The wilds of eastern Nevada
Photo by: Susan H. (Stock Exchange)

Good morning! A bit ago on AllCampgrounds, we began to explore Nevada by focusing on the best in tent camping. As we learned, there are a lot of huge, well-developed state and national parks offering a true glimpse of the sometimes harsh, but always serene beauty of this desert landscape.

There’s also great lakefront camping! But, admittedly, the weather can be harsh for non-locals, and that may make tent camping a challenge. That’s where RV camping comes in, and Nevada has enough RV parks for anyone! So, as we continue our 50 States Series, it’s on to RV camping Nevada!

Great RV Parks Throughout Nevada …

It would take a book to catalog all the RV camps in Nevada, nevermind one blog post! But here are some of the top RV camping destinations. Note that many RV camps in Nevada are actually “RV resorts” — featuring camp-style landscaping alongside the kind of amenities you’d expect from a 4-star hotel. This may not fit everyone’s definition of “camping”, but many of these resorts are reasonably priced, and you can’t beat the features.

Las Vegas RV Resort: It just wouldn’t be Nevada if I got away with not mentioning Las Vegas a single time. This park is located in the city proper, but don’t be fooled by the glitz and glamor: there’s nothing “crazy” about Las Vegas RV Resort. Just plenty of great sites with full hookups, including both back-in and pull-through. Amenities include a spa, pool, fitness room, laundry, and plenty of handicapped accessible facilities.

Longstreet RV Park: On the other hand, if you’re in the Vegas area, maybe you want to embrace it. Longstreet RV Park is associated with the hotel and casino of the same name, so you can combine your camping with a little bit of wagering. The park includes 51 unique sites, with full access to all the amenities of the hotel included in every stay.

Bonanza Terrace RV Park Accommodating rigs up to 50 feet, with 50 amp service in most sites and wireless internet, Bonanza Terrace is located just outside of Reno, Nevada. Another strong entry in the specialized Nevada niche of RV camps that are also casinos, it’s right across from the Bonanza Casino, with table games and slot machines. Bonanza Terrace also features a propane filling station and secured storage area.

Chief Sleep Easy RV Park: With 62 sites offering full hookup and 30 or 50 amp service, Chief Sleep Easy provides itself (himself?) on high-quality cell phone reception, free wireless ‘net, clean bathrooms, and a top of the line clubhouse including big screen, satellite TV. At 26 years of age, it’s fairly well-established by RV park standards, but that doesn’t mean the facilities are old or poor; it lays claim to the title “cleanest in the area.”

Red Rock Canyon, outside Las Vegas
Photo by: John Evans (Stock Exchange)

Hello again from AllCampgrounds!

Today, we continue on our quest to camp all 50 states by dropping in on the camping scene in Nevada. Not the first place you think of when you think camping?

You’re not alone: millions of people flock to Las Vegas every year, but only a fraction go out and enjoy the state’s many camp grounds.

We’re going to do our small part to change that today, introducing you to some of Nevada’s great tent camping opportunities. RV camping, which is a good deal more widespread, will follow soon!

When camping in Nevada, you’ll want to avoid the summers, where the mid-day heat can easily exceed 110 degrees. Winters are more mild, but night-time temp in the winter can also be severe, while daily temperatures are a welcoming 40-60 degrees. Snow is virtually non-existent, but tents and bedrolls need to be well-constructed and well-insulated. Also, be aware of water: conserve during the evening and stay well-hydrated in the day. Heat exhaustion can happen before you know it, and sunscreen is a must!

Tent Camping in Nevada …

Valley of Fire State Park: At first glance it might seem like the Nevada wilderness is “empty”, but places like Valley of Fire prove it’s anything but. Marked by fascinating formations of red sandstone, Valley of Fire is the state’s oldest, and also it’s largest, state park. It includes over 70 camp grounds with shaded tables, grills, restroom facilities, and water. All campsites in Valley of Fire are “first come, first serve.”

Lake Tahoe: Beautiful Lake Tahoe is one of the largest lakes in North America. Shared between California and Nevada, it’s a developed tourist destination in its own right, dotted with lodges and luxury hotels that offer fishing, boating, and winter sports. For the camping crowd, Tahoe has just as many great opportunities in store. On the Nevada side, there are three state parks in the Tahoe area. Combined, these offer dozens of developed sites, as well as beautiful backcountry for hiking, riding, and biking.

Walker Lake: Lake Tahoe may be one of the most famous, but it’s by no means the only lake around. For those who find the idea of 100-degree heat a little bit oppressive, lakefront camping offers huge advantages, and Walker Lake in western Nevada is a great choice. At Sportsman’s Beach, the top location for fishing, you’ll find 31 campsites and two undeveloped areas. Once again, stock up on water: developed sites include vault toilets as your free “camping bathroom”, but there is no drinking water, which many other Nevada camp grounds provide.

There are many other state parks and private camp grounds around Nevada. For a handy chart containing information on state park fees, click here. We’ll look at RV camping in the area soon!