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.
Top Landmarks in Nevada
Nevada Landmarks
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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
When it comes to things to do in Vegas, we especially recommend the Adventuredome Theme Park, the Fountains of Bellagio, and the High Roller for an amazing view.
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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Obviously, you will want to spend some time seeing the sights in Vegas while you’re in the area, even if the canyon is the main draw for you.
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.
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. 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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There are tons of other things to see in the Vegas area. One attraction we love is The Neon Museum.
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. This makes it the oldest (and largest) state park in the state of Nevada.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
More awesome Vegas-area attractions include Fremont Street Experience and The Mob Museum.
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.
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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
While in the area, take the time to explore Boulder City and visit Lake Mead.
We found a few RV camping options near Hoover Dam. Below are a couple of the best choices:
East Ely Depot
At the East Ely Depot, modern-day visitors can get a sense of what train travel might have been like back in the day. The 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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Ely is also very close to Great Basin National Park, something that is well worth taking a detour to see.
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. 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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Ward Mountain Recreation area is nearby and offers opportunities for outdoor fun. Meanwhile, the town Ely offers shopping and dining.
One of the coolest things about this particular site is that onsite dry camping is available. The onsite Willow Creek Campground features two large pull-through RV spots and many smaller campsites.
Nevada State Capitol
Dating back to 1871, the Nevada State Capitol building is as rich in history as it is in beauty. Featuring a Neoclassical Italianate style, the building 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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Other things to do in Carson City include the Nevada State Museum and Kings Canyon Waterfalls.
RV camping is not hard to find in this area. Here are a few of our top picks when it comes to Carson City campgrounds:
Virginia City Historic District
The Virginia City Historic District, 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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
During your time here, make sure to check out the Washoe Club Haunted Museum and Historic Fourth Ward School Museum.
Wondering where to park your RV while exploring this awesome Nevada landmark? Virginia City RV Park is in an excellent location and offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, a laundry room, and more.
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. It also served as a home base for many soldiers.
Today, the park preserves the ruins. It also includes some renovated structures, such as Buckland Station, where many pioneers in the 1800s stopped on their way west along the Overland Route.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Lahontan State Recreation Area is nearby and is a great place to get some outside time.
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.
Planning an RV Trip to Nevada
A Nevada 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! Make sure to check out Great Basin and Death Valley and don’t forget to see the best Nevada state parks.
