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14 Valley of Fire State Park Free Camping Spots

The Valley of Fire State Park is an adventure lover’s and explorer’s dream. It must top your bucket list for Nevada places to visit. It is Nevada’s oldest state park and received the designation of National Natural Landmark in 1968.

Table of Contents

This is also a great day trip from Las Vegas but you should plan on using the whole day if you plan to hike any of the trails. My favorite valley of fire park was the trail to Mouse’s Tank. The tank was the home to a legendary bank robber named Mouse who was also a Paiute Indian. You will find many ancient cave drawings along the trail and the hike takes about 45 minutes.

The History of The Valley of Fire Park

There are traces of prehistoric occupation of the almost 20,000 hectares of land that is the park, dating back to around 300 BC to 1150 AD. The inhabitants were known as the Anasazi and were predominantly farmers, who previously occupied the fertile Moapa valley near the park.

According to research, they probably ventured to the Valley of fire park area for hunting and gathering purposes or religious ceremonies. There are rock arts left by the Anasazi that you can encounter in several areas of the park.

Geological studies estimate most of the Valley of Fire formations to roughly 150 million years old. The many formations in the park came by through uplifting, faulting, and erosion. The name Valley of Fire park comes from the sun rays’ reflection by the rock formations, which look like fire from a distance.

The park’s creation started in 1931, with federal land allocation, with work starting two years later, initiated by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The Valley of Fire Park

13 Free Camping and Boondocking Sites Near the Valley of Fire

1. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Sand Mine Road

Address
Sand Mine Road
Overton, Nevada
GPS: 36.471602, -114.440813
Elevation: 1604′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Dirt. The maximum RV length at Sand Mine Road is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Sand Mine Road. Dispersed camping on BLM land near Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead. Level, quiet, and wide open. Full sun. Services and a dump station are 7 miles away in Overton. The road in is in great shape for the first few miles.

Best Review:

This place was great. Stayed in my car. It is within minutes of Valley of Fire so I was able to catch the sunrise. Many places to pull off to set up tents or rigs. Was here end of January and it was not terribly cold. There was no road noise that I could hear.

2. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Snowbird Mesa aka Poverty Flats

Address
Sandmine Road (unmarked)
Overton, Nevada
GPS: 36.48497, -114.444626
Elevation: 1592′

Management: Bureau of Reclamation

The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. According to the “residents” of the mesa it is free camping from October to June and managed by the bureau of reclamation.

Best Review:

None

3. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Overton Wildlife Management Area

Address
Nevada
GPS: 36.5165, -114.4241
Elevation: 1243′

Management – Public: State Park

Overton Wildlife Management Area is open year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 8 days at Overton Wildlife Management Area.

Best Review:

You may stay 8 days at Overton Wildlife Management Area. There is a check-in kiosk beyond the camping area where one self-registers. Clean pit toilet is nearby, with trash can. The price is right and we appreciate local government units providing a service like this, so the minimal amount of trash around does not bother us.

Yes, there is a large gravel and sand operation across the highway but neither it nor the road were noisy at night. Added plus is the wildlife facility itself. Great place to walk around. 17,000 acres of riparian bottom land near Lake Mead. We will definitely stay here again.

4. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Valley of Fire – BLM Land West

Address
Valley of Fire, Nevada
GPS: 36.444456, -114.675586
Elevation: 2275′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Gravel. Valley of Fire – BLM Land West is open any. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay no posting at Valley of Fire – BLM Land West.

Best Review:

There were a few other campers here when we visited but it’s so large it was easy to find a private, level spot to ourselves. So quiet, great views across the plains of the sunrise and sunset, and best of all only an hour to Las Vegas in the morning! Easy to spot with all the other RV’s guiding your way.

5. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Logandale Trails System

Nevada
GPS: 36.593724, -114.526805
Elevation: 1811′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Dirt. Logandale Trails System is open Year round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.

Best Review:

Logandale Trails is an amazing place to camp and explore! The road down into the valley is a bit rough and intimidating while towing a trailer but with strategic driving it can definitely be done. And it is so worth it to choose a spot down amid the amazing red rock canyon! During our stay we noticed that there were daily group atv tours that would pass by on their way in and again on their way out as well as many others out enjoying the riding trails.

6. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Whitney Pockets

Address
Arizona Road
Bunkerville, Nevada
GPS: 36.524198, -114.133117
Elevation: 3144′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Gravel. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. Free boondocking on BLM owned desert land. Flat and open at the base of beautiful red rock. Dy camping in the middle of the desert. No facilities or utilities. No reservations taken.

Best Review:

Absolutely stunning. Let’s be clear about this road…it’s 20 miles of gravel/pothole/rock disaster but MAN IS IT WORTH IT. Its an exquisite drive through the desert mountains. Cacti, Joshua Trees, and beautiful red rocks. Just make sure you’ve got a full tank and everything you need. This is the most magnificent view of Nevada ever, and so close to the Arizona/Utah border. An hour and a half from Vegas and pretty close to the Grand Canyon, too. Tenting might be hard, as the ground is mostly rock and sand.

7. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Bunkerville Rest Stop

Address
Bunkerville, Nevada
GPS: 36.735392, -114.438017
Elevation: 2028′

Management: DOT Rest Area

Exit 100 on I-15. Large graded gravel lot with trash cans. Large enough for several large RVs. Road noise from highway and semis. Trails/ORV paths into desert.

Best Review:

None

8. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Lake Mead NRA – Bonelli Landing

Address
Bonelli Landing Road
Temple Bar Marina, Arizona
GPS: 36.083545, -114.485137
Elevation: 1234′

Management: National Park Service

The road in is Dirt and 8 miles from a paved road. Bonelli Bay is open year round. The maximum RV length at Bonelli Bay is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Bonelli Bay.

Best Review:

This is one of our favorite spots even after almost a year of boondock camping full time. We stayed here mid April 2018 for about 5 days and had the entire place to ourselves as far as the eye could see! Only a handful of day users came through, and most kept their distance (not all were as courteous). The weekend however, brought droves of campers. If you prefer total privacy, then maybe avoid weekends. There are wild donkeys, wild horses, and a stray bull. The animals kept their distance as well. The water was warm and pretty clean. The road to the site is a 6 mile dirt road with some soft sand spots.

9. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Bonelli Bay

Address
Temple Bar Marina, Arizona
GPS: 36.043981, -114.461896
Elevation: 1201′

Management: National Park Service

The road in is Dirt and 8 miles from a paved road. Bonelli Bay is open year round. The maximum RV length at Bonelli Bay is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Bonelli Bay.

Best Review:

We stayed here last August and that was not the best choice considering it was 115* during the day and still 90* at midnight. The road was accessible in my Audi A4, but there were definitely some parts that made me uncomfortable. The road had a lot of washed out areas where I’m assuming the monsoons runoff into the lake. Camping was primitive with no bathroom or water. I belueve this mostly gets used for hunting in the fall or spring since there were signs regarding hunting

10. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument Pakoon Springs

Address
Pakoon Springs Road
Littlefield, Arizona
GPS: 36.418255, -113.960678
Elevation: 2288′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Dirt. You may stay two weeks (14 days) at Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument Pakoon Springs.

Best Review:

There are no developed campsites with facilities within the national monument. Visitors can pick their own campsite, but please camp at least 200 feet from water sources and use biodegradable soap. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days. See the map linked to the right for monument boundaries.

11. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Lake Mead NRA – Kingman Wash

Address
Kingman Washington Access Road
Temple Bar Marina, Arizona
GPS: 36.036007, -114.70769
Elevation: 1201′

Management: National Forest Service

The road in is 4×4. Very easy drive. No idea where there were 4×4 signs.

Best Review:

Fills up fast, not that many spots if you want some distance from others. More people by lake. Check the wind before you go if tenting. Probably gets packed on weekends.

Watch out for the burros. They’ll stalk you for food. Came right up to my tent and followed me when I was eating breakfast.

12. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – Flying J

Address
1057 S. Lower Flat Top Drive
Mesquite, Nevada
GPS: 36.784019, -114.140773
Elevation: 1588′

Management: Truck Stop

The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 1 at Flying J. Flying J gas station with a dedicated RV plaza and Roadrunner Tire & Alignment company.

Best Review:

About 7 overnight sites for RVs that are away from the overnight spots for the big rigs. Not quiet, but free and convenient.

13. Valley of Fire State Park Park Free Campsites – Valley of Fire State Park – South Cove

Address
GPS: 36.088919, -114.105943

Management: Bureau of Land Management

Follow pierce ferry road north of Meadview, az. Go to the south cove boat drop off. Right before the lake, turn left on to a dirt road. Drive 5 minutes and camp on the shore where there are fire rings.

