Being able to call Nevada home means that we get the luxury of having some of America's most beautiful and historic state parks right in our backyard. Just under an 8-hour drive away from each other are two of our state's most jaw-dropping parks that everyone needs to visit. If you've grown up here, then chances are you most likely have visited both the Valley of Fire and Lake Tahoe State Parks. Which of these two state parks to visit in Nevada is the best?
So the question is: if it came down to it, which one would you recommend to a visitor? Which one of these wonderful getaways would you call your favorite? Let's see what they have to offer!
Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest and largest state park. You can find this other-worldly slice of heaven in the Mojave Desert open year-round.
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The park covers 35,000 acres and has jaw-dropping geological formations.
Pictured above, you can see the Elephant Rock, a popular formation for visitors to stop and see. You'll also find petrified wood and other natural wonders while you're exploring.
And there's nothing quite like taking a drive along the Valley of Fire Highway.
If you're having one of those moments where nothing but a scenic drive can solve all of your problems, then taking a trip through the Valley of Fire may be perfect for you!
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Being in the oldest state park in Nevada means you'll find yourself fascinated by all of its history.
Built back in the 1930's for travelers, the historic cabins pictured above are a popular site to photograph. Nothing but stunning scenery, all throughout the park you'll find plenty of areas that have become favorite spots for newlyweds to take their wedding pictures. This area included.
There's nothing like visiting during spring while all of the plants are in bloom.
From hiking to easy picnics, there's nothing like dedicating time to exploring this vibrant valley. While walking along the trails, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for our unique wildlife!
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Camping here is incredible, a truly once-in-a-life time experience.
From our fire waves to open blue skies, we'll send you home with a memory card full of unbelievable photos! There's no doubt that this is one of the best state parks in Nevada!
Next up, we have a state park that offers the complete opposite scenery - but it's ALSO one of the best parks in Nevada.
Here you'll find over 50-miles of hiking trails, bringing you through our own piece of paradise. One of the most popular trails to explore in this state park is the 4.4-mile long Flume Trail.
If you're into spending the day laid out on a huge sandy beach, then our popular Sand Harbor is the place for you.
As many of us already know, 40 percent of Lake Tahoe is made up of precipitated water that falls directly onto the lake, creating a heavenly body of water that's more clear than you could ever imagine!
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Another reason to love this park? Spooner Lake Backcountry.
Offering you something the Valley of Fire can't, at Spooner Lake you'll be able to enjoy a day of catch and release fishing!
So, what's your final verdict? Valley of Fire State Park or Lake Tahoe State Park? If someone is looking for things to do outside in Nevada, either one is a wonderful option.
Do you prefer to be in the valley exploring our historical and natural formations? Or is getting a view of the water more appealing to you?
It's hard to choose just one, or is it? I think we can all agree that these are two of the best state parks to visit in Nevada, and both deserve the title of best state parks in the state! If you're not done exploring our state just yet, then check out these 12 Natural Wonders Of Nevada That Should Be On Your Bucket List!
Echo Canyon Reservoir in Nevada is a great place to fish! You may never have heard of this reservoir before, but you're going to love all 65 acres of it and the state park - Echo Canyon State Park - that surrounds it. This park and reservoir are about three hours north of Las Vegas; it's remote out there, and as a result, it's relatively unknown. However, when you arrive at this beautiful place, you're sure to fall in love with it quickly, and you'll want to return time and time again - especially after you catch a whole bunch of fish! Read on to learn more about it.
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Echo Canyon Reservoir is large, blue, and beautiful. Echo Dam was built in 1969-1970 for water storage and flood control, and also for water-based recreation in this area. The surrounding area is known as Dry Valley, so you can see why there was a need for a reservoir here!
Echo Canyon State Park was established in 1970 and it's been popular ever since. The reservoir is a perfect place for boating and swimming and it's home to waterfowl including ducks and herons.
Further, Echo Canyon State Park is lovely in general and is worth exploring. You'll see eagles, hawks, and songbirds all around the reservoir. You may also see rabbits, coyotes, deer, and even bobcats here. The Ash Canyon Trail leads 2.5 miles from the shore of the reservoir into the park's backcountry.
