When people think of Nevada, Las Vegas usually takes the spotlight. But just outside the neon lights are some of the most underrated natural wonders in the West. Nevada has 17 state parks, 6 state recreation areas, 5 historic sites and miles of rugged beauty, and within just four hours of Las Vegas you can explore 11 of them.
Whether you’re chasing red rock canyons, riverside camping, ghost towns, or ancient fossils, these Southern Nevada state parks deserve a spot on your bucket list.
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Ice Age Fossils State Park – North Las Vegas
8660 N Decatur Blvd – 20 minutes from the Strip
Nevada’s newest state park is a treasure for both history buffs and hikers. This 315-acre park preserves a portion of the Las Vegas Wash, once home to Columbian mammoths, dire wolves, American lions, camels, and giant ground sloths during the Ice Age. Today, you can stroll three easy trails, spot metal sculptures of these extinct creatures, and explore an interactive visitor center.
-Hours: Wed–Sun, 8:00am–4:30pm
-Fee: $3
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park – Downtown Las Vegas
500 E Washington Ave – Right in Downtown Vegas
The first permanent non-Native settlement in the Las Vegas Valley, this adobe fort dates back to 1855. Inside, you’ll find historic artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of early settlers in Southern Nevada.
-Hours: Tue–Sat, 8:00am–4:30pm
-Fee: $3
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park – Blue Diamond
6375 Hwy 159 – About 30 minutes from the Strip
Tucked next to Red Rock Canyon, this former luxury retreat is now a peaceful park filled with history. Tour some of Nevada’s oldest preserved buildings, including an 1860s blacksmith shop, rustic cabins, and a ranch house that once hosted wealthy Hollywood elites. Hike scenic desert trails, join a guided tour, or picnic under the sandstone cliffs. Read more about Red Rock Canyon here.
-Hours: Vary seasonally (see website)
-Fee: $10 residents, $15 non-residents
Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area – Laughlin
4220 S Needles Hwy – 1.5 hours from the Strip
This riverside gem sits at Nevada’s southern tip along the Colorado River. With two miles of sandy shoreline, it’s perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, or just soaking up the views of Bullhead City, AZ. Camping is available year-round, and nearby Davis Dam makes a great side trip. Read our blog about the fun things to do near Laughlin.
-Hours: Vary by season (see website)
-Fee: $10 residents, $15 non-residents
Valley of Fire State Park – Overton
29450 Valley of Fire Rd – 1 hour 15 minutes from the Strip
If you only visit one park near Las Vegas, make it Valley of Fire. Known worldwide for its 40,000 acres of glowing red Aztec sandstone, the park is also home to petroglyphs over 2,000 years old. The Visitor Center highlights the geology and history, and the hiking trails range from easy to challenging, but note that some close in summer due to extreme heat. We’ll tell you all about things to while visiting Valley of Fire here.
-Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
-Fee: $10 residents, $15 non-residents
Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site – Caliente
Rainbow Canyon – 3.5 hours from the Strip
Step back in time at this one-room schoolhouse, where children learned from 1922 to 1967. Many original items remain, and the rest are authentic to the era.
-Hours: First Saturday of each month, 10am–3pm (or by appointment)
-Fee: $3
Kershaw-Ryan State Park – Caliente
9056 Kershaw Canyon Rd – 2.5 hours from the Strip
This lush desert oasis features a spring-fed pond, grapevines, fruit trees, and shaded hiking trails tucked between 700-foot canyon walls. It’s a sharp and welcome contrast to the arid desert around it.
-Hours: Day use 8am–sunset; campground open 24/7
-Fee: $5 residents, $10 non-residents
Beaver Dam State Park -Caliente
Beaver Dam Rd –2.5 hours from the Strip
One of Nevada’s most remote parks, Beaver Dam rewards the adventurous with deep canyons, streams, waterfalls, and dense forests. It’s also a Watchable Wildlife Area, so bring binoculars. Hiking, fishing, and camping are the main draws here.
-Open: Year-round, 24/7
-Fee: $5 residents, $10 non-residents
Spring Valley State Park – Pioche
State Route 322 -2 hours 45 minutes from the Strip
Centered around the 65-acre Eagle Valley Reservoir, this park is a favorite for boating and fishing. The surrounding volcanic cliffs and sediment layers paint a colorful backdrop for hiking and camping.
-Open: Year-round, 24/7
-Fee: $5 (residents), $10 (non-residents)
Echo Canyon State Park – Pioche
Echo Dam Rd – 2 hours 45 minutes from the Strip
Just minutes from Pioche, Echo Canyon features a glittering reservoir, great hiking trails, and modern campgrounds. It’s an easy add-on to a road trip through Eastern Nevada’s backcountry.
-Open: Year-round, 24/7
-Fee: $5 residents, $10 non-residents
Cathedral Gorge State Park – Panaca
111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Rd – 3 hours from the Strip
One of the most unique landscapes in Nevada, Cathedral Gorge is filled with spire-like formations and cave-like slot canyons that look otherworldly. It’s a dream for photographers and hikers alike.
-Open: Year-round, 247
-Fee: $5 residents), $10 non-residents
Final Tips for Visiting Nevada State Parks
Consider the Nevada State Parks Annual Pass if you plan to visit multiple parks. Options include all-access permits, annual entrance passes, senior discounts, and veteran permits. Grab a free Nevada State Parks Passport Booklet at any park. Collect stamps from 15 different parks and you’ll earn a free annual pass.
Southern Nevada’s state parks are some of the most underrated day trips from Las Vegas, and a perfect way to balance neon nights with wide-open desert skies. To make your trip uneventful, be sure to check park hours and seasonal closures before you head out so you’re not disappointed. Don’t forget a hat, suntan lotion and lots of water, Nevada can get hot even in winter.
We love to pass on information and tips we learn along the way to help you plan your trip with less stress and more knowledge. If you need help planning your road trip or just need ideas of fun pit stops, check out roadtrippers.com, they have lots of ideas. Use code BTR5QTP to save $5. We love Nevada and hope if you come visit, you’ll check out one or more of these beautiful parks. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have fun and make lots of memories and don’t forget your camera!