Best Review:

Beautiful place to stay – lake and mountain views, rock formations overlooking the lake shore, gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. Not really very level but manageable. Stayed here in a 26′ class A and a tent, January 2nd and 3rd 2020. Close enough to Grand Canyon West for a daytrip.

Top 10 Trails to Hike at the Valley of Fire Park



Hiking is one of the main activities that visitors to Valley of Fire Park engage in. There are several hiking trails, and highlighted below are some of the best to try out.

1. Fire Wave Trail

1. Fire Wave Trail

Fire Wave Trail is a 1.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail that features a cave and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Length: 1.5 mi
Elevation gain: 236 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Hiking, Walking, Cave, Views, Rocky, Off trail, No shade

2. Mouse Tank Trail

2. Mouse Tank Trail

Petroglyph Canyon via Mouse’s Tank Trail is a 0.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels.

The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from September until May. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Length: 0.8 mi
Elevation gain: 55 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Views, Wildlife, Bugs

3. White Domes Trail

3. White Domes Trail

White Domes Trail crosses stunning landscapes that reinvent themselves around every turn. The views on this 1.1-mile loop with 150 feet of elevation change are both varied and extraordinary. The circuit passes sandstone formations with different shapes and colors.

The trail also visits an old film set and lets hikers slip through a narrow canyon. The surroundings are diverse and the hike is thrilling, making White Domes Trail one of the best places to experience Valley of Fire State Park’s awesome beauty.

Length: 1.1 mi
Elevation gain: 177 ft
Route type: Loop

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, Scramble, No shade

4. Natural Arches Trail

4 Natural Arch

Natural Arches Trail in Valley of Fire Park, really an amazing journey through the Eastern end of Fire Canyon. There are numerous natural arches and balancing rocks throughout the canyon all the way to the Silica Dome area and out the Western end of Fire Canyon.

Length: 4.2 mi
Elevation gain: 229 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Views, Wildlife

5. Rainbow Vista Trail

5. Rainbow Vista Trail

You have to use some pretty colorful language when describing Rainbow Vista Trail, like vibrant, fiery, and effing extraordinary. The good news about Rainbow Vista Trail is that you get big views right from the start and any hiking you do will be picturesque. The bad news is that Rainbow Vista Trail is not as well marked as it could be and crosses sandy terrain with lots of spurious footpaths.

Length: 1.1 mi
Elevation gain: 95 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Views, Bugs

6. Fire Canyon Overlook

6. Fire Canyon Overlook

Rainbow Vista hike is a short loop around a flat sand field, dotted with some small shrubs. Views off to the left of this short hike lookout to colorful rock hills in the distance.

At the far end of this loop is a sign with an arrow pointing towards a trail that leads to Fire Canyon Overlook, and another arrow pointing to the parking lot. It is definitely worth hiking out to the overlook, which is the nicest part of this hike.

Length: 5.7 mi
Elevation gain: 666 ft
Route type: Loop

Hiking, Views, Wildlife

7. Elephant Rock

7. Elephant Rock

Thousands venture to the Valley of Fire Park for its dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, Indian petroglyphs, and overall eerie familiarity.

It’s familiar because it’s been in many movies (conveniently only an hour from Vegas), including sci-fi such as Total Recall, Transformers, and Star Trek (Captain Kirk died here). No trip is complete without a stop at photogenic Elephant Rock.

Length: 0.3 mi
Elevation gain: 52 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Views, Wildlife, Rocky

8. Atlatl Rock

8. Atlatl Rock

Atlatl Rock is on a Scenic Loop Road and more of a drive than a hike. The loop is located on the west side of the park next to Atlatl Rock Campground and is a great, quick attraction in Valley of Fire State Park. The trail to Atlatl Rock is only about 250 feet long and most of that is stairs.

9. Charlie’s Spring Trail

9 Charlies Spring Loop

Charlie’s Spring Loop is a 6.7-mile loop trail that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Length: 0.1 mi
Elevation gain: 16 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Walking, Views, Bugs, No shade, No dogs

10. Arch Rock

10 Arch Rock

Length: 0.1 mi
Elevation gain: 6 ft
Route type: Loop

Kid friendly, Walking, Views, Wildlife, Rocky, No shade

Drive by and stop. Limited parking. It was a small arch, but I still appreciated it. However, the photo is misleading. It was less than a 5 minute stop on the “scenic drive” and was something to see.