If you love fishing or hunting in Nevada, you'll love the new camo collection from our friends at Wear Your Roots and Realtree. These cozy t-shirts and sweatshirts are the perfect complement to life outdoors – and we always love having a hoodie with us for those chilly mornings and evenings spent waiting for the fish to bite. Use code NEVADA10 for 10% off your order!
You're going to love everything about fishing and relaxing at the remote Echo Canyon Reservoir in Nevada and Echo Canyon State Park. This place is really special. Plan a visit soon and before long you'll be saying, "So long, and thanks for all the fish!" (Sorry- I had to get a Douglas Adams reference in there! Ha!)
Do you need camping gear for your grand adventure? Check out REI.com to get everything that you'll need!
Nevada is a state that way too often gets overlooked almost entirely in favor of one particular, lit-up strip in Las Vegas. But the Silver State is so much MORE than just casinos and world-class entertainment; we’re also home to 24 stunning state parks, for example, and every last one is definitely worth the effort it takes to visit. In fact, we felt like putting together a shortlist of all the best state parks in our little state – no matter what the occasion might be. This state is so much more than just one or two places; it’s an amazingly diverse place with just about every landscape you can imagine somewhere at some point. Come explore Nevada through our incredible state parks.
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Most Popular State Parks In Nevada
With 24 awesome parks to pick from, it’s no secret as to why it’s such a blast to go outside in Nevada. Of course, some of our state parks are more popular than others – many of our parks see hundreds of thousands of visitors every year while others might only fetch a thousand or so. So, which of our incredible Nevada state parks are the most popular? Check them out; the most popular Nevada state parks might just surprise you.
Wow Factor: The fiery orange and red of the incredible rock formations all over this park are nothing short of jaw-dropping. The entire landscape looks alien in its surrealism; you’ll think you’ve found yourself on another planet instead of lil’ ol’ Nevada.
Need To Know: Bring sunscreen and water, for hydration and sun safety are key.
With incredible, ancient petroglyphs painted on 10,000-year-old sandstone outcroppings all layered and sandwiched in with limestone of tan and grey, this amazing state park in Nevada is a must-see for everyone – locals, natives, EVERYONE. There are plenty of things to do at Valley of Fire State Park, but you might just be too busy collecting your jaw up off the ground every 30 or so seconds to do any of it. But, if you get the chance, this is one incredible Nevada state park that’s amazing year-round. We’re honestly surprised that it’s not a National Park yet.
Wow Factor: Lake Tahoe is utterly incredible, and this state park highlights all of its wonders in one convenient place. It’s the largest Alpine lake in North America, and it’s truly a sight to behold. The mountain views are to die for, and the hiking trails here are second to none.
Need To Know: There is no camping offered at Sand Harbor, so plan accordingly. Check out the Visitors Center and get all the details about a self-guided tour of this incredible place. Daily use entry fees are $10 per vehicle and $20 for the boat launch – $25 for non-Nevada vehicles.
Lake Tahoe is shared between us here in Nevada and our neighbors in California, and this stunning lake has become one of America’s favorites over the decades. There are all sorts of things to do at Lake Tahoe State Park, from world-class fishing and kayaking to mountain biking, picnicking, and plenty more. Be sure to check out Cave Rock, too, and its amazing beach. Sand Harbor is the best spot to turn into your headquarters, as it’s steps from the beach and offers up boat ramps and more. This one’s a must-do for locals and just about everyone else, too.
Wow Factor: This one’s a must-do for lovers of natural beauty – this region is incredibly beautiful – as well as the history buffs, because wandering through this park is like taking a brief trip through time. It’s wondrous!
Need To Know: Entry fees are $10 for Nevada vehicles, and $15 for non-Nevada vehicles. Park hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to check before you go no matter what time of year it is.
Once upon a time, this was the first working ranch in the Las Vegas Valley. Now, there are many things to do at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, and it becomes obvious almost right away as to why it’s so beloved amongst Americans from here, there and everywhere. The ranch is stunning, and you can explore some of the oldest still-standing buildings in the Silver State. Thanks to the elevation being a little higher around here, the birdwatching is amazing and you can expect to see all kinds of wildlife as well.
Parks With The Best Camping In Nevada
Camping is one of the oldest known human pastimes. Even back in the days before time was measured in any sort of way, setting up camp was a daily, nightly, or both kind of thing for ancient peoples all over the world. Today, we get to camp for fun – and our state parks are some truly awesome places for just such an occasion. Some of our state parks are so perfect for camping in Nevada that we can’t help but list them here. Check these spots out if you ever desire an amazing camping trip in Nevada.
