The landscape surrounding Hiko, Nevada features high desert terrain at approximately 4,750 feet elevation with dramatic rock formations and semi-arid climate. Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Camping spots near Hiko offer access to wildlife refuges, rock formations, and desert landscape with limited cellular connectivity beyond highway corridors.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Along the Extraterrestrial Highway, dark skies create exceptional viewing conditions. "Followed detailed directions in app and boom. Great spot! Didn't know till I saw strange aircraft that site was actually right in area 51's night sky. So trippy," noted a visitor to #375 off Extraterrestrial Highway.
Hiking canyon trails: Cathedral Gorge State Park provides unique geological formations for exploration within a short drive. A camper mentioned, "We hiked the main trail to an overlook, which was really awesome. We left before the sun got too hot. I'm not sure this park would be a great destination for a vacation, because you can pretty much see all there is to see in a few hours."
Wildlife viewing: Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge supports birdwatching and nature observation. "Beautiful lake and deciduous trees. Lots of birds. Lots of space around campsites," reported one camper. Another added, "Husband walked and biked the nice 3 mile loop around the lake."
What campers like
Free lakefront camping: Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge offers no-cost sites with water access. "This is a great stop when headed north or south. We always visit twice a year!! It's well kept and quiet. Perfect spot," shared one regular visitor to Upper Campground - Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge.
Privacy between sites: Several dispersed locations provide separation from other campers. At Outcrop Rock, one visitor noted, "Fun little spot for the night right off the 93. BLM land. You can see two distinct rock croppings off the highway. Turn down a dirt road and then right on the first turn off. There are two or three areas where you can camp."
Clean facilities: Cathedral Gorge State Park maintains well-kept amenities. A camper commented, "The sites were level, groomed, and not a speck of trash to be found. Great Verizon service, no ATT. We didn't use the bathroom because of covid, but based on the cleanliness of the rest of the place, it was probably perfect."
What you should know
Limited services: Most sites require self-sufficiency with minimal facilities. Regarding Outcrop Rock, a visitor explained, "I spent a couple of days here in August and did some nude hiking around the rock areas. I had the whole place to myself for most of the time. It was hot, but that's perfect for me since I'm nude all the time."
Road accessibility: Access roads vary in quality with many dispersed sites requiring careful navigation. A visitor to #375 off Extraterrestrial Highway noted, "The drive on 375 was decent road, all uphill but not bad. Great views. Drive back down was super easy! A bit disappointed as the app had said showers and toilets."
Water availability: Most dispersed sites lack water sources, requiring advance planning. At Cathedral Gorge, however, "Bathrooms are clean with a single shower. I had no problem with hot water, but the campground was not busy on the Monday after Fourth of July and it was hot out. It was nice to be able to get off the dust!"
Tips for camping with families
Seek easy exploration options: Cathedral Gorge offers accessible slot canyons for children. "The nature hike to the slit canyons was super short and the kids loved exploring the caves!" shared a parent at Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Children might enjoy the relatively tame desert animals. One camper observed, "What we noticed right away, before we even started exploring the park, was that the wildlife was super tame. The jackrabbits and lizards came right into our campsite to check us out, and there were birds singing everywhere - not what we expected from a desert landscape."
Fishing opportunities: Pahranagat provides fishing access for younger campers. A visitor recalled, "The kids caught their first fish at this site as well, for that I will always appreciate this hidden gem. They caught catfish, perch and a huge carp. We released all of their catches, because it was the right thing to do."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: For those needing complete services, commercial parks provide full amenities. A visitor to Picketts RV Park stated, "Pretty greenery and a stream that runs through this little RV spot. Well kept with full hookups 30/50 amp, cable TV, WiFi, clean bathrooms with tub and shower, laundry facilities, Propane sales, and dump station and a corner store nearby."
Budget-friendly overnight options: Alamo Rodeo Grounds offers reasonable rates with basic services. "Full hookups for $13 (plus $5 to use sewer), level sites and 4 bars on Verizon. A couple dirt bikers on nearby trails during the day, very quiet in the evening (only 2 other rigs)," noted a camper at Alamo Nevada Rodeo Grounds.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly across camping areas. At Alamo Rodeo Grounds, a visitor mentioned, "The area has a large lake and a river running through it and is very lush and green in some places. They sell fishing supplies if you feel like fishing in the middle of the desert. I highly recommend it as a nice stop-over."