7 Low Cost Long Term Permit Parking Spots for Valley of Fire State Park



1. Valley of Fire State Park Park Permit Parking – Valley of Fire State Park – Fire Cove

14 Free Valley of Fire State Park Camping Spots

Cost $20 Weekly

Address
Park Road 106
Overton, Nevada
GPS: 36.403654, -114.401166
Elevation: 1306′

Management – Public – National Park Service

The road in is 4×4. Fire Cove is open year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 15 days at Fire Cove.

Free dispersed camping in Lake Mead National Park. A fun little ride in your high clearance vehicle. You may camp anywhere along this road. The end is little more than a brushy, large, flat area in a wash. We didn’t see another person here and we only saw two sets of tire tracks. That’s probably because there is no real access to the water. You could probably walk there, but it’s about a mile away. ATT G and Verizon 3G but neither were usable.

2. Valley of Fire State Park Park Permit Parking – Valley of Fire State Park – Stewart’s Point – Lake Mead NRA

Cost $20 Weekly

Address
Overton, Nevada
GPS: 36.378967, -114.401642
Elevation: 1233′

Management Public – National Park Service (Official)

Stewart’s Point – Lake Mead NRA is open Year Round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location. You may stay 15 days at Stewart’s Point – Lake Mead NRA.

Dispersed camping on Lake Mead, near Overton, NV.

A permit is required to access this site as it is inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. A federal interagency pass will get you in. Otherwise, fees are: $20 for 7 days or $40 for the year.

3. Valley of Fire State Park Park Permit Parking – Valley of Fire State Park – Echo Wash

Cost $20 Weekly

Address
Echo Wash Road
Overton, Nevada
GPS: 36.308955, -114.445626
Elevation: 1247′

Management – Public – National Park Service

The road in is 4×4. Echo Wash is open year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 15 days at Echo Wash.

This dispersed camping area is just south of Echo Bay Road and down a wash. The wash can get sandy so 4×4 is recommended. High clearance is also good. To get there exit at Bitter Springs Road and go back under the bridge.

You can cap anywhere along this road. The road will take you about 4-5 miles towards the lake. It looks like you used to be able to make it all of the way to the water, but in the last few years, no one has blazed a new trail to it.

4. Valley of Fire State Park Park Permit Parking – Valley of Fire State Park – Crawdad Cove

Address
Crawdad Cove Road
Las Vegas, Nevada
GPS: 36.1281, -114.7968
Elevation: 1201′

Management – Public – National Park Service (Official)

Dispersed camping at Lake Mead National Park. Permit is $20/week no fee for National Park Pass holders. The camping is a few miles down the road near the waterfront.

Camping is limited to a total of 90 days within any consecutive 12-month period. Unless otherwise specified, camping is limited to 15 days per visit at a specific backcountry area. After 15 days, campers must either move to another backcountry area or developed campground, or leave the park.

The nearest potable water, aluminum recycling, an RV dump station, and dumpsters can be found at Callville Campground. To get there, go east on 167 and then four miles towards the lake.

5. Valley of Fire State Park Park Permit Parking – Valley of Fire State Park – Boxcar Cove – Lake Mead NRA

Cost $10 Weekly

Address
Las Vegas, Nevada
GPS: 36.11977, -114.784
Elevation: 1201′

Management – Public – National Park Service (Official)

Boxcar Cove – Lake Mead NRA is open Year Round. You may stay 15 days at Boxcar Cove – Lake Mead NRA.

6. Valley of Fire State Park Park Permit Parking – Valley of Fire State Park – 8 Mile Road

Cost $20 Weekly

Address
8 Mile Road
Las Vegas, Nevada
GPS: 36.1364, -114.8226
Elevation: 1276′

Management – Public – National Park Service (Official)

8 Mile Road is open year round. You may stay 7 Days at 8 Mile Road. Bumpy road. Lots of big rigs. I liked it better than Government Wash, because it is greener, there are less people and the water is easier to get to. Good ATT and Verizon cellular. Dumpsters are near the paved road. Closest flush toilets are at Government Wash. Closest vault toilet is at Boxcar Cove. Dump, fill, laundry, (coin) showers, booze, and groceries are at Callvile.

