When it comes to the West, every state has some incredible destinations. Nevada is often overlooked and it's really a hidden gem for RVers and road trips in general. More than half of the state is public land. In fact, 63 percent is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). With such an abundance of public spaces, your camping options are nearly unlimited.
Moreover, you will find unique landscapes, geological features, charming small towns and wide open spaces. Add a few hot springs to your route, drive alongside wild horses and take a trip back in time by touring old ghost towns and mining camps. The history, rugged terrain and variety of destination types make for an unforgettable road trip.
Lake Tahoe
I'm starting with the obvious and one of the most trafficked destinations in Nevada. Lake Tahoe straddles the Nevada/California border and its crystal clear waters and mountain surroundings attract tourists from around the globe. It has world-class hiking, boating, snow sports and more. Some visitors come to gamble and see concerts and entertainment. Others visit for the natural surroundings and outdoor opportunities.
RVers will find both private and public camping options on the lake. The areas around Stateline and Zephyr Cove are excellent options on the Nevada side of the border. Make reservations well in advance because sites fill quickly in the summer months. For winter visitors, consider camping closer to Reno where the weather is mild. You can reach the lake and many of the ski areas and resorts within an hour of driving.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
At the southern end of Nevada, you will find a stunning canyon surprisingly close to Las Vegas. If you prefer open space and starry nights over the big city, hit the canyon for epic hikes, world-class rock climbing and amazing views. It has a 13-mile scenic drive through unique red canyons. More than 20 hiking and biking trails also make it easy to stay active while touring the park.
The park does offer a single campground without any developed services beyond a vault toilet. There are also endless options nearby. It's a short drive to Las Vegas where lodging options are abundant. Many casinos and resorts have RV parking attached. This makes Red Rock Canyon unique because you can combine a luxury experience with outdoor adventures.
For a quieter scene, consider staying in Pahrump or one of the smaller surrounding communities. You can boondock on BLM lands or utilize one of the many great RV parks in the region. Keep in mind that summer has extreme heat in this area. It's perfect for a winter RV trip, however.
Great Basin National Park
Caving, camping and trails are the cornerstones of this under-the-radar national park. The Great Basin is an expansive region encompassing large portions of Northern Nevada and Utah. This park represents a small segment of the ecosystem and it's a serious outdoor paradise. You can take a scenic drive through the bristlecone pines or hike Wheeler Peak.
The number of roads and trails is impressive throughout the park. Snake Creek and Strawberry Creek are both gravel roads worth exploring. If you have a serious 4x4, hit the Lexington Creek road to reach the backcountry.
For a big hike, hit the 12-mile Baker and Johnson Lakes Loop. Bring a fishing rod because both have trout swimming in the clear waters. You can reach each individual lake without completing a big loop as well. It's roughly 5 miles for each trip if you want to focus on a single lake.
Many visitors come to see the unique Lehman Caves system. Park tours lead you into the caves where stalactites and stalagmites are present. It's a fantastic trip to take within the park. When you're not busy in the caves and hiking trails, the park has amazing stargazing, great fishing and you can even gather pine nuts!
Ruby Mountains
Elko is a town everyone should visit on a Nevada road trip. Stop in for some Basque food and enjoy the local culture before hitting the mountains. From Elko, you can quickly drive to Spring Creek, a gateway to the Ruby Mountains. South Fork State Recreation Area is nearby for trout and bass fishing. It also has spacious campsites that are ideal for RVers.
In the Ruby Mountains, you might mistake the scenery for something more akin to Glacier National Park. Jagged peaks, high mountain lakes and rugged trails shared with wildlife are the norm here. Lamoille Canyon in fall colors might be one of the most beautiful places in the western United States as well.
In the Rubies, peaks reach over 11,000 feet and rare species like Himalayan Snowcocks and Mountains Goats occupy the high country. Hiking, fishing and horseback riding are popular activities but adrenaline seekers can go heli-skiing for a serious thrill. This is a hidden gem when it comes to remote and rugged mountains. Plan a trip, camp out and take advantage of the jaw-dropping scenery.
Black Rock Desert
You've likely heard of the famous Burning Man gathering in Nevada. It takes place in the Black Rock Desert which falls within the Great Basin ecosystem. Dry lakebeds here were once oceans and they still support specialized species from the old days. Alkaline lakes have large cutthroat trout and the dry lakebeds even have a shrimp species that lies dormant until it rains.
The “Playa” is the main attraction in the Black Rock and it’s essentially a giant, dry lake bed. Off-roading is a favorite activity here. If you tote a dirt bike on the RV, definitely hit this spot. There are also desert hikes, hot springs and plenty of open space. Services are limited fo grab supplies and gas in Gerlach or visit the Pyramid Pauite Reservation for supplies and licenses to recreate on reservation land.
Hoover Dam
Concrete doesn't sound exciting until you drive over the Hoover Dam. This massive dam was inconceivable at the time and it's still an absolute marvel of engineering. They have a few stopping points and tours of the dam to show the history, construction and modern operations. If you don't want a tour, they have parking spaces on the dam and you can walk across and view everything at your own pace.
The thing that really makes this dam great is the location. Lake Mead has places like Kingman Wash Beach and Boulder Beach for recreation. You can even camp at the Boulder Beach Campground. There are also hiking trails within minutes of the dam. Arizona Hot Spring is a favorite trailhead with the opportunity to soak during the colder months.
Jarbidge - Town and Wilderness
Do you like long dirt roads that end at a tiny town backdropped by wilderness? Located just south of the Idaho border, this area has the southernmost population of bull trout and the wilderness has the cleanest air quality in the lower 48 states. The drive is half the adventure and once you arrive, camping is available near town.
Keep in mind, this location is wayyy out there. It's remote nature means it sees few visitors and that is also the appeal for many RVers. Smaller rigs are the best but you can get a class A down the road when conditions are right. Tow a 4x4 because you’ll want to hit the backroads and trails once you arrive.
What Else Does Nevada Offer?
Nevada is a state filled with wilderness areas, unique towns and friendly people. If you want to enjoy long drives through wide open spaces, this state has plenty of that. With more mountain ranges than any other state (including Alaska), it's really worth exploring. The interstates and highways cutting across the expanse are also great for RVers who want to cover some ground.
