Nevada has some of the most beautiful state parks you’ll ever see. Beautiful lakes, lush mountain forests, and scenic canyons are just a few of the things you’ll encounter if you’re fortunate enough to visit our state parks. And if you enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, boating, and exploring nature – Nevada has you covered! If you’re looking for some road trip inspiration, we have10 state parks in Nevada that are stunningly beautiful, and absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

Related Stories

Valley Of Fire State Park Is The Single Best State Park In Nevada And It's Just Waiting To Be Explored

Valley Of Fire State Park Is The Single Best State Park In Nevada And It's Just Waiting To Be Explored

10 Reasons To Drop Everything And Visit Nevada's Newest State Park

10 Reasons To Drop Everything And Visit Nevada's Newest State Park

7 Lesser-Known State Parks In Nevada That Will Absolutely Amaze You

7 Lesser-Known State Parks In Nevada That Will Absolutely Amaze You

If you’ve been to any of these Nevada state parks, please feel free to share your experience(s) in the comments below. If you have a favorite Nevada state park that’s not a part of this list (and for that I apologize), please feel free to share that, too!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

State Parks In Nevada

What are the best outdoor adventures in Nevada?

Nevada natives are blessed to live in a state that is home to a wealth of outdoor activities to satisfy our adventurous spirits. Cave lovers are captivated by the beautiful marble Lehman Caves located at Great Basin National Park. Explore over 300 rare shield formations and marvel at the park’s breathtaking landscape. Just west of the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon is Nevada's first designated National Conservation Area. Spend a day traversing the canyon’s thrilling hiking trails on foot or bike. Wildlife lovers may not know that nearly half of the free-roaming wild horses in the U.S. call Nevada home. Pack a picnic and venture out to find one of the many great spots for horse and burro watching.

Which hikes in Nevada are short and sweet?

When you want to get back to nature for a quick bit of fresh air, visit one of The Silver State’s many short and sweet nature trails. Among the best parks in Nevada is The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge located in Alamo offering hikers 3.7 miles of easily traversable and peaceful paths meandering the stunning natural beauty. A favorite hike within the Red Rock Canyon is The Potato Knoll. This 4.7-mile trail leads visitors through otherworldly rock formations where beautiful cacti dot the landscape.  The Calico Basin is also home to unforgettably incredible rock formations. There, hike the 4 mile Kraft Mountain Loop Trail and surround yourself with rugged beauty.

Are there any good swimming holes in Nevada?

Nevada’s rocky terrain offers nature lovers an abundance of great spots to take a cool dip on a warm day. One of the best places to visit is Whitewater Park at Rock Park in Sparks, offering visitors five drop pools for water sports like kayaking and tubing. It’s also an excellent destination for families with plenty of kid-friendly water play areas. Go swimming or tubing at Panaca’s “The Spring”,  a naturally-fed, Olympic-sized pool of clear, 85-degree water. It’s a great spot for family fun, the waters are only about three-feet deep. In the Railroad Valley, Big Water Spring boasts the largest geothermal hot spring in the state. Naturally heated with temperatures hovering around 91-93 degrees, this beloved spot is also a sacred site of the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe, a designated critical habitat of Railroad Valley Spring Fish.

Explore Nevada