Nevada State Parks

Nevada State Parks

The Nevada State Parks system preserves and showcases some of the state’s most scenic, historic, and ecologically diverse areas. From vibrant red rock formations and ancient petroglyphs to alpine lakes and ghost towns, these parks offer residents and visitors a way to connect with the Silver State’s natural and cultural heritage.

Managed by the **Nevada Division of State Parks**, the system includes over two dozen parks, recreation areas, and historic sites spread across the state’s varied landscapes.

History and Mission

Founded in 1935, the Nevada State Parks system was established to protect key natural and historical areas while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and education.

The mission is to:

• Conserve and interpret Nevada’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
• Offer public access to hiking, camping, boating, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.

Popular State Parks

• Valley of Fire State Park – Nevada’s oldest and most iconic state park. Located near Overton, it features red sandstone formations, petrified wood, and ancient petroglyphs. Popular for hiking, photography, and geology.

• Cathedral Gorge State Park – Known for its slot canyons and clay formations, this park near Panaca offers a surreal desert landscape and great stargazing.

• Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park – Combines a well-preserved ghost town with one of the world’s most important fossil beds for marine reptiles (ichthyosaurs).

• Lamoille Canyon Scenic Area (adjacent to state-managed lands): While largely under federal jurisdiction, nearby areas are part of Nevada’s broader recreational landscape.

• Beaver Dam, Spring Valley, and Echo Canyon – Tucked into eastern Nevada, these parks offer reservoirs, hiking, birding, and peaceful camping far from crowds.

• Washoe Lake State Park – Nestled between Reno and Carson City, it’s a favorite for windsurfing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.

• Fort Churchill State Historic Park – Preserves the ruins of a 19th-century U.S. Army fort. Interprets Nevada’s military and pioneer history.

Recreational Activities

Most state parks offer a range of outdoor opportunities, including:

• Hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails
• Scenic drives and photography
• Tent and RV camping (with both primitive and developed sites)
• Boating, kayaking, and fishing
• Birdwatching and nature education
• Stargazing and dark sky viewing

Passes and Access

• Day-use fees typically range from $5–$10 per vehicle.
• Nevada residents can purchase an **annual All Access Pass** valid at all state parks.
• Some parks offer ADA-accessible trails, visitor centers, and interpretive programs.

Conservation and Interpretation

The Nevada Division of State Parks collaborates with:

• Local schools and community groups for educational programs
• Nevada Department of Wildlife and environmental agencies on habitat preservation
• Volunteers and park rangers who lead tours, maintain trails, and monitor wildlife

The agency also runs special initiatives like the **Discover Your Nevada** campaign, encouraging residents to explore lesser-known parks and share their experiences.

Expansion and New Parks

Recent years have seen growth in Nevada’s parks system, including:

• Land transfers from federal agencies
• Efforts to create new parks in southern Nevada and along the Walker River corridor
• Restoration of historical and ecological sites in rural counties