Las Vegas translates from Spanish to English as "The Meadows". There might have been a bunch of them around this area in 1854, but, not so much now. Instead there is the opportunity for adventure and rugged splendour the likes are not seen anywhere else in the US in the vast sprawling, beautiful region.
Why Las Vegas is the most popular place in the US for RV rental?
The biggest city in Nevada, Las Vegas is often called the gambling capital of the world. Its glitter and glitz attract travelers from all over the world. But Las Vegas is not the only place worth a visit, especially if you are thinking about renting an RV. The state of Nevada, although mostly deserted, has a lot to offer: from pristine natural wonders to ghost towns and from unique museums to fascinating national parks.
Activities provided in the area range from hiking and climbing to horseback riding and fishing. Renting an RV in Las Vegas would be a perfect way to explore the state. And here is our list of must-visit places, which you can’t miss:
Hoover Dam
Built during the Great Depression as a way to provide working places, this 700-feet-high dam is truly a concrete wonder of modern engineering. It’s the largest water reservoir in the United States. And it provides electricity to the most territory of Nevada, Arizona, and California. Seven million visitors come to the dam annually and it takes only 45 minutes to drive here from the center of Las Vegas.
You can walk onto the dam for a breathtaking view of the edge and Lake Mead or have lunch at one of the local restaurants. If you rent an RV in Las Vegas, you can also go for a ride around the dam, looking for interesting pieces of flora and fauna.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
One of the most popular national parks in the US, Lake Mead National Recreation Area consists of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, along with their territories. With the area of 1.5 million acres, it offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, sunbathing, camping, hiking, canoeing, bird-watching, and picnicking. The hikers like this place for the Historic Railroad Trail, where they can walk along the old railway bed and through the tunnels. And don’t forget about fabulous landscapes, which surround the area.
The most popular part of the park is Boulder Basin on Lake Mead, situated just north of Hoover Dam. It’s a great place for swimming and sunbathing. And if you plan to rent an RV in Las Vegas, you will be thrilled with local campgrounds, which provide great camping settings.
Valley of Fire State Park
Situated just an hour drive away from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire is one of the most popular natural must-sees in the state. You just can’t miss the place if you rent an RV in Las Vegas! Dramatic rock formations and colorful stone waves form some of the most fascinating panoramas in Nevada. And roads, which run through the park, are perfect to enjoy the views.
However, you can also leave your RV and take one of the park’s hiking trails. Mostly, they are short and easy. But they will lead you through some of the most incredible sceneries. On your way, you are about to see deep canyons, gigantic rock walls with 3000-year-old Indian petroglyphs, as well as famous movie locations. Camping areas of the park are also set among beautiful rock formations, so you will spend great time here!
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
One of the state’s most popular hiking areas, Red Rock Canyon is situated just outside of Las Vegas. A 13-mile drive through the park offers stunning views. And huge red rock formations, along with canyons and mountains, create truly fascinating landscapes.
If you are not in a hurry, park your RV and take one of the numerous hiking trails offered. This way, you will easily access the major sites and spots of Red Rock Canyon. The variety of activities available in the park is simply exquisite: rock climbing, horseback riding, road and mountain biking, picnicking, or watching the wildlife – you will not get bored here!
Unfortunately, there is only one campground available, and the facilities are quite primitive. So, if you rent you RV in Las Vegas, you better think of another place to spend the night.
Lamoille Canyon
Lying at the heart of the Ruby Mountains, Lamoille Canyon is a must-see if you are thinking about renting an RV in Las Vegas. Not as close to the city as Red Rock Canyon, the place is definitely worth a visit! It offers a truly spectacular view! The Lamoille Canyon Road climbs up 8800 feet high, through the canyon, which was carved by glaciers centuries ago.
The place is known for its waterfalls and rich wildlife, including a wide variety of birds, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. And during the summer, the alpine meadows are covered with all kinds of wildflowers. Come to Lamoille