ranching reigns. Sheep ranching entered Nevada opportunistically during the Winter of the White Death which reduced the numbers of cattle. Basque settlers from the Pyrenees Mountains became the employees of choice in the sheep industry, due to their skills.

Modern gold-mining techniques have transformed the fortunes of the city and resulted in a doubling of the population between the '80s and the '90s, with growth continuing.

Prior to becoming its own territory in 1861, Nevada was part of Utah and, as such, part of Mormon settlement land. A well-appointed LDS church stands in Elko.

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, January
Western Folklife Centre
National Basque Festival, July
casinos
J.M. Capriola Company, outfitter for the buckaroos
Northeast Nevada Museum
Ruby Mountains, hiking and skiing
Millers Hot Springs, Mayhew Creek in the Ruby Mountains