Wow Factor: Echo Canyon is astonishingly beautiful – an oasis where desert meets water in the most beautiful of ways. From towering rock spires to deep canyons that’ll make you feel like you’re in Arizona instead to a sparkling body of water just waiting to be explored, this one’s a scenic photographer’s paradise and an amazing place to wake up at.
With a 65-acre lake just begging for recreation to the 33 amazing campsites, RV campground with 20 full hookup sites, and more, the things to do at Echo Canyon State Park never seem to end. The boat launch ensures anyone interested in getting on the water can easily do so, and the trails are incredible. Do the Ash Canyon Trail and explore the backcountry; hikers love the scenery and awe-inspiring sunsets and/or sunrises. It’s open all year, but we especially love it in the winter, when it may or may not be dusted in a light layer of snow.
Wow Factor: With utterly incredible views of several mountain ranges (the Sierra Nevadas, Carsons, and Virginia), Washoe Lake State Park is a favorite among campers who love the outdoors as much as they love the water.
Need To Know: Washoe Lake State Park charges an entry fee of $5 per vehicle with NV plates and $10 for non-NV license plates. $15/night NV residents; $20/night for non-residents. There's an additional $10 for utility hookups.
This impressive campground has 49 sites - each with its own grill, fire pit, and picnic table. There is a shower available in one of the bathhouses, too, which is wonderfully convenient. This state park offers boating and areas for horseback riding and you can camp here year-round! When you get out into the park, you'll be treated to views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains as well as the Carson and Virginia Mountains. And, of course, Washoe Lake is at the center of it all. Residents of nearby Reno and Carson City love this one for day trips, weekend outings, and, of course, camping trips. The list of things to do at Washoe Lake State Park includes fishing, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, camping, boating, hiking, and even equestrian activities. Come check it out and fall in love with Nevada’s great outdoors.
Wow Factor: Wildlife, water, and geology – oh my! This amazing state park in Nevada is perfect for a spring adventure thanks to all the wildflowers (and wildlife). Everywhere you turn you’ll find streams and/or waterfalls, and the hiking trails here are second to none.
Need To Know: Beaver Dam State Park charges a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle with NV plates and $10 for non-NV license plates. $15/night NV residents; $20/night for non-residents. Note that there is no electric power available in the park.
As a designated Watchable Wildlife Area, you’re bound to see all sorts of critters while you’re here, and that’s part of what we love about it. There are loads of other things to do at Beaver Dam State Park, though fishing and camping are the two big ones. This 2,000-acre park is situated along the Nevada-Utah border and is a quiet, peaceful park for camping short-term or long-term. When you hike around this state park, you'll encounter streams, waterfalls, forests, and awe-inspiring rock outcroppings. There are two campgrounds here and each is equipped with its own fire pit and picnic table. Drinking water is only available from April through November but you can camp here any time of year.
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Best Nevada State Parks To RV
Camping is fun for lots of folks, but we love some good old-fashioned (or should we say new-fashioned?) “glamping” as well. Glamping is a step or two above camping but below a hotel room – like an RV, yurt, or dome. Of course, some of our state parks are wonderful for those who love to RV. RVing in Nevada has never been better than when it takes place in our state parks – and here are a couple of the downright best state parks in the Silver State to RV:
Wow Factor: Valley of Fire State Park is already amazing (so much so that this is technically the second time it makes this list because we just couldn’t resist keeping this campground in), so imagine how awesome it is to wake up (and go to sleep) here. It’s easily one of the most beautiful places in Nevada, and this is the best campground you can book here.
Need To Know: Park entry fees are $10 for in-state residents and $15 for out-of-state folks. Sites with water and electricity are available; it’s an extra $10 per night for RVs.
We’ve already discussed a few of the more famous things to do at Valley of Fire State Park, considering it’s one of the most amazingly popular parks in the whole state. But this incredible campground is awesome enough to warrant a special mention, so we figured #7 would do. Celebrate the red sandstone (Aztec sandstone, to be specific) and other sandstone formations of this incredible park by parking your RV here for a bit. With lots of trails, awesome picnic areas, and more, you just can’t possibly go wrong.
