The state of Nevada certainly has great gambling cities like Las Vegas and Reno, but there is so much more to see in the state than just these places. With majestic mountain scenery and so much land to explore, Nevada is sometimes known as the Sagebrush State for a very good reason!
It is home to a wide variety of wildlife like scorpions, mountain lions, snakes, lizards, spiders, wolves, ravens, coyotes, foxes, ground squirrels, rabbits, bobcats, falcons, desert tortoise, hawks, eagles, wild sheep, deer, pronghorns, geckos, owls, bats, horned toads, and many more.
Because of all of the variety in the state, camping can be a very good way to discover everything Nevada has to offer. Pick up a new canvas tent for the season and get busy exploring! Below are some of the best campgrounds to enjoy while you are exploring Nevada.
Cathedral Gorge was formed because of explosive volcanic activity depositing layers of ash hundreds of feet thick.
Cathedral Gorge State Park is in the southwestern portion of Nevada and is full of rock formations that have been carved by erosion and heavy wind. The park gets its name from these impressive structures which sometimes resemble cathedrals. This state park also has many hiking pathways. There are over 22 sites, some of which are full hookups. Other amenities include grills, picnic tables, and running water. There are a few small fees required in order to stay here, including camping and day-use fees.
You’ll find Red Rock Campground within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This national park is filled with red sandstone pillars, waterfalls, and ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks by Native American tribes. Red Rock Campground has over 50 regular sites that allow up to ten people to stay at each one and six RV sites available. There are also large camping sites that can hold up to 20 people. These camping areas are very basic, but have helpful features such as restrooms, water, and grills. Occasionally, campfire programs will be held at the campground with one of the park rangers.
Angel Creek Campground is situated within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This campground has 18 single sites available for campers to rent as well as a large group tent setting. The campground is nestled within a thick aspen forest providing you with plenty of shade. It’s also close to many of the national forest’s major attractions, such as hiking trails and numerous scenic byways. While a bit primitive, a few amenities provided at the campground include water and toilets. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the local forest service. Fees vary depending on how many days you plan to stay.
Visit the remains of Berlin, a ghost town from the 1890s. Explore the preserved structures to learn more about its history and about the people who once lived in it. Besides this, the park also contains a large protected area that is filled with thousands of dinosaur bones from Ichthyosaurs, some of which can be seen at the park’s Fossil House. The campground has 14 sites that are open each day of the year and have grills, running water, tables, and a dumping station.
The Bob Scott Campground is surrounded by a thick pinyon-juniper forest and offers breathtaking views of the nearby Bob Scott Summit. You might also see deer and elk in the area. The Bob Scott Campground is open from May to October. There aren’t many amenities available, but there is a restroom. This campground is located near plenty of attractions, including hiking/biking trails and a pathway that leads down to Birch Creek, a popular fishing spot.
In the Valley of Fire State Park, Atlatl Rock Campground provides stunning views of the park’s surrounding red sandstone formations, petrified trees, and ancient petroglyphs. This camping option offers plenty of outdoor activities to do, including birdwatching, stargazing, and rock climbing. The campground is also conveniently located near plenty of hiking trails visitors can trek down. There are 44 campsites, 22 of which can accommodate motorhomes. Some amenities provided at this campground include showers, a dumping station, water, fire rings, and restrooms. This campground is first come, first served, but reservations can be made for large groups.
Cave Lake State Park spans over 4,000 acres and is a short distance away from the Humboldt National Forest. The park is a sought-after spot in the state for fishing as its waterways are often filled with trout and crawdads. Visitors can also go swimming, hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. This state park has two campgrounds: Elk Flat Campground and Lake View Campground. These camping spots come with amenities such as water, grills, and picnic tables. Lake View Campground is open all year while Elk Flat Campground is available from May to October. There is a seven-day camping limit for both campgrounds.
You can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and scenic driving in the forested desert oasis of Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.
This campground in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is open from May to November. Hilltop Campground offers beautiful views of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area which is best known for pinecones and rare butterflies. Check out the Mojave Desert and the amazing sunsets. The campground has fire pits, picnic tables, trash collection, and clean toilets. However, there is no running water available. Find the best tents for desert camping here.
In the eastern part of Nevada is Echo Canyon State Park, surrounded by historic ranches and containing the Echo Canyon Reservoir, which is full of trout and bass. There are many bird species in the park like herons, owls, and vultures. There are two campgrounds. The first campground, in the northern portion of the park, has 33 camping spots. The other campground is designed for travel trailers and has 20 sites. Some amenities include running water, restrooms, and a dumping station.
Discover the remains of an old Army fort and railroad station. In addition to its rich history, there are also plenty of amazing natural wonders that include the Carson River and Sierra Nevada Mountains. The campground has 20 sites that have a 14-day stay limit and are not reservable. Amenities provided at the campground include fire pits, picnic tables, grills, and toilets. There is also a group camping area available that can be reserved by calling the main office.