7. Valley of Fire State Park Park Permit Parking – Valley of Fire State Park – Government Wash

Cost $20 Weekly or Park Pass Get In Free

Address
601 Nevada Way
Boulder City, Nevada
GPS: 36.130915, -114.837129
Elevation: 1240′

Management – Public – National Park Service (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. Government Wash is open All. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 15 days at Government Wash.

Free boondocking site in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. 15 day limit posted but does not seem to be enforced. Some homeless spilling out from Las Vegas. Restrooms at entrance; dumpsters.

A permit is required to access this site as it is inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. A federal interagency pass will get you in. Otherwise, fees are: $20 for 7 days or $40 for the year.

How to Get to The Valley of Fire Park

The easiest way to get to this fantastic attraction is connecting from Las Vegas. If you are coming out of state, you can take a plane or a bus to Nevada’s most populous city. You can hire a car or have a guide to lead you to the place.

If driving, take on the South Las Vegas Boulevard as you negotiate towards Flamingo Road, taking a turn heading to the I-15 highway. Take the ramp northwards onto the I-15, keeping left for almost 34 miles, before exiting at 75 towards Valley of the Fire Park. Then head on to the Valley of the Fire highway, going straight for almost 17 miles.

Finally, take a left on Mouse’s Tank Road and head straight, negotiating a right onto the valley of fire visitor’s FAQ’s for Nevada Valley of Fire State Park

7 FAQ About the Valley of Fire Park

Question 1. When is the best time of year to visit the Valley of Fire Park in Nevada?
Answer: The best season for visiting the Valley of Fire state park is from October to April. In the summer months, the heat may be too oppressive.

Question 2. What hours is the Valley of Fire open?

Answer: The park is open from sunrise to sunset unless you are camping in campgrounds.  24-hour access to campgrounds. After sunset, activity is limited to those areas.

Question 3. How many campgrounds are located in the Valley of Fire Park?

Answer: There are two campgrounds with a combined total of 72 units. Campsites are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water, and restrooms. A dump station and showers are available. All campsites are first-come, first-served. RV sites with power and water hookups are available for an additional fee.

Question 4. Are there any Fees for the Valley of Fire Park?

Answer: The Valley of Fire Entrance Fee is $10 /car /day
If you’re camping, it’s $20 /day & the $10 entrance fee to the park is already included.
— for sites with utility hookups: + $10.00 (for a total of $30/day)

Question 5. How much time do you need for visiting the Nevada Valley of Fire?

Answer: You can easily spend 3 – 4 hours at Valley of Fire. Drive all the roads from the West Entrance to Atlatl Rock / Arch Rock to the White Domes to Silica Canyon to the East Entrance. If you decide to pick any hikes or strolls … set aside the whole day.

Question 6. What is the Nevada Valley of Fire State Park known for?

Answer: The Valley of Fire, in Nevada, is a state park known for its stunning red sandstone formations, which illuminate the valley, especially at sunset, making it look as though it’s on fire. Sprinkled among the valley’s sandstone rock are remnants of prehistoric locals (petroglyphs) and unequaled scenery.

Question 7. What popular movies used the Valley of Fire as one of their shooting locations?
Answer: Some of the latest movies were:
1. Transformers (2007)
2. Total Recall (1990)
3. Con Air (1997)
4. Star Trek: Generations (1994)
5. Casino (1995)

Costs and Paid Camping Information

If you want to stay at the Valley of Fire Park, camping is your only option. Both campgrounds are first-come, first-serve. We were a little nervous about that, but there were always a couple of sites available until mid-afternoon.

We stayed at the Atlatl Campground at site 1. This was a great spot with lots of rock climbing options; it exceeded our Valley of Fire camping expectations. We were also a few minutes hike near one of the panels of petroglyphs. The reality is that all the sites are pretty great, although some have less space – we had a ton of space.

The Atlatl Campground has showers and flush toilets. There are 44 campsites and about half are RV hook-up sites. There is a water faucet in each site (super convenient!), a covered picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. There is also a dump station just before entering the campground.

Arch Rock Campground is a smaller, more primitive tent campground. The sites here are more secluded.

There are three group areas, each accommodating up to 45 people, though parking is limited. They are available for overnight camping and picnicking by reservation only. Call the park for reservations: 1-702-397-2088 or click the link here to make reservations online.