Wow Factor: This gorgeous Nevada state park is another filled with geological wonders and highlights the beauty of southern Nevada wonderfully. A long time ago, this was a volcanic field, ever-changing with the rest of the landscape – and the landscape it “settled” on is pretty incredible.
Need To Know: Entry is $5 for in-state vehicles, $10 for out-of-state vehicles. Camping is $15 per vehicle per night, or $20 for out-of-state folks. Add another $10 for utility hookups, if desired.
Parking the RV at this amazing state park in Nevada that kind of feels more like Colorado in a lot of ways is a privilege all too few ever get to experience. There are lots of fun things to do at Cathedral Gorge State Park, so parking the RV and staying a while (up to 14 days, as with all our state parks) is a great idea. Hiking here is excellent, with backcountry not too far away and with most of the more remote parts of the park accessible via a four-mile loop hike. This area is peaceful now, but once upon a time, it was a region filled with lava and volcanic activity.
Wow Factor: The beautiful Carson River flows right through this state park, offering yet another awesome recreation area for locals and visitors alike to fall in love with. The park is nestled at the base of the Virginia Range, and it’s oh-so-breathtaking. Be sure to check out the old parts of what’s now a decaying ghost town within the park, like the Rock Point Mill, which was built in 1861.
Need To Know: As with most of our state parks in Nevada, it’s $5 for in-state residents and $10 for out-of-state visitors. Camping is $15 per vehicle with in-state plates, per night, and $20 per vehicle with out-of-state plates. There are ten RV sites, which can accommodate RVs up to 34 feet. Flush toilets and a dump station are available.
The list of things to do at Dayton State Park is probably longer than the park itself is... just saying. Dayton State Park is our smallest state park, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in scenery and historical significance. Just 12 miles east of Carson City, this amazing park is mighty in its awesomeness and makes for an excellent day trip. Geocaching is a popular activity here, and campers can often find many different caches all over the park if they look hard enough. This might have been one of Nevada’s original settlements, but goodness, it’s amazing to this very day.
Best State Parks For Hiking In Nevada
If camping is everyone’s favorite ancient pastime, then hiking must be a close second. And we don’t blame anyone whatsoever: hiking in Nevada is an incredibly amazing time, and with dozens of campgrounds scattered across numerous state parks, state recreation areas, and more, you’ll never get bored. Should you be looking for the greatest Nevada state parks for hiking, check these amazing options out.
Wow Factor: The 32-acre lake within this park is definitely the draw for most, as it’s quite beautiful (and a rather interesting shade of turquoise blue). You have four absolutely amazing hiking trails to choose from, so pick wisely... or just make sure to do them all.
Need To Know: You know the drill: $5 for in-state residents and $10 for out-of-state residents. Some of the trails are challenging; wear good footwear and know your limits.
Like all of our awesome state parks, the things to do at Cave Lake State Park are many and the worries are few. Hiking is one of the most popular activities here, and exploring this park on foot is an awesome way to truly experience it in the best of ways: fully immersed. The easiest trail is the Steptoe Creek Trail; it’s just three miles long and starts at the lower parking lot, crosses the creek, and then meanders back using Success Summit Road. The other hikes at this park are challenging to difficult, so know your limits and hike carefully!
Wow Factor: Lake Tahoe is ridiculously amazing. Truly. If you’ve never seen it, you’ve never lived. Everyone ought to experience it at least once, even if it means traveling across an ocean to do so. It’s easily one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and you can explore it some more at this lesser-known sub-park.
Need To Know: This park is free, like a lot of the nicest things in life.
One of our favorite things to do at Van Sickle Bi-State Park is to play the “in one state, now in another” game with California and Nevada. So, sure, while the mailing address for this park within a park is in California, it’s also Nevada’s, too. Hiking here is spectacular thanks to its excellent views of the lake, and our favorite trail (linked up above) leads to not one but two awesome “secret” waterfalls. Nevada (and California) is truly at its best here, and the hiking trails are world-class perfection.
Wow Factor: Not terribly far from Cave Lake State Park, this historic park in Nevada is a favorite among hikers thanks to springtime wildflowers, interesting historical points of interest, and more. Be sure to check out the ovens while you’re here – after all, they’re the reason for the whole park in the first place.
Need To Know: The usual $5 for in-state visitors and $10 for out-of-state visitors. Camping is popular here, too, so hikers might want to consider pitching a tent for a night or two. The American Discovery Trail is 6,800 miles long, and 500 of those miles are right through Nevada – including within this park. Score.
Of all the things to do at Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, we suspect our favorite thing is probably exploring the very, very old historic coke ovens that are still intact at this park. These ovens were in use from 1876 to 1879, and due to their aging forms, no climbing is permitted on them. Look, but don’t climb – help preserve this amazing historic spot for generations to come. Wildlife watching is popular, as well as fishing and hiking. In the winter, the trails are popular for snowshoeing – there's always something going on, no matter what time of year it might be.
Nevada's Best, Little-Known State Parks
Everyone loves a hidden gem, right? We do, too, and with two dozen of these parks in Nevada it’s easy to lose a couple thanks to their slipping through the cracks. Thankfully, we’ve been able to pick out some of our least-visited, little-known state parks ahead of time. Here’s a handful of our favorite hidden gem state parks in Nevada – enjoy!
Wow Factor: This hidden gem of a state park is partially made up of the suspended-in-death remains of an old ghost town. Many of its original structures remain standing, and anyone interested in urban exploration and/or ghost towns will fall in love with this park (and the town contained within).
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Need To Know: The usual $5 for in-state visitors and $10 for out-of-state visitors. Wear good shoes! The hiking here is good and the archaeology is even better.
We’re not sure what belongs at the top of the list of things to do at Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park more: the ghost town, or the dinosaurs for which the whole park is named. 225 million years ago, dinosaurs known as Ichthyosaur roamed the area, and nowadays the park is home to the single largest concentration of remains of these creatures on the planet. Trails run through the old mine site, the old town, and into the dino area; it seems like an odd dichotomy of attractions, but honestly, it’s so perfectly Nevada and we love it. Hiking through the trails will lead you on a self-guided tour, with plenty of info along the way.
Wow Factor: How on EARTH is this amazing park such a secret still?? We don’t know, but we think it’s silly. This stunning oasis in the middle of the desert features bubbling natural springs that murmur in the background as you wander a gorgeous canyon lush with trees. Lovers of wildlife, keep your eyes peeled: it’s not unusual to spot a wild horse or two.
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Need To Know: The usual $5 for in-state visitors and $10 for out-of-state visitors. Remember that thing we said about good shoes? Definitely do those here, too. The terrain is a little... interesting. If you plan to camp, there are four first-come, first-served sites, and the rest are all reservable online.
The breathtaking landscape of this beautiful Nevada state park is reminiscent of somewhere more like northern California than lil ol’ Nevada, but here we are, and it’s all ours. There is an assortment of awesome things to do at Kershaw-Ryan State Park including wading in the spring-fed pool, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and picnicking (just remember to pack out what you pack in); this state park is one you’ll need at least a day or two to fully explore. For those who enjoy sports, you can play volleyball and/or horseshoes here. It’s worthy of a family camping trip for sure... and with fewer crowds, you can’t go wrong.
Wow Factor: With 72 lovely miles of shoreline and 11,000 acres of water surface, this incredible reservoir makes for one of the best in the state – and it seems like so few people even know it’s here!
Need To Know: The usual $5 for in-state visitors and $10 for out-of-state visitors.
With 2,400 amazing acres to explore, the lengthy list of things to do at Rye Patch State Recreation Area makes it even more worth it to visit for at least a day or so. Camping here is quite popular among those who know it’s here, with flush toilets and hot showers. This is also one of the “newest” parks in the state, having been established back in 1971. The fishing here is incredible, and the boat launch makes everything much easier. You can visit the super-crowded Great Basin National Park, or you can head a few hours southeast to this one, where you can avoid most of the crowds the National Park will have.
Summary
Nevada is an amazing place, wouldn’t you say? Truly, it’s so much more than just desert and casinos; it’s an amazingly livable, incredibly explorable state with 24 stunning state parks to pick from. Beyond that, our state and county parks are also amazing, with more hiking and biking trails, more camping, and more... well, everything! This short list of just 15 amazing parks in Nevada is just the beginning – be sure to explore others not mentioned here, too, because they’re just as amazing. Enjoy!
