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Daycations: Into the Wild – Camping in Southern Nevada
By Lindsay Minor
As much of the country spends summertime camping out and enjoying the warm days and breezy nights, many of us here in southern Nevada simply look for ways to stay cool. Believe it or not, you’ll find several camp sites just a morning’s drive from our city where you can enjoy nature and spend some family time creating treasured memories without worrying about heat stroke. Break out your camping gear and head to these spots for some fun in the great outdoors!
On the Mountain
One of the most popular camping areas within driving distance is Mount Charleston, where you can breathe in the clean mountain air while roasting weenies or hiking a trail with your troops. With temperatures that average at least twenty degrees cooler than the valley floor, it’s the ideal place to escape the desert heat. Mount Charleston’s campgrounds include Kyle Canyon and Fletcher View (both off Kyle Canyon Road), Hilltop (on Deer Creek Highway, which connects Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon Roads) and Dolomite and McWilliams (both off Lee Canyon Road, near the ski resort). Each varies in size with anywhere from 15 to 40 plus camp sites.
Part of the Spring Mountain Range and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Mount Charleston’s views can’t be beat, especially if you decide to take a hike through the majestic canyon scenery of Mary Jane Falls. If you want a break from campfire cooking, visit the legendary Mount Charleston Lodge for good grub and picturesque vistas. Even though it’s summer, don’t forget to pack warm clothes. Daytime average temperatures may run in the mid-to-high 70s, but it can drop down well into the 40s at night. Make sure you call ahead as reservations for any of these Mount Charleston campgrounds are recommended, but you should only need advance notice of five days. Call (877) 444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov for info.
State Parks
While Mount Charleston may be close by, you’ll find more camping gems just a few hours outside of town at some of Nevada’s State Parks. Aside from the details offered here, you can find more info on amenities, recreation, climate and more by visiting www.parks.nv.gov.
Echo Canyon
For a wide range of fishing opportunities and water activities, check out Echo Canyon State Park near Pioche, where beautiful rocky outcrops and cliff walls adorn a land once populated by the pre-Columbian Fremont culture. Located just a three hour drive northeast of Las Vegas, Echo Canyon offers a 35-acre reservoir and boat launch to go along with its camp sites. Fishing in the reservoir, by boat or along the shore, may earn you a nice rainbow trout or large mouth bass. Wildlife includes waterfowl, deer, eagles and much more, while the abundant water helps maintain vegetation that includes juniper, pine and cottonwood trees that are perfect for shade.
If you’re more of a landlubber, take a hiking tour of the scenic Ash Canyon Trail that runs 2.5 miles on a 300 foot climb into the backcountry. The path heads up to the valley rim, then descends along the steep canyon walls. With summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and lows typically in the mid-50s, the weather is perfect for some outdoor exercise. Bring your bike for some added fun! Once night falls, you can roast marshmallows, take a walk with the kids and gaze at stars galore for a fun family evening. Echo operates on a first serve basis, but with 36 camp sites and room for overflow, there’s no need to worry. Call (775) 962-5103 for info.
Beaver Dam
Keep your eyes peeled for animals at Beaver Dam State Park, a designated Watchable Wildlife Area located just a few miles northeast of Caliente, about three hours outside of Las Vegas. You may be lucky enough to spot turkeys, fox, deer, herons and even the namesake beavers, though the latter are mostly nocturnal. The streams are stocked with rainbow trout by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, so you’re bound to find plenty of good fishing as well while you set up camp under the shady trees. For those with more of a taste for the human side of things, the remnants of the 19th century Hamblin Ranch settlement are enough to engage any history buff.
To get your blood pumping, hike up Overlook Trail for a stunning 360-degree view of the park from a high vantage point or enjoy more fishing along Oak Knoll Trail. You may want to dress light for a daytime hike with temps reaching into the mid-90s, but you’ll cool off at night as it hits around the mid-50s, perfect for enjoying some fresh grilled trout on the camp stove. There are only 30 camp sites available, but the park is usually not busy and officials claim you don’t really need a reservation. But just in case you want to plan ahead, call (775) 728-4460 for info.
Kershaw-Ryan
Solitude reigns at Kershaw-Ryan State Park, located two miles south of Caliente. With only 15 camp sites, you won’t find any maddening crowds here. Nestled among steep canyons with natural springs, Kershaw-Ryan offers a perfect oasis in the desert. Picnic tables, fire pits and a playground for the kids provide all the perfect amenities with impressive oak trees casting just the right amount of shade for a game of horseshoes or volleyball. Hawks fly overhead during the day and you may hear coyotes or even see owls at night. A hike above the canyon on Overlook Trail makes for great photo opportunities, but watch out for rattlesnakes in the summer.
As Nevada State Parks boasts, “Early settlers in the area cultivated a garden of grape vines, fruit trees and a grass lawn surrounding a spring-fed pond, providing a beautiful contrast to the rugged landscape.” The panoramic sights are complemented by temps that run about twenty degrees cooler than Las Vegas, and while highs can still reach the 90s, it beats the 100-plus readings you’ll find in town. Things will cool off at night as well, with temps dipping down into the mid-60s. Reservations are not required, but you can always feel free to call (775) 726-3564 for info.
Whether you want to enjoy an energetic hike, spend a fun afternoon fishing or just relax in the beautiful outdoors, Southern Nevada has plenty of great campgrounds to fit the bill. The chance to get away from it all is never better than during those hot summer months; just don’t forget to plan ahead, dress accordingly and keep an eye out for important weather updates so you can
