Camp Among Ancient Rocks
This place is crazy unbelievably beautiful -- a true jackpot just northeast of Las Vegas. The rock formations are like something out of a Dr. Seuss book.
There are two different camping areas, with most of the sites tucked in among the red rock formations. We got there late in the day and got the last spot during Spring Break week! Most of the sites are designed for tents or small van/campers, with just a handful of dedicated RV spaces with water/electric at each site for $10 more per night. Each site is equipped with a covered picnic table and firepit/grill, and there are water spigots and bathrooms with toilets/showers scattered throughout the campgrounds.
Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center and check out their film and displays as the geology of this place is quite unique. It was like no other that we’ve seen over the past 6.5 years of full-time, though it’s kind of a combination of many (Death Valley, Red Rocks Canyon, and a bit of Bryce Canyon). Driving the scenic road is great, but get out and hike, hike, hike to really see this place! The crowds will go to the popular places like the Fire Wave (which is awesome), but some of the other areas are just as jaw dropping and no one is there. We even saw a desert tortoise eating some Beaver Tail Cactus on one of the less popular hikes, which is an extra special wildlife sighting.
The closest town with supplies is Overton, about 12 miles away from the east gate.
Camping is first-come, first-served, with no reservations. Note: if you don’t get lucky and get a spot in the park like we did, there are BLM areas just south and just north of the park itself, but you’ll still have to pay the entrance fee of $10 for each day you come into the park itself.