Located in Northern Nevada near the California border, the city of Reno offers travelers chances to explore the high desert as well as the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe. Of course, Reno also has the megaresorts and casinos you would expect of a city where gambling is legal. Other attractions include a cultural scene comprising museums dedicated to art and the automobile.
To see all of the above in Reno and more, rent an RV for your travels. Benefits of having your own RV include saving on hotel and restaurant costs and coming and going as you please. Depending on your preferences, you can also choose a loaded-up RV with all the bells and whistles or a basic model that provides just the necessities. There are also plentiful campgrounds in the Reno area at which you can stay.
Search RV rentals in the Reno area.
Preparing for Your Reno RV Trip
The first order of business is to secure your Reno RV rental for your trip. You’ll have an abundance of travel trailer options to select from that include top industry brands like Keystone, Forest River, and Coachmen. Prefer to drive the RV yourself? Find Class A, B, and C RVs, too.
To help you with planning your two days in Reno, check out these pages for more information on RVing:
● Discover How to Park an RV
● Things to Know After You Make Your Booking
● Learn How to Pack Up Your RV
The second order of business is to then pick out your ideal RV park. Just a few of the top campgrounds in the region include the River Rest Resort, the Sparks Marina RV Park, the Victorian RV Park, and the River’s Edge RV Park. Amenities range from full hookups, pet-friendly sites, and fitness facilities to laundry, pools, and playgrounds.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Reno.
Day 1: See the City’s Top Sights
Morning: Cars, Cars, and More Cars
If you’re an auto enthusiast, then the National Automobile Museum is for you. See celebrity-owned vehicles in the Cars of the Stars collection, and check out the rare finds in the Limited Edition Cars section. Peruse the special exhibits dedicated to Paul Newman and “Speed Racer.” You can tour the collection on your own or sign up for a docent-led guided tour of the museum.
Lunch: Dining Along the Truckee at Wild River Grille
Located right along the Truckee River, the Wild River Grille has one of the best lunch menus in town. Start off with a sausage trio appetizer, and then dig into your brie & pear sandwich or Reno Cuban entree. Pair your meal with a house-made lemonade. On nice days, sit outside on the patio and get great river views.
Afternoon: Reno’s Art Museum
Spend your afternoon at the Nevada Museum of Art. The permanent collection includes Art of the Greater West, Altered Landscape, a photography exhibit with over 1,000 photos, and Contemporary Art. If you’re in town the second Saturday of the month, take advantage of “Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation Hands ON! Second Saturdays.” Bring the family for free admission, hands-on art activities, and a guided tour led by a docent.
Setting Up Camp
Head to your RV campground and check in at the main office; your host will confirm your reservation and point you toward your campsite. This is where you’ll need to drive your rented RV to your parking space and either pull in or back in. You’ll also need to attach the hookups, but if you’re not sure how to do this or maneuver the vehicle into its space, the RV owner can help with delivery and parking. Ask them if they can do this for you; many owners will be happy to help out their renters.
Dinner: Fine Dining Inside the Atlantis
If you’re tired after exploring Reno on your first day, there’s nothing wrong with having a casual meal inside your RV. However, if you’re in the mood for something fancy, try the Atlantis Steakhouse inside the Atlantis Casino Resort. Steak choices include New York steak, T-bone, and filet mignon. As an alternative to beef, order the Alaskan king crab legs, seared Ora King salmon, or herb-crusted chicken breast.
Day 2: Reno Outdoor Activities
Morning: Walk the Truckee River Trail
Burn off your big dinner from the previous evening with a morning walk along the Truckee River Trail. This is an out-and-back path of 3.5 miles running along the Truckee River in Reno’s downtown. Take your dog out on the trail (on a leash), or hop on your bike for a brisk but short ride on this paved path.
Lunch: Korean Cuisine at Top-Rated Bab Cafe
For something different, try the Korean cuisine at the Bab Cafe. “Build your own Bab” by first choosing your veggie style and size, and then select your choice of protein, ranging from tofu and shrimp to egg and bulgogi beef. Add a side of miso soup or a white rice bowl for a hearty meal.
Afternoon: Spend a Half Day at Lake Tahoe
It’s a drive of just under 60 miles from Reno to Lake Tahoe. The alpine lake’s brilliant blue color draws visitors year-round for activities like hiking, fishing, boating, biking, golfing, and skiing. The Tahoe Rim Trail loops around the lake for 166 miles; hike various shorter sections, either on the Nevada or California side, to get a taste of the beauty of the lake and the area’s solitude.
Evening: Take the Requisite Photo at the Reno Arch
On your way back into town from Lake Tahoe, stop at the Reno Arch for a photo op. This is Reno’s version of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Go at night for pictures to see the arch lit up in silver and blue and proclaiming Reno as the Biggest Little City in the World.
Day 3 and Beyond in Reno
While you can pack in a lot of activities while spending two days in Reno, you can see even more if you extend your trip for a third day.
● Check Out the Exhibits and Botanic Garden at the Wilbur D. May Center – Wilbur D. May was a prominent citizen of Reno who traveled the world and brought back all sorts of artifacts. See these and the on-site Botanical Garden at the Wilbur D. May Center.
● Spend a Day of Family Fun at Wild Island – In nearby Sparks, the Wild Island Family Adventure Park features a water park and a bowling alley that also includes an arcade, an indoor mini golf course, and billiard tables.
Winter Activities
Winter in Reno means the nearby ski resorts get busy. One of the closest resorts to Reno is Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. You’ll find other places to ski the closer you get to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.
Indoor Activities
Bounce and soar high into the air at the Fly High Trampoline Park. Snap a photo with Last Chance Joe out front, and then go inside to explore the collection at the Sparks Heritage Museum.
Whether you spend two days in Reno or more, you’ll be able to see some of the top sights that make the city unique. Pick up your Reno RV rental today.
