Cathedral Gorge State Park is the crown jewel of eastern Nevada. Rainwater erosion in the Meadow Valley Wash made the park as we know it today!
While you might not think there is much to enjoy in the eastern part of the silver state, you’d be surprised! There is more to Nevada than just Las Vegas! Believe it or not, there are 27 Nevada State Parks for you to enjoy.
Southeastern Nevada should be on the bucket list of every campervan camper, photographer, and adventurer looking to take in some incredible spires and hiking trails! Make sure to note that while the normal entrance fee to Cathedral Gorge State Park is $5, all non-Nevada vehicles will be charged $10.
There isn’t an abundance of campsites and RV parks in the eastern half of Nevada, but here are 6 great options for your visit to Cathedral Gorge State Park!
Pioche RV Park
If you want to immerse yourself in the Nevada desert experience, consider parking your camper in a ghost town! With full hookups and wifi, as well as a dump station, you’ll be able to relax in the evenings and explore the town in your free time.
Located just north of Cathedral Gorge National Park in the town of Pioche, Nevada, you’ll find a welcoming RV park in seemingly nowhere. Short of getting a hotel in Panaca, Nevada, this is the closest place to park your campervan.
Echo Canyon State Park
Remember when we said Nevada has 27 state parks? Well, here’s another one right up the road! Make sure you head to the upper campsite, as the lower campsite area is for tent camping only. While there are no options with hookups in Cathedral Gorge State Park campgrounds, this will still give you the experience of having your camper in a Nevada state park! With full sewer, water, and electrical hookups, you’ll have all your needs met inside the park. It’s worth noting that, even if your campsite has a fire ring, there are often burn regulations in place, so always check for posted signs.
While not as close as the Pioche RV Park, it will only take you about half an hour to get to the park entrance! Be sure to stop in at the visitor center upon arrival to learn about the best hiking trails to check out.
Picketts RV Park
The upside to being in Eastern Nevada is the seclusion that allows you time to relax and unwind. The downside is the seclusion means you may have to drive a bit to get to your destination. About an hour and a half away from Cathedral Gorge State Park, in Alamo, Nevada, is Picketts RV Park.
If you love a mini morning road trip to prepare you for the day ahead (and maybe see some jackrabbits or kit foxes on the drive), this is the spot for you! When parked, you can take advantage of Pickett’s water, sewer, and electrical hookups.
Young’s RV Park
If you’re looking for a campground closer to Cathedral Gorge, this is your best bet for simple functionality. With full hookups, wifi, and updated facilities with flush toilets, you can enjoy all the simple things and then some.
Located in Caliente, Nevada, it’s just a quick drive up Highway 93 to get to the park, where you can hike through slot canyons and experience the Nevada desert. You’ll also find that you’re just north of Kershaw-Ryan State Park if you’re looking for something else to add to your list!
Enjoy a meal at your spot’s picnic tables after a long day, and know that everything in this park should be spotless for your stay!
Cedar Breaks RV Park
If you don’t mind a drive but would like to see some different scenery, crossing state lines might interest you! Located in Cedar City, Utah, east of Dixie National Forest, this trek will take about the same time as coming from Picketts RV Park. Even if just for the day, the Dixie National Forest is a great consideration for your travel itinerary!
Cedar City will have amenities that the smaller Eastern Nevada towns may not, so take that into account.
Cedar Breaks is open year-round and offers discounts if staying for a week or more. In addition, this pet-friendly park offers full hookups with wifi and tables onsite for picnicking.
Snow Canyon State Park
Another Utah option, but this time with better views! Utah is arguably the best state for parks, and its state parks compete with the national parks in other states. If you plan to take a longer road trip and see multiple parks, this hidden gem is less likely to be crowded than any national park you may visit in the desert southwest. With full hookups and a sanitary dump station, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to enjoy Utah’s state parks.
If you plan to visit Utah or Arizona as part of a longer road trip, Snow Canyon is a place you should seriously consider! If you want to spend some more time in Snow Canyon, consider hiking the Lava Tube Trail or Scout Cave Trail to experience the desolate beauty of the Southwestern United States. Also, consider a trip to nearby Sand Hollow State Park, even if just for day use purposes!
As you head onto your adventure, always plan ahead and make sure you’re hiking safely. It’s also just as important to practice good Leave No Trace etiquette on the hiking trails and at your campsite so these public lands can stay beautiful!
Cathedral Gorge State Park has something for all skill levels and interests! Hikers will enjoy the Juniper Draw Loop Trail as well as the Miller Point Overlook. Those more interested in photographing Cathedral Gorge will enjoy the moon caves trail, a short walk to unique slot canyons that really do make the trail’s name self-explanatory!
No matter your interest, Southeastern Nevada is a great place to be, allowing you access to some of the best and most serene public lands in the US. At just a quick drive to the best parks in Arizona and Utah, why limit yourself to just one stop on your next adventure?
If you’re thinking that Nevada sounds like a place you’d love to explore, consider renting a fully loaded campervan with free unlimited miles for your trip through the American Southwest!
Here are a few other articles you may enjoy!
Top 6 Lake Tahoe Campgrounds for Your Campervan Trip
6 Campervan Campgrounds near Valley of Fire State Park
5 Campgrounds in Great Basin National Park Worth Visiting
Best Campervan Campgrounds Near Las Vegas
Guide to the Best Campgrounds for Campervans in the USA
Guide to Free Camping in the USA
About the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.