When you think of Nevada landmarks, you might first think of the sights found in Las Vegas—and to be sure, those are sights worth seeing for anyone in the Silver State. In fact, the most famous landmark in Nevada is the Las Vegas Strip. That said, Nevada is filled with all sorts of other landmarks, too: geographical, cultural, and historical.
Other famous landmarks in Nevada include:
1. Las Vegas Strip
2. Red Rock Canyon
3. Old Las Vegas Fort Mormon
4. Valley of Fire State Park
5. Hoover Dam
6. East Ely Depot
7. Ward Charcoal Ovens
8. Nevada State Capitol
9. Virginia City Historic District
10. Fort Churchill
Las Vegas Strip
First on our list of Nevada landmarks: The Las Vegas Strip. This is obviously the most well-known of the landmarks in Nevada, and for good reason: The place is exciting and full of life, as well as history.
Walk through the incredible casinos and marvel at their grandeur, do some gambling, dine in one of the many fine eateries, or explore the various attractions that line the strip. We especially recommend the Adventuredome Theme Park, the Fountains of Bellagio, and the High Roller for an amazing view.
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RVing to the Las Vegas Strip
While you wouldn’t want to try to drive your RV to the Strip, it is 100% possible to RV in Las Vegas. There are tons of RV parks to choose from, and outside of the busiest areas, driving a big rig through Vegas is relatively easy.
Rent an RV near the Las Vegas Strip!
Camping Near the Las Vegas Strip
Not sure where to park your RV during your visit to Vegas? We recommend the following campgrounds:
Red Rock Canyon
While the bright lights and tall buildings might be what beckon most visitors to Las Vegas, some of the most impressive architecture in the area is totally natural. Red Rock Canyon, which lies immediately adjacent to the shining western jewel, is known for its dramatic red cliffs and ample outdoor recreation opportunities, whether you’re casually into hiking or seriously into rock climbing.
The park also offers a rotating calendar of events offering experiences both educational and enjoyable. But really, even just driving through the canyon is a worthy trip.
RVing to Red Rock Canyon
Not only is it possible to drive an RV to Red Rock Canyon, it’s super easy and highly recommended. Driving your RV to this natural wonder will ensure you have all the comforts of home, even when immersed in the beauty of nature.
Rent an RV near Red Rock Canyon!
Camping Near Red Rock Canyon
The best place to park an RV when visiting Red Rock Canyon? Red Rock Canyon Campground, of course! This BLM campground does not offer any hookups but does have water available, as well as fire rings, vault toilets, and picnic tables. Best of all, it offers some amazing views!
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park
While Vegas might have a bigger reputation for its more contemporary features, let’s not forget that history runs deep here—and at Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, you can interact with that history in the first person. The first permanent, non-Native settlement in the Las Vegas Valley, Fort Mormon was built back in 1855 and set aside as a state historic park in the early 1990s.
The structures you can visit today are the original historic remains, and inside the buildings you’ll find dozens of historic artifacts displayed. There’s also a visitor center filled with old photographs and helpful information that gives visitors a better perspective on the breadth and importance of the history here.
RVing to Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park
As mentioned before, driving an RV in Vegas is 100% doable. Unfortunately, the parking area at this state park just can’t accommodate RVs. Therefore, it is necessary to find another way to visit this Nevada landmark.
Rent an RV near Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park!
Camping Near Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park
Looking for more RV park options in Las Vegas? Try these options on for size:
Valley of Fire State Park
Another incredible wilderness just outside of Las Vegas—this time to the east—Valley of Fire State Park covers an impressive 46,000 acres of beautiful desert landscape, and is especially well-known for the bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops that characterize the skyline.
Silhouetted against the bright blue sky, it’s no wonder that this place was set aside as a state park all the way back in 1935, making it the oldest (and largest) state park in the state of Nevada. Of course, its full history stretches much further back than that, all the way to prehistoric times when Native Americans called this place home. You can still find their petroglyphs there today, if you look carefully.
RVing to Valley of Fire State Park
RVing in Valley of Fire State Park is an excellent idea! The drive to the park is relatively easy and the park itself plays host to two different campgrounds, meaning finding a place to park is a cinch.
Rent an RV near Valley of Fire State Park!
Camping Near Valley of Fire State Park
As mentioned above, Valley of Fire State Park features not one but two onsite campgrounds. This is great news because it means you can park your home-on-wheels in the middle of this beautiful place.
Both dry camping sites and campsites with water and electric hookups are available. Other amenities include tables, grills, potable water, restrooms with showers, and a dump station.
Hoover Dam
Another Nevada landmark that dates back to 1935, the Hoover Dam is easily one of the most famous landmarks not just in Nevada, but in all of the United States. Technically a concrete arch-gravity dam, this impressive structure holds back the flow of the Colorado River and helps provide electrical power—not to mention water and protection from flooding—to the many residents in the area.
An important cultural and historical site, it also draws some seven million visitors each and every year, about a million of whom take on a guided tour through the dam (which you can do, too!).
RVing to Hoover Dam
RV parking is available on the Arizona side of the Dam in lots #9, #13, and #14. There is a $10 fee to park in lot #9; the other two are free, but require a longer walk.
Camping Near Hoover Dam
We found a few RV camping options near Hoover Dam. Below are a couple of the best options:
East Ely Depot
These days, most of us do our globetrotting by way of air travel—or road trips, especially for the RV-inclined. But a hundred and fifty years ago, another mode of locomotion was far more popular: locomotives.
