Archeologists believe this area was occupied as long ago as 5,500 BC. However, without evidence of any permanent dwellings, it appears the area served only for seasonal hunting and gathering camps. A few artifacts and petroglyphs found around the park indicate the presence of more recent Shoshone groups, including the modern Southern Paiute.

Mormon pioneers settled this part of Eastern Nevada in 1864. Local Paiutes showed them silver ores and their name for the rock, "Panaker," was used to name the town Panaca. In the late 1860's a small smelter and mill were built in Dry Valley, not far from Echo Canyon. The small tent camp was called Moodyville and boasted a population of 60 in 1872. A severe windstorm destroyed the camp in 1873 and nothing remains of the site. Farmers and ranchers permanently settled Dry Valley by the late 1870's. Today, alfalfa is the valley's primary crop, seen growing in the fields below the dam.