This forest stretches over six million acres along the edge of the Nevada and California border. This large national forest is full of many different types of trees, especially fragrant pines. There is also wildlife in the forest, like antelope and mountain goats, that can be seen grazing near the campgrounds. The campgrounds provided have a few different options visitors can choose from, such as cabin camping, tent camping, and RV camping. These campgrounds are scattered around different sections of the forest and come with running water and restrooms.
The Water Canyon Recreation Area is in the northern portion of the state. The campground connects to Water Canyon, which is known for a rugged landscape filled with cottonwood trees and streams that are popular for fishing and kayaking. There are a few camping sites that come with fire pits and grills. There are also a few information kiosks situated nearby that are filled with maps and other important information. Campers will find a few hiking trails located near this campground that will take you through the nearby landscape to see its incredible flora and fauna.
This campground in the Great Basin National Park is open from April to October. There are 24 sites to choose from, including two that are ADA-accessible. This is a primitive campground and water is available only during the spring and summer, depending on the weather. Campers can drive to various areas of the park or hike down one of the many trails around the campground that lead to pine groves and Lehman Creek.
This campground is also in Great Basin National Park and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains full of bighorn sheep. The Lower Lehman Creek Campground is available all year and it is close to Lehman Caves. There are also a few trails winding around the campground that lead down to Lehman Creek. There are 11 sites available for rent that come with running water and restrooms.
Mahogany Grove Campground is open from April to November in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. This is a unique landscape of desert plants and forests. There are six camping sites available for rent that come with picnic tables, grills, and tent pads. There are also some vault toilets. The grounds are paved to help make driving easier and the camping spots are spaced apart from each other for extra privacy. There are also a few group sites that can be reserved ahead of time.
McWilliams Campground is surrounded by lush woodlands full of golden eagles and mule deer. This camping destination has both single and double-family sites that come with picnic tables, grills, restrooms, water, and trash collection. A few of the sites can be reserved during certain times of the year. The McWilliams Campground is open from January to October. Fees will vary depending on the time of year you visit with the peak season (May to October) being the most expensive.
Beaver Dam State Park displays a natural, primitive, and rustic beauty that’s ideal for any outdoor enthusiast.
Beaver Dam State Park is on the eastern edge of Nevada and only a few minutes away from Utah. The state park is best known for its impressive rugged landscape which is dotted with cacti, junipers, and ponderosa forests. Wildlife is also abundant and you might see porcupines and rabbits. Beaver Dam State Park has two campgrounds with fire pits and picnic tables. From April to November, drinking water is also available. The sites here are not reservable and stays are limited to 14 days.
Thomas Canyon Campground is near Lamoille Canyon, with a few creeks bordered by cottonwood and aspen trees. The campground is also near a large alpine meadow filled with wildflowers during the spring and summer. Campers can choose from one of the 40 sites at this camping spot which come with amenities such as water, restrooms, and picnic tables. There are also a few areas that can fit travel trailers. There are fees to stay and the prices range based on the amount of time you plan to camp here. Due to its popularity, campers can call to reserve a spot ahead of time.
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park covers over 14,000 acres and it features the well-known Lake Tahoe. This large body of water is believed to be one of the biggest alpine lakes in North America and it is surrounded by forests that contain plenty of hiking trails. There are three campgrounds in this state park, but all are very rustic. However, they are equipped with restrooms, picnic tables, and bear-resistant storage containers. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park also has two cabins, known as the Spooner Lake Cabin and Wildcat Cabin, that are available for guests to use from May to October. The cabins have amenities such as restrooms, beds, and a kitchen.
The Valley of Fire State Park is over 46,000 acres long with many geological structures made of vibrant red sandstone. There are some very impressive natural landscapes, as well as historic structures left behind by Native Americans and the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are 72 sites broken up into two campgrounds that come with picnic tables, restrooms, and a dumping station. If you have an RV, you can stay here in special camping spots equipped with electric and water hookups. There is also a group camping area for up to 45 people.
For campers and hikers alike, we are certain that the campgrounds on this list will have you covered. You’ll find plenty of options if you are into backpacking and making large campfires since most of the campgrounds on this list are run by the National Park Service. But you’ll also find lots of attractive camping options in or near Las Vegas. This is a state that you don’t want to miss, and if you really fall in love with it, these campgrounds offer you the chance to stay a few more days and experience everything that the area has to offer.
For most of the campgrounds within any of Nevada’s national parks or national forests, reservations can be made in advance through one of the official recreation websites. It is also a good idea to always check the official sites for reservation policies and other information before you decide to set off on your latest outdoor getaway.
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