Nevada is one of the largest states in America and home to some amazing national parks. The list below includes descriptions of all national parks, national recreation areas, and national monuments that make up this wonderful state. Those interested in visiting the national parks in Nevada should be sure not to miss them while they are here! Read on to learn more about the 3 national parks in Nevada.
Last updated on August 9, 2021. This post contains affiliate links.
Table of Contents
Map of National Parks in Nevada
National Parks in Nevada Road Trip Itinerary
Fly in/out: Las Vegas
Day 1: Spend your first day at Tule Springs National Monument before enjoying the shores of Lake Mead (1 hour apart from each other)
Day 2: Drive to Great Basin National Park (5 hours) and spend a few days in the unique landscape.
Complete List of National Parks in Nevada
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in White Pine County in east-central Nevada, near the Utah border. Established on March 2, 1986, the park preserves 1,240 mi² (3,090km²) of high desert terrain and lava flows with pine forests. The area was originally set aside as an unprotected federal reserve in 1922-1923. The National Park Service took over the reserve in 1928 as a national monument, then made it a national park in 1986.
It is home to the Lehman Caves, a system that includes gypsum crystal caves noted for their exceptional clarity and “spectacular” coloration; these caves are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are also designated a National Natural Landmark.
Furthermore, Great Basin is one of the best places to see Bristlecone Pines, the oldest trees on earth. They also happen to be the oldest living organisms on Earth! This is easily one of the most unique national parks in Nevada.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Ranger programs, fishing, caving, hiking, stargazing
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Hidden Canyon Retreat, La Quinta, All Aboard Inn, Prospector Hotel
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (775) 234-7331
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Did you know that Lake Mead was the first National Recreation Area established in America? This impressive park spans over 1.5 million acres and includes two lakes and nine wilderness areas, all within a quick drive from Las Vegas.
The park includes areas around the lake that are within Clark County, as well as several unincorporated areas of Pahrump Valley which surround Overton Beach, a private resort community near Las Vegas. Lake Mead also includes the Hoover Dam, home to one of the most famous engineering feats in history.
Located in western Arizona and southeastern Nevada, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is named after an 80-mile long lake that was created between 1936 and 1938 by the construction of Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. The most popular place for visitors is the Hoover Dam, but the Alan Bible Visitor Center also offers a spectacular view.
How to Get There: Use the address 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Things to Do: Backpacking, boating, bicycling, hunting, swimming, guided tours, paddling, photography, diving, hiking
Park Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Where to Stay: Hoover Dam Lodge, Milos Inn, Boulder Dam Hotel
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (702) 293-8990
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Tule Springs Fossil Beds is one of the newest sites added to the National Park system. Therefore, there aren’t many services available yet.
The park focuses on the preservation of ancient creatures and their fossilized remains. Some examples include extinct mammoths, lions, and camels. It’s difficult to imagine that all of these existed where Las Vegas is today.
Once this park is up and running, I believe it will be one of the most interesting national parks in Nevada.
How to Get There: There is currently no visitor center. Access to the monument is by foot only. Park on nearby public roads.
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Things to Do: Guided tours, museum
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn, Welcome House, The Winner’s Retreat
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (702) 293-8853
Explore National Parks in Nearby States
What to Pack for an Nevada National Parks Trip
Packing for a trip can be tricky. Depending on the time of year, temperatures can range from over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to 50 degrees once the sun goes down. If you’re visiting in the winter, it will likely snow. Here’s a list of things you may need, with some items varying based on the season you decide to visit.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Literally the most important thing to have in the national parks.
- Moisture-wicking Layers: You’ll want short- and long-sleeve shirts to wear underneath your jacket. In the summer, you may also want a tank top. Choose polyester over cotton.
- Jacket: I always have a packable down with me on trips. I also love this new jacket I got a few months ago, as it’s very light yet warm. Synthetic is a good alternative to down if you’re worried about rain or snow.
- Hiking Pants or Shorts: My favorite hiking pants can be found here. As a taller woman, I also love Columbia’s pants because they offer long sizes.
- Hat: Depending on the season, you’ll need a winter hat or summer hat.
- Gloves or Mittens: Gloves are critical if you’re visiting in the winter.
- Wool Socks: Smartwool is my favorite brand for wool socks. Make sure to get wool so your feet stay warm and dry.
- Grippers, Spikes, or Crampons: If you plan to hike in the winter, I strongly recommend grippers for potentially icy trails. Come prepared and avoid the fall!
- Camera: I had my trusty Canon Rebel T5i, my Canon Powershot SX620, and a GoPro with me on my most recent trip to Colorado.
- Tripod: If you’re hoping to take decent photos of the slot canyons, sunsets, or wildlife, I’d strongly recommend carrying a tripod with you.
- Boots: I love my Keens, and will never choose another brand for my everyday boots. In winter, I choose a much warmer pair of Solomon boots.
- Backpack: I brought my North Face pack, but a friend of mine had a water-resistant Patagonia pack I was extremely jealous of.
- Packing Cubes: Never find yourself unorganized or frantically searching for missing items ever again with these. Plus, it’ll help you squeeze more into your bag!
- Travel Scarf: I love the ones with hidden pockets!
Great Basin National Park Map
Great Basin National Park Pennant
Fodor’s Guide to the 63 National Parks
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Map of National Parks T-Shirt
Great Basin National Park Sticker
63 National Parks Water Bottle
Great Basin National Park Sticker
Pin National Parks in Nevada
Nevada is a state with national parks, monuments, and recreation areas. If you are planning on visiting in the near future be sure to check out the national parks in Nevada!
