Virtual Guidebook to Northern and Central Nevada
Pyramid Lake
North of Sparks, Nevada

Named by John C. Fremont for the dramatic tufa tower at its south end, this is a magnificent but little-known desert lake. It is huge, almost the size of Lake Tahoe, and belongs entirely to the Pyramid Lake branch of the Piute Indian Tribe. Anoho Island is a wildlife refuge, breeding ground for white pelicans. Huge tufa deposits are found all around the lake, plus hot springs and steam vents at the north end (off-limits to non-Indians).

Camping is allowed all along the west shore and I have spent a number of nights there on my travels across Nevada. More about Pyramid Lake at Wikipedia