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

We're all well aware of the handful of Nevada state parks that get the most traffic. Most outdoor enthusiasts can say they've been to places like Valley of Fire or Cathedral Gorge dozens of times. These places may get the most attention, but they are far from the only places that boast an abundance of natural beauty. The next time you're in the mood for exploring a lesser-known side of this amazing state, plan a trip to one of these state parks. The best part? You'll be far, far away from the crowds! Take a look - here are some of the best, most underrated state parks to visit in Nevada:

1. Beaver Dam State Park (Caliente)

Beaver Dam represents one of the most tranquil and pristine environments in Nevada. Here you'll find a landscape chock full of ponderosa forests, waterfalls, streams, wildlife, and more. It truly resembles something out of a dream. This remote area is also notable for being one of the first state parks established in Nevada. Do yourself a favor and spend an afternoon on The Overlook Trail which provides panoramic views of this stunning park.

2. Van Sickle Bi-State Park (Stateline)

Straddling the border of Nevada and California, Van Sickle is one of the few state parks in the country that exists in two states at once. The most notable feature of this park is the abundance of easily accessible hiking trails that take you around the Tahoe Basin. The Rim Trail Connector is by far one of the most stunning trails in the state and boasts epic views of Lake Tahoe in the distance. Read more about this beautiful and underrated state park here.

3. South Fork State Recreation Area (Spring Creek)

This lovely recreation area covers nearly 4,000 acres. Here you'll find the 1,650-acre South Fork Reservoir, marsh, meadows, and hills. The Ruby Mountains makes for the perfect backdrop to activities like hunting, fishing, swimming, and boating. The recreation area also offers a 25-site campground containing both primitive and developed camping. Learn more on the official website.

4. Cave Lake State Park (Ely)

This park's most well-known feature is the 32-acre reservoir that provides all types of recreation. Fishing is a popular activity at the reservoir since it's primarily stocked with rainbow trout and German brown trout. The reservoir was famously the site of the iconic Bathtub Boat Races that used to occur annually. The activities don't stop during winter. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, and skating are all popular activities to take part in at Cave Lake. Read more in this article.

5. Dayton State Park (Dayton)

Set along the banks of the Carson River, Dayton State Park is both rich in natural beauty and history. The park contains the remains of the old Rock Point Mill which was built back in 1861. The dilapidated remnants serve as a reminder to Dayton's mining days. You'll definitely want to take advantage of one of the park's ten pristine campsites. Learn more about Dayton, Nevada, in this article.

6. Echo Canyon State Park (Pioche)

Echo Canyon provides an endless amount of recreational opportunities all year long. The park contains a 65-acre reservoir that is perfect for swimming, boating, or fishing. The Great Basin landscape makes for the perfect place to camp out and immerse yourself in the canyon's natural beauty. Learn more about Echo Canyon in this article!

7. Rye Patch State Recreation Area (Lovelock)

Situated on a 22-mile long reservoir with an abundance of shoreline, Rye Patch State Recreation Area is a paradise during summertime. Enjoy a day of swimming or water-skiing, or explore one of the nearby hiking trails. The recreation area also makes for a great base camp when exploring nearby ghost towns. Check out this article for more information about Beaver Dam State Park.

How many of these underrated state parks have you been to? Can you think of any other parks that belong on this list? Be sure to check out our list of the Most Beautiful, Little Known Places In Nevada for more hidden gems.