RV and Camper Van Rental Nevada
Nevada is a whole lot more than Las Vegas. Beyond the bright lights of the Strip, you'll find vast desert landscapes, colourful sandstone formations, impressive mountain ranges, dark skies and some spectacular road-trip routes.
An RV lets you experience all those different sides of Nevada in one trip. Start with a few days in Las Vegas, head into the red rocks of Valley of Fire, follow the Great Basin Highway towards the mountains or combine Nevada with neighbouring Utah, Arizona or California.
Since your accommodation will be travelling with you, you can spend less time checking in and out and more time deciding where you want to stop next.
Why Explore Nevada by RV?
If you love huge landscapes and long roads, Nevada is the state for you. One day you could explore an exciting city, and the next, hike through a red-rock canyon or look up at some of the darkest skies in the country.
An RV also makes the journey part of the vacation. Rather than simply driving between Las Vegas and your destination, you can take it as you go. You can stop whenever something piques your interest and add state parks, small towns and overnight stays along the way.
For outdoor travellers, Nevada offers hiking, rock formations, wildlife, stargazing, water-based activities and plenty of opportunities to get away from the crowds.
Just remember that desert travel requires a little more preparation than a conventional road trip. Temperatures can be extreme, distances between services can be significant, and water should always be part of your planning!
Where to Go on a Nevada RV Road Trip
This stunning state has so much to see - here are a couple of the most popular options for a Nevada motorhome road trip:
Las Vegas RV Rental
We’re sure you’ll agree, Las Vegas is the obvious starting point (which doesn’t mean it has to be yours). Spend a couple of nights exploring the bright Strip, downtown Las Vegas and the city's restaurants, entertainment and attractions before collecting your RV from your Las Vegas rental location and heading out into the desert.
Starting your trip in Las Vegas, NV also makes good sense for a wider Nevada road trip, with Valley of Fire, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon all within easy reach.
Valley of Fire State Park
About 50 minutes drive northeast from Las Vegas is the Valley of Fire - an incredible 46,000+ acres of bright red Aztec sandstone landscapes. Dramatic layered rock formations, ancient petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years can be found in this direction.
It's an excellent first stop after leaving Las Vegas if you're looking for short hikes, dramatic desert scenery, and top-notch photography opportunities.
The park also has two campgrounds, with RV sites that have power and water hook-ups. Campsites can be reserved in advance.
If you're travelling during the hotter months, we recommend you always check on the conditions before setting out. Some trails are subject to seasonal closures because of extreme temperatures and the associated risks.
Lake Mead and Hoover Dam
Need to cool off after getting your rental in Las Vegas? Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a very different experience from the surrounding desert. Water, mountains and huge open landscapes make this a beautiful addition to a Nevada road trip, while nearby Hoover Dam is an engineering landmark of note.
It's also a useful place to stop overnight. Lake Mead has National Park Service campgrounds and concession-operated RV parks, some of which have full hook-ups.
It’s important to note, though, that summer temperatures can be extremely high around Lake Mead. Daytime temperatures regularly go over 100°F (37°C) between June and August. So, in Nevada, spring and autumn are actually the peak seasons.
The Great Basin Highway
For a longer, drier Nevada road trip, hit the Great Basin Highway.
The route follows US-93 and takes you from the Las Vegas area towards Great Basin National Park, passing through dramatically different landscapes. This is the kind of route where having an RV really makes sense. Rather than treating the drive as something to get through to make it to your destination, it’s part of the adventure.
Great Basin National Park
At the opposite end of the Great Basin Highway sits Great Basin National Park - a completely different side of Nevada.
Here you'll find impressive mountains (including Wheeler Peak), ancient bristlecone pines and the Lehman Caves. The park's elevation means that conditions are dramatically different from the desert around Las Vegas.
Some Great Basin campgrounds accommodate RVs, with maximum vehicle lengths varying by site, which you’ll need to check in advance. None of them currently have electrical or water hook-ups, but a seasonal dump station and potable water are available near the park entrance.
Death Valley National Park
Technically it’s just across the California-Nevada border, but Death Valley National Park should definitely be considered for an addition to a Nevada RV road trip. This vast desert has salt flats, sand dunes, colourful mountains and dramatic valleys, with plenty of scenic viewpoints and hiking opportunities to take it all in.
Summer temperatures get extreme in Death Valley, so if you want to explore this severe landscape, please try to avoid summer. Spring, autumn and winter are generally much better for camping and exploring.
A Nevada RV Road Trip Doesn't Have to Stop at the State Line
Nevada is a great place to start a much bigger Southwest road trip.
From a Las Vegas RV resort, you can explore all the above and then head further into Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon, or travel towards Utah for places like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. If you head west, you’ll hit California, with the coast not far behind.
Before crossing a state or international border in a rental RV, always be sure to check your rental company's terms and conditions to make sure your planned route is permitted.
Tips for Hiring an RV in Nevada
A little preparation is particularly valuable when travelling through the Nevada desert. Here’s what we’d recommend to ensure you stay comfortable and have fun:
Choose your vehicle carefully: Consider the RV's length, height and width, particularly if you're planning to visit national parks or smaller campgrounds.
Carry plenty of water: Don't assume that every campsite or scenic stop will have a reliable water supply.
Plan your fuel stops: Some stretches of Nevada are remote, with considerable distances between towns and services.
Don't underestimate the heat: Summer conditions can be dangerous, particularly during outdoor activities.
Check campsite facilities: Hook-ups aren't available everywhere, so be aware that you might be travelling off-grid for a night or two.
Book popular sites ahead: This is especially useful if you're travelling during busy periods or have a specific campground in mind.
Check current conditions: Heat, snow, fire restrictions, road closures and seasonal trail closures can all affect your route.
