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What cities come to mind when thinking of Nevada?
- When most people think of Nevada, they often think of Las Vegas and Reno.
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Is Nevada more than just its big cities?
- Yes, Nevada is much more than its flashy cities.
- The state is home to stunning parks and unique wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the United States.
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Why is camping a great way to explore Nevada?
- Camping allows visitors to fully experience everything Nevada’s outdoors has to offer.
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Where are the best places to camp in Nevada?
- Below are some of the best campgrounds to stay at while journeying through the state.
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1. Angel Creek Campground - 3.5 hours from Las Vegas
Camp by the creek, explore scenic trails, and enjoy a peaceful outdoor retreat surrounded by nature.
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 somewhat 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.
Wells, Nevada 89835, Phone: 775-752-3357
Travel Tips for Angel Creek Campground
- Seasonal Access – Open from late spring through early fall; check for snow or road closures.
- Scenic Location – Nestled in the East Humboldt Range with views of Angel Lake and nearby peaks.
- Basic Amenities – Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water.
- Elevation Alert – Located at over 6,000 feet; nights can be chilly even in summer.
- Wildlife Viewing – Watch for deer, mountain goats, and high-elevation bird species.
2. Atlatl Rock Campground - 1 hour from Las Vegas
Discover ancient petroglyphs, enjoy hiking, and relax in this tranquil, historical campground.
Located within 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. There are also a handful of ADA-accessible sites as well. Some amenities provided at this campground include showers, a dumping station, water, fire rings, and restrooms. This location is first-come-first-served, but reservations can be made for large groups.
Overton, Nevada 89040, Phone: 702-397-2088
Travel Tips for Atlatl Rock Campground
- Entrance Fee – $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents, $15 for non-residents.
- First-Come, First-Served – Campsites fill up quickly, especially in fall and spring.
- Modern Amenities – Campground includes shaded tables, fire rings, restrooms, and limited RV hook-ups.
- Nearby Attractions – Walk to ancient petroglyphs and iconic rock formations like Arch Rock.
- Weather Considerations – Best visited in cooler months; summer heat can be extreme.
3. Beaver Dam State Park
Explore scenic trails, enjoy fishing, and relax in this peaceful, nature-filled park.
Beaver Dam State Park rests on the eastern edge of Nevada and is only a few minutes away from the state’s border with 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 visitors will often see porcupines and jackrabbits wandering around. Beaver Dam State Park has two campgrounds visitors can stay at. These campgrounds come with features such as fire pits and picnic tables. From April to November, drinking water is also available.
Beaver Dam Road, Caliente, Nevada 89008, Phone: 775-728-4460
Travel Tips for Beaver Dam State Park
- Remote Location – Accessible via gravel roads; check road conditions before traveling.
- Rustic Camping – Campgrounds offer vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables—no hookups available.
- Fishing & Hiking – Enjoy trout fishing in Beaver Dam Wash and scenic trails through red rock canyons.
- Wildlife Spotting – Look for mule deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of songbirds.
- Best Time to Visit – Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer bugs.
4. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Discover fossil sites, explore hiking trails, and enjoy a unique, nature-filled experience in this historic park.
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park contains the remains of Berlin, a ghost town from the 1890s. Visitors to the park can 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. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park’s campground has 14 sites that are open each day of the year and have features such as grills, water, tables, and a dumping station. As with most Nevada state campgrounds, there is a 14-day staying limit.
State Route 844, Austin, Nevada 89310, Phone: 775-964-2440
Travel Tips for Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
- Historic & Prehistoric – Explore a preserved ghost town and the world’s largest ichthyosaur fossils.
- Limited Services – Primitive campsites with fire rings and picnic tables; no water or hookups.
- High Elevation – Located at 7,000 feet; expect cool nights even in summer.
- Guided Fossil Tours – Join ranger-led tours of the fossil shelter, offered seasonally.
- Access via Gravel Road – Roads are passable by most vehicles but can be rough—drive cautiously.
5. Bob Scott Campground
Camp under the stars, enjoy hiking, and unwind in the serene beauty of this scenic campground.
Hidden within the magnificent Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lies the Bob Scott Campground. The campground is surrounded by a thick pinyon-juniper forest and offers breathtaking views of the nearby Bob Scott Summit. Visitors might also see deer and elk sauntering by in search of food. The Bob Scott Campground is open from May to October with sites not being reservable. However, the campground will close in the event of snowfall. There aren’t many amenities available, but there is a restroom campers can use. 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.
US-50, Austin, Nevada 89310, Phone: 775-331-6444
Travel Tips for Bob Scott Campground
- Easy Access – Conveniently located off US Highway 50, just east of Austin, Nevada.
- Forest Setting – Enjoy shaded sites nestled among pinyon and juniper trees in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
- Camp Amenities – Offers picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water.
- Ideal for Stopovers – Great overnight spot for travelers exploring Nevada’s "Loneliest Road."
- Open Seasonally – Typically open late spring through early fall; check for weather-related closures.
6. Cathedral Gorge State Park
Explore unique canyons, enjoy hiking trails, and relax in the stunning natural beauty of this park.
Cathedral Gorge State Park is located in the southwestern portion of Nevada and is packed with rock formations that have been carved by erosion and heavy wind. The park gets its name from these impressive structures which are said to look as if they are a “cathedral”. This state park also has many hiking pathways that wind through the landscape. The Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground has over 22 sites, some of which are full hookups. Other amenities provided include grills, picnic tables, and water. There are a few fees required in order to stay here, including camping and day-use ones.
