Camping in Valley of Fire State Park (ultimate guide)

Do you want a different camping experience and need a guide? Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is the ideal place for camping. And here is the ultimate guide.

Camping at a historic site that formed 150 million years ago is never a bad idea. Even less so when it's located less than an hour's drive from Las Vegas.

The region was underwater millions of years ago; now is completely the opposite. In an area covering more than 40,000 acres (160 km²), time passed, the seas calmed, the land rose, and in the form of residues, they left red sandstone dunes. These were fossilized during the Jurassic era until they became the Aztec sandstone rock walls we know today.

How to Get to Valley of Fire State Park

To arrive at Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, take Highway 15 and drive north for an hour until you reach the valley. This takes you directly to the most popular entrance of the State Park.

If you have more time in the city, take the long route. From downtown Las Vegas, take the Boulder City road, loop around the Hoover Dam, and go through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Hoover Dam is a construction that began in 1930 and is worth visiting. At Lake Mead, you must pay $15 USD (for conservation of the area) to visit the lake and appreciate the panoramic views the region offers. From here, the red rocks and shrubs welcome you to the Valley of Fire.

If you're driving a car with Nevada license plates, the entrance fee to the State Park is USD 10. If the car has out-of-state plates, the cost is USD 15.

Hiking in Nevada

Among the vibrant red rocks, there are countless trails. The Fire Wave is a path known by locals for its great resemblance to the Wave route in Arizona. The rocks at The Fire Wave are red with whitish lines that erosion has marked over time.

The Fire Wave is a two-and-a-half-kilometer (1.5 miles) round trip, plus 50 meters of elevation. One kilometer downhill, you reach Pastel Canyon. This has a wider chromatic range. Pink, purple, yellow, and orange paint the landscape. Here, the path narrows in one part, where the trail becomes impressive.

During the rainy season (between February and March), the corridor floods and forms a river. It's also the best season to visit and appreciate the textures and colors of the valley.

At the end of the Mouse's Tank Trailhead are the best-preserved petroglyphs in the region. This trail is between four and six kilometers long. Easy to find these drawings because they were carved in the dark parts of the stones, right where the sun burns.

The most popular photo spots are Fire Street and Fire Cave. At Los Carneros, you'll find the goats or "Bacon Sheep." Among other animal species along the paths, you can sight foxes, lizards, coyotes, and even roadrunners. These species are protected, and most are nocturnal animals.

Fire Camping

Rainbow is the most popular lot to park your car and camp. Throughout the park, there are 72 camping spaces. They're equipped with shaded tables, grills, bathrooms, and water. There's also a dump station (for RVs) and showers available. It's your opportunity to pack an eco-friendly bag.

Campsites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and there's a camping limit of 14 days in 30 days.

Group camping has three areas with a maximum capacity of 45 people. Access to these areas is restricted, and you can only enter by making a reservation.

There are also sites equipped for RVs that need connections to electricity and water.

Camping and day-use fees for cars with Nevada plates are USD 20; for cars with out-of-state plates, it's USD 25.

Picnic

Day picnic areas are located on these trails:

• Atlatl Rock
• Seven Sisters
• The Cabins
• Near Mouse's Tank Trailhead
• White Domes

Recommendation: Bring your own food because there are no places to buy any food within the park.

Historical Tour

The name Valley of Fire State Park was given in 1920 after an AAA official passed through at sunset on the road connecting Salt Lake City with Los Angeles. The natural light of day reflected on the rock walls made it appear as if the valley was in flames.

The park's history doesn't start there. It begins 11,000 years earlier when southern Nevada was first populated. Later, the Basketmaker culture arrived 2,500 years ago, and they were the ones who carved the first petroglyphs on the walls of the Valley of Fire State Park.

Over time, the Early Pueblo culture arrived, and by 1865, the Paiutes already inhabited the valley region. In 1912, the first road within the valley was inaugurated. And 21 years later, in 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the first foundations of the camping area.

FAQs

When is the State Park open?
Seven days a week, 365 days a year.

What are the office hours?
Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed on holidays.

Does Valley of Fire have WiFi?
The Park does have WiFi access. You can check rates and plans on the official website.

How can I book my stay at Valley of Fire?
Through the phone number 702-397-2088 and the State Park's official website.

Where is the Valley of Fire located?
Moapa Valley, NV 89040, United States. Just a 46-minute drive from downtown Las Vegas.