A Desert Oasis for RVers: Valley of Fire State Park

RV Life

You may not think that desert camping is anything special, but there are some stunning places in the dry, rocky parts of the country. Valley of Fire State Park is an amazing area that’s also close to major attractions like Las Vegas and Lake Mead.

So if you’re driving through the area, don’t be in a rush to leave the desert. If you stick around for a while, you might find that there are some hidden-gem campgrounds. One of the most highly rated RV parks in the state is Valley of Fire State Park. It’s extremely affordable and there are a few comforts that may even persuade you to extend your visit.

This park also puts you in close proximity to a large lake, shade from the large rock formations, and a fair amount of greenery. So if you do stop by in the warmer months, you’ll be able to take refuge from the heat. Of course, summer camping in the desert may not always be ideal, but Nevada can also be a wonderful retreat for snowbirds. Whatever the case may be, keep this park in mind next time you’re driving through the Southwest.

Overview

Valley of Fire State Park is located in Overton, Nevada. It’s in a fairly remote area, but it’s right off the Valley of Fire highway, so you won’t have to drive too far off the beaten path to reach it.

This park is on the smaller side, but it does offer 72 sites for RVers. These sites are split between two campgrounds, so be sure to check which one you’re reserving if you want to camp with another group.

The campsites are also fairly basic because this is a state park campground. But there are a few sites that offer hookups for electricity and water. Be sure to book these sites in advance because they are often in high demand. Otherwise, you may need to plan on dry camping.

The maximum site length is 50 feet long, which may not be suitable for big rigs. But there is room for slideouts. This park also isn’t the busiest spot around, so you’re likely to have a bit of extra space to stretch out. You will need to book your campsite in advance, but it shouldn’t be too crowded.

The price is another major selling point for this particular RV park. Some campgrounds can cost $100 or more per night. But here, you can stay for between $20–$40 per night. It’s a very affordable spot, plus it puts you close to some very interesting attractions.

Valley of Fire State Park is also open all year long, so you don’t have to worry about the off-season. It tends to be more popular in the fall and winter due to the warm weather, but you can visit any time you see fit. For more campground details and reservation information, visit parks.nv.gov

Amenities

As is typical for state park campgrounds, Valley of Fire campgrounds offer fairly simple amenities. The main attraction is the location and the nearby activities. But you’ll still have access to the essentials.

In addition to the campsites that offer hookups, this park contains restrooms and showers for guests to use. So if you want to reduce the water usage at your site, you can always freshen up in the on-site restrooms. A dump station is also available at the park so guests can use their own bathrooms and empty out the tanks as needed.

Shaded picnic tables are also placed at most of the sites. The tables are fairly standard, but the patch of shade makes a huge difference in the scorching Nevada heat! Additional shaded areas are located near the trailheads. Grills and firepits are also scattered throughout the park for those who want to cook outdoors or enjoy a nice bonfire.

Wi-Fi is available to park visitors and most cell-phone providers also have decent coverage in this area. So if you need to work remotely or place calls, you should be able to do that without issue!

But the greatest amenity here is definitely the location. Multiple trailheads connect to the Valley of Fire State Park so you can hike and explore to your heart’s content. Interesting features in the area include slot canyons, arch rocks, petrified logs, historic cabins, and scenic overlooks on cliffs and canyons. There are even ancient petroglyphs that depict spear-like tools.

Desert wildlife is also abundant in this area so keep your eyes open for tortoises, lizards, ground squirrels, kit foxes, and more. The orange/red stone also provides the perfect backdrop for some unforgettable photos!

Nearby Activities/Attractions

Beyond the park itself, there are multiple attractions and activities to enjoy when you stay at the Valley of Fire State Park.

Las Vegas

For starters, Las Vegas is only about an hour away from this park. The city is packed with fun restaurants, casinos, and all kinds of entertainment. Some must-do’s in the area include:

Ride the High Roller ferris wheel
Visit the quirky Omega Mart
Dine at the Paris Hotel
Explore the Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay Resort
Shoot a hole-in-one at Topgolf
Wander and window shop along The Strip
Tour museums about neon lights, mobs, atomic energy, and local history
Book a party bus tour of the city
And much, much more!

Las Vegas truly is one of a kind and there’s bound to be a unique experience every time you visit. Keep your eyes open and prepare to be amazed.

Lake Mead

If the city isn’t your style, you can also visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area for some fun water activities. This lake is massive and it provides a welcome relief from the hot, dry weather. There are multiple rental agencies for boats, kayaks, tubes, and more. Visitors can also enjoy some of the best sport fishing in the country.

This lake attracts people from miles around and there are plenty of opportunities for dining and entertainment. Be sure to check out the local ice cream shops and soda fountains to help you cool down.

Hoover Dam

Another major attraction in the area is Hoover Dam. This is a marvel of engineering that is definitely worth a visit. There are multiple scenic outlooks you can visit to see the full scale of the structure. The on-site visitor center also contains exhibits about the history and construction of this dam.

There are even art galleries and themed restaurants attached to the complex so you can grab a bite to eat during your day trip. To wrap things up, stroll across the Memorial Bridge and admire the dam from dizzying heights.

Reviews

Nearly 100 people have reviewed Valley of Fire State Park on RV LIFE Campgrounds, and the results are overwhelmingly positive. The park has an average score of 9.4/10 and nearly everybody rated it as “Excellent.” This has ranked it as a highly favorited park within the state of Nevada.

One of the most praised elements was the scenery. There are truly stunning sunsets in this area, and the colorful rock formations are quite striking as well. To see photos and reviews from visitors, visit the park page on RV LIFE Campgrounds.

Other people said that they enjoyed how spacious the campsites were. And nobody could complain about the prices here. It’s certainly one of the most affordable places in the area, plus you’ll still have access to a few amenities.

Of course, there are always a few drawbacks too. This is a fairly basic campground so you won’t find any resort luxuries here. Some visitors also commented that the bathrooms could use a bit more cleaning and maintenance. But in general, the amenities work well and the scenery makes up the difference.

So if you’re interested in some desert camping that’s close to some fascinating attractions, look no further than the Valley of Fire State Park.

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