111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, Nevada 89042, Phone: 775-728-4460
Travel Tips for Cathedral Gorge State Park
- Stunning Scenery – Explore dramatic clay spires, slot canyons, and otherworldly rock formations.
- Developed Campground – Includes water, electric hookups, restrooms, showers, and shaded picnic areas.
- Great for Hiking – Enjoy easy trails like the Miller Point Trail and Cathedral Caves.
- Photography Paradise – Best light for photos is during golden hour and early morning.
- Mild Weather Seasons – Visit in spring or fall for comfortable temps and fewer crowds.
7. Cave Lake State Park
Enjoy water activities, hike scenic trails, and relax by the lake in this peaceful park.
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 hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing when here. This state park has two campgrounds you can stay at. These campgrounds are 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.
US Highway 93-Success Summit, Ely, Nevada 89301, Phone: 775-296-1505
Travel Tips for Cave Lake State Park
- Lake Recreation – Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the scenic 32-acre lake.
- Year-Round Access – Open all seasons with winter activities like ice fishing and snowshoeing.
- Campground Options – Offers developed and primitive sites with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
- Hiking & Wildlife – Trails lead through alpine terrain with chances to spot deer and eagles.
- Cool Mountain Climate – Located at over 7,000 feet, making it a refreshing summer escape.
8. Echo Canyon State Park
Explore scenic trails, enjoy fishing, and unwind in the beautiful, quiet surroundings of this park.
Situated toward the eastern edge of Nevada is Echo Canyon State Park. This stunning state park is surrounded by historic ranches and contains the Echo Canyon Reservoir. Fishers often stop by the reservoir to search for trout and bass. While here, you might also see one of the many bird species that live in the park fly overhead, like herons, owls, and vultures. Echo Canyon State Park has two campgrounds. The first campground, located 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 provided at these camping areas include water, restrooms, and a dumping station.
State Route 322, Pioche, Nevada 89043, Phone: 775-962-5103
Travel Tips for Echo Canyon State Park
- Reservoir Activities – Fish, kayak, or canoe on the peaceful Echo Canyon Reservoir.
- Two Campgrounds – Choose from developed sites with hookups or primitive spots near the water.
- Great for Hiking – Explore the 2.5-mile Ash Canyon Trail with scenic canyon and wildlife views.
- Birdwatching Haven – Spot waterfowl, hawks, and songbirds in the riparian areas.
- Mild Seasons Best – Visit in spring or fall for ideal weather and fewer crowds.
9. Fort Churchill State Historic Park
Discover historic sites, enjoy hiking, and relax in this scenic, cultural park.
Fort Churchill State Historic Park is filled with the remains of an old U.S. Army fort, railroad station, and part of a Pony Express route. In addition to its rich history, this park is also packed with plenty of breathtaking natural wonders that include the Carson River and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Fort Churchill State Historic Park’s campground has 20 sites that have a 14-day stay limit and are not reservable. Amenities provided at the campground include fire rings, picnic tables, grills, and toilets. There is also a group camping area available that can be reserved by calling the park’s main office.
10000 US-95 ALT, Silver Springs, Nevada 89429, Phone: 775-577-2345
Travel Tips for Fort Churchill State Historic Park
- Historic Ruins – Walk among preserved adobe structures from an 1860s U.S. Army fort.
- Interpretive Trails – Explore self-guided trails with signs detailing the fort’s history and desert ecology.
- Camping Available – Shaded campsites with tables, fire pits, and nearby restrooms—no hookups.
- Visitor Center – Learn about the region’s military and pioneer past through exhibits and artifacts.
- Best in Cooler Months – Visit in spring or fall to avoid extreme summer heat.
10. Great Basin National Park
Explore ancient caves, hike scenic trails, and enjoy breathtaking views in this tranquil national park.
Great Basin National Park is close to the Utah border and holds part of the Great Basin Desert and South Snake Mountains. This national park is also known for being home to Wheeler Peak which is believed to be one of the tallest mountains in the area. Other highlights in the park include the Lehman Caves, massive wildflower fields, and large pinyon pine forests. There are five campgrounds located within Great Basin National Park that are located in various sections of it. While most come with amenities such as water and restrooms, a few are primitive. The campgrounds are usually open from May to October, but its Lower Lehman Creek Campground is available year-round.
100 Great Basin National Park, Baker, Nevada 89311, Phone: 775-234-7331
Travel Tips for Great Basin National Park
- Diverse Landscapes – Explore ancient bristlecone pines, alpine lakes, and the 13,063-ft Wheeler Peak.
- Lehman Caves Tours – Reserve a guided tour to see stunning marble formations underground.
- Multiple Campgrounds – Choose from five seasonal campgrounds; no hookups, but some sites accommodate RVs.
- Stargazing Destination – Recognized for some of the darkest night skies in the U.S.—ideal for astronomy.
- Elevation Awareness – Weather varies with altitude; pack layers and be prepared for cooler temperatures year-round.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Angel Creek Campground - 3.5 hours from Las Vegas
- 2. Atlatl Rock Campground - 1 hour from Las Vegas
- 3. Beaver Dam State Park
- 4. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
- 5. Bob Scott Campground
- 6. Cathedral Gorge State Park
- 7. Cave Lake State Park
- 8. Echo Canyon State Park
- 9. Fort Churchill State Historic Park
- 10. Great Basin National Park