Campsites are $20 per night which includes the $10 daily park entrance fee

Places and Things to See in The Park

There is more for your eyes at the Valley of Fire Park, and you may need some extra days to exhaust the niceties it offers. Here are some of the places and things to see in the park.

1. The Fire Wave

Among the places at the Valley of Fire Park that will take your breath when you visit this park is the fire wave. Sticking to the park’s definition, you will see a unique rock formation that also doubles as a hiking track. It is an excellent site if you have a knack for photography.

The fire wave is a wonderland for the photographer and rockhopper (though technical rock climbing is not allowed in this area). Surrounded by yellow, orange, pink, and red rocks of amazing shapes, the Fire Wave folds on itself in picturesque, taffy-like curves.

Much time can be spent exploring this area, and an hour before sunset and an hour after sunrise are particularly beautiful times to visit due to the orientation of the surrounding hills.

2. Lost City Museum

The Lost City Museum on the park will give you a trip back in time to the ancient Anasazi Indian civilization, giving you an idea of how they lived. You will see several objects, such as artifacts, and also reconstructed pueblos.

3. Rainbow Vista

The name itself is interesting and gives you a spoiler of what to expect when you encounter its niceties. It is an expansive area on the desert floor with distinct rock colorations. It is also an exciting hiking trail, where you can try out your photography skills.

Things to Do in The Valley of Fire Park

Here are some of the things to try out when out in the Valley of Fire Park to make every moment count.

1. Hiking

One of the top things to do when in this park is hiking. If you love taking a peaceful walk in the countryside, The Valley of Fire Park will quench your adventure thirst. Bring out your hiking gear and experience the vastness of the park through the several hiking trails.

2. Photography

As a photographer, you will instantly fall in love with this park due to the memorable scenes unique to this area. The expansive and beautiful desert will give you a starting point before you step into the Valley of Fire Park and see the rock formations, ancient paintings, and many more.

3. Camping

The park has several camping grounds that you can settle in to test your resilience when it comes to the outdoors. It is RV friendly and has the necessary amenities to ensure you have a fulfilling stay as you take in nature’s niceties. See our section on ‘pricing’ above, for more information.

4. Studying and Research

The Valley of Fire Park is also an excellent place for studies, mostly if you are leaning towards geology and prehistory as your disciplines of choice.

You probably need permits if you plan on conducting extensive studies. You will find many animals in the park and if you wish to go out exploring at night you will find some great viewing opportunities.

5. Road Trip

A trip to natural sites can be one of the most exciting things to do, especially if you are with friends or family. You can take a calm drive over Mouse’s Tank Road as you experience various landscapes that decorate the Valley of Fire Park.

Accommodations and Dining Near the Valley of Fire Park

Many of the people visiting love the  camping options in the Valley of Fire, but it’s not the only option. A lot of Valley of Fire Park visitors come up for the day from Las Vegas – 50 miles to the west.

Obviously, there are a zillion places to stay there. Overton, 14 miles to the east has a couple of hotels, restaurants, fuel, and groceries.

Best Time to Visit the Valley of Fire Park

The best season for visiting the Valley of Fire state park is from October to April. In the summer months, the heat may be too oppressive. Do expect cooler temperatures during this time which can be from the ’50s to ’80s during the day and as low as freezing at night in the cooler months.

What to Pack For Your Visit To the Valley of Fire Park

It’s the desert, so it’s hot, it’s cold, and it’s windy, sometimes within ten minutes. Bring a lot of water and prepare for a variety of conditions. Here’s some of what we wore.

As mentioned above the fall and winter months are the best for your visit. Expect temperatures as low as freezing during the winter months at night.

1. Sunscreen

I want to be decent to the planet while I am good to my skin, so we use MyChelle Sun Shield, SPF 28 on our faces, and Alba Botanica SPF 45 Sunblock for Kids everywhere else that isn’t covered.

2. Sun Hats

We always have Sunday Afternoon sun hats. They provide great protection and fold up easily to carry in a backpack.

3. Rain Jackets

We all carry rain jackets, which double as windbreakers. They keep us dry, and both the wind the rain out.

4. Valley of Fire State Park map

We carried the Lake Mead National Recreation Area map, which includes the Valley of Fire

Final Word On the Valley of Fire

Valley of the Fire is one of the most exciting places to visit if you are into breathtaking scenes and a decent hiking dose. You can also do some photography to record the fantastic sites and be one with nature through camping or picnicking.


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