At the East Ely Depot, modern-day visitors can get a sense of this old-school mode of travel, with a special behind-the scenes twist since this museum includes access into the short-line railroad’s headquarters offices, freighthouse and more.
The freight cars, coaches, bunkhouses and other train components are also on display, so you get to experience all angles of the historic American railroad system.
RVing to East Ely Depot
There are a few routes into Ely, and all seem to be fine for RVs. The area is remote so you will need to watch for animals on the road, but otherwise you should be good to go.
As far as parking your rig goes, the parking in front of the depot is a bit limited, so you may have trouble parking there. However, because the town is relatively small and quiet, it shouldn’t be hard to find someplace to park the RV for a couple of hours while you explore.
Note that Ely is also very close to Great Basin National Park, something that is well worth taking a detour to see.
Rent an RV near East Ely Depot!
Camping Near East Ely Depot
Camping in and around Ely is plentiful. The Hotel Nevada Casino offers free overnight parking, and the campgrounds below are good choices for longer stays:
Ward Charcoal Ovens
About 20 miles south of the city of Ely, be sure to make your way up into the heart of the Egan Mountains to visit the Ward Charcoal Ovens, a unique set of landmarks that are today preserved as part of the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park.
Constructed in the mid- and late-1800s, these beehive-shaped charcoal ovens were used in service of the nearby silver mining town of Ward—which today is a ghost town, but at the time had a population of 1,500 people as well as two newspapers, a school, its own fire department, and a stamp mill. These ovens were used to turn local timber into charcoal to be used as fuel, and earned their place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Today, the park offers an opportunity to interact with history as well as hiking, wildlife-spotting, and more.
RVing to Ward Charcoal Ovens
Driving your RV to this park is super easy, and parking is readily available for big rigs, making this a great addition to your RV adventure in the Ely area.
Rent an RV near Ward Charcoal Ovens!
Camping Near Ward Charcoal Ovens
One of the coolest things about this particular site is that onsite camping is available. The onsite Willow Creek Campground features two large pull-through RV spots and many smaller campsites. Unfortunately, there are no hookups at any of the campsites. If you want hookups, head to one of the aforementioned RV campgrounds in Ely.
Nevada State Capitol
Dating back to 1871, the Nevada State Capitol building is as rich in history as it is in beauty—and anyone who’s visited this stately edifice can certainly attest to its impressive and graceful structure. Featuring a Neoclassical Italianate style, the building was initially situated at the center of town back when things were being laid out in the 1800s, and has served as office space (among other things) for every single Nevada governor except for the first.
The capitol building is still used for official purposes, but is also open to the public for tours booked well in advance. Swing by to see where Nevada law is made, and marvel at the structure itself.
RVing to Nevada State Capitol
You should have no trouble finding a safe route to Carson City, and driving through the city is easy enough. Parking at the capitol building is also pretty straightforward, though depending on how busy it is when you arrive, you might have trouble finding enough room for a big rig. Still, we’re betting you can find some sort of parking within walking distance of the capitol building.
Rent an RV near the Nevada State Capitol!
Camping Near Nevada State Capitol
RV camping near Carson City is not hard to find. Here are a few of our top picks when it comes to Carson City campgrounds:
Virginia City Historic District
Most of us know about the boomtown history of the west from our basic social studies education, but it’s a different thing entirely to experience it in person.
As its name suggests, the Virginia City Historic District, which is today a landmark operated and managed by the National Park Service, includes the remains of the adorable mining town of Virginia City. It was here that almost seven million tons of gold and silver ore were mined and milled in the mid-1800s, producing a whopping $700 million profit in today’s dollars. This was also the site of the famous Comstock Lode, a particularly rich vein.
Visit today to get a taste of the old west for real!
RVing to Virginia City Historic District
Parking is tricky in this area, and is mostly street parking, which can be problematic for RVers. While you might get lucky and find a place to park, it’s probably best to leave the RV in a campsite and bring a different vehicle to town if possible.
Rent an RV near Virginia City Historic District!
Camping Near Virginia City Historic District
Wondering where to park your RV while exploring this awesome Nevada landmark? Luckily, there’s a great RV park in town. Virginia City RV Park is in an excellent location and offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, a laundry room, and more.
Want to stay outside of town? One of the following might be for you:
Fort Churchill
Today known as Fort Churchill State Historic Park, this historic edifice was first erected back in 1861 as an army post to help guard the Pony Express route, and also served as a home base for many soldiers.
Today, the park preserves the ruins and also includes some renovated structures, such as Buckland Station, where many pioneers in the 1800s stopped on their way west along the Overland Route. With more than 3,000 acres of landscape to explore, the park is popular amongst hikers, equestrians, wildlife lovers, and even paddlers. Definitely add it to your list!
RVing to Fort Churchill
Driving an RV to Fort Churchill State Historic Park is a great idea! In-park camping is available, but even if you don’t camp, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a place to park your RV during your visit.
Rent an RV near Fort Churchill!
Camping Near Fort Churchill
Obviously, the in-park campground is the very best place to stay when visiting this landmark in Nevada. There are 20 campsites available in the park, and while none have hookups, there are tables, a grill, and a dump station available.
Continue Exploring Nevada
An RV trip is the perfect way to experience all of the landmarks in Nevada, and we’ve got all the resources you need to put together a perfect trip! Grab an RV rental and then check out our guides on Great Basin and Death Valley. Oh, and we have created the ultimate Nevada bucket list too!
