The best camping near Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park lives up to its name, with a dramatic sandstone landscape that looks as if it’s been set ablaze. Located in the Mojave Desert, just 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas and six miles from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Valley of Fire offers 40,000 acres of cliffs, slot canyons, and other surreal terrain. Keep an eye out for ancient petroglyphs, petrified logs, birds, and other wildlife. Two campgrounds with shaded picnic tables, water spigots, and fire rings allow RV and tent campers to comfortably spend the night surrounded by red sandstone rock formations, with a night sky to rival the daytime vistas. 

• Best for RV camping: Atlatl Rock Campground offers 44 sites, including RV sites with electric and water hookups, hot showers, restrooms with flush toilets, and a dump station.
• Best for tent camping: Set in a scenic spot with more limited amenities, Arch Rock Campground offers 29 smaller sites and has vault toilets.
• Best for group camping: Three group areas available by reservation only can accommodate up to 45 people.

1. Plan to arrive as early as possible. All of the regular campsites are first-come first-served, and are quite popular. Increase your chances of grabbing a spot by getting to the campgrounds early.
2. Try for a spot at the Arch Rock Campground first. Since the sites here are more primitive, they are usually the last to fill up.
3. Try visiting in the winter or summer. Just be prepared for the temperature extremes and note that only Atlatl Rock Campground is open year round.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit and camp at Valley of Fire State Park. Wildflowers also bloom in the park in the spring. The weather in summer can be brutally hot, with temperatures regularly topping 100°F. Temperatures in the winter can reach freezing, though it rarely snows. The Arch Rock Campground is often closed during the off-season, when there are limited visitors. 

• Bring everything you will need with you. The park is in a remote area with only a small gift shop. It’s best to pick up supplies in Las Vegas or Overton.
• The park has very limited shade. Try to time your exploration for the early morning or evening. Bring a hat and wear sun protection, and drink plenty of water.
• Cell phone coverage is non-existent in most of the park, with the exception of the two entrances, visitor center, and White Domes. You can purchase wifi.
• Don’t forget your camera. Top photo spots include Fire Wave, the Beehives, Rainbow Vista, and Elephant Rock. Bird watchers should also bring their binoculars along. 
• Rock climbing is only available in certain areas. Check with a ranger for the latest updates.