Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground

Desert foxes dart between the slot canyons while jackrabbits venture close to campsites at this 24-site Nevada state park campground. Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis year-round, with all sites featuring 50-amp electric hookups, covered picnic tables, and grills arranged in a single loop.

The gravel sites accommodate RVs up to 50 feet, with a mix of pull-through and back-in configurations. Site 14 draws attention for its unobstructed views, while interior sites like #4 offer more shelter. Lee D. notes that "many were a bit close together with minimal foliage separating them," though spacing becomes less noticeable when the campground runs at partial capacity. Two overflow areas provide dry camping when the main sites fill.

The park's narrow slot canyons carved into ancient lake bed sediments provide the main attraction. Six hiking trails range from half-mile walks to six-mile routes, including the steep stair climb to Miller's Point overlook—though visitors can also drive to the top parking area. Susan V. found the trails "pretty flat, though the one we took had been washed out in places" and advises following trail posts through dry stream beds.

Clean restrooms include coin-operated showers requiring quarters for five-minute intervals. Water stations allow tank filling, though individual sites lack water hookups. The campground typically fills by mid-afternoon during peak periods, with arrival between 9-11 AM recommended for site selection. Flash flooding occurred in July 2018, though reviews indicate this was uncommon. Cell service remains marginal with AT&T showing 2-3 bars but slow data speeds. For additional camping options, visitors can explore campgrounds outside Panaca. Bring quarters for showers and cash for honor-system firewood purchases.

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Location

Public Campground

Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Directions

From town: Go 2 mi N on US 93. Entrance fee required.

Address

111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road
Panaca, NV 89042

Coordinates

37.82184399 N
114.41554718 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 5/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 25 users
    Last on 5/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 5/3/26

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 5/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 25 users
    Last on 5/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 5/3/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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34 Reviews

Campers frequently mentioned clean facilities, level sites with electric hookups, and helpful rangers in this small first-come campground. Many appreciated the peaceful setting and proximity to slot canyon hiking, though arriving early is recommended during busy periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve a site at Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground?

Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Upon arrival, you'll need to fill out a form that goes on your vehicle's dashboard for the duration of your stay. The campground can fill up quickly, especially in fall, with some visitors reporting the entire campground filling by early evening. The camping fee is $15 per night. For the best chance of securing a site, aim to arrive early, particularly on weekends or during peak seasons.

Is there a campground map available for Cathedral Gorge State Park?

Yes, Cathedral Gorge State Park provides campground maps at the entrance station when you arrive. The campground features a simple single-loop layout with sites arranged in a circle, making navigation straightforward. Maps showing both the campground layout and hiking trails throughout the park are typically available at the information board near the entrance. For advance planning, you can also check the Nevada State Parks website for downloadable maps of the area.

What attractions or hiking trails are available near Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground?

Cathedral Gorge State Park offers stunning geological formations unlike anywhere else, featuring dramatic cathedral-like spires and slot canyons carved in soft bentonite clay. The park has several hiking trails that showcase these unique formations, including the Juniper Draw Loop, Cathedral Caves trail, and Miller Point trail. These range from short walks to longer hikes, offering excellent opportunities to explore the narrow slot canyons and photograph the otherworldly landscape. Many trails are accessible directly from the campground, with varying difficulty levels. The park's unique geography makes for spectacular sunrise and sunset photography. Wildflowers add to the beauty in spring months.

Does Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground have RV hookups or is it primitive camping?

Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground offers electrical hookups at each campsite, making it suitable for RVs. While there are no sewer hookups at individual sites, the campground does provide a dump station for RV users. Water is available within the campground, but not at individual sites. This setup offers a nice balance between primitive camping and full hookups, allowing for basic comforts while maintaining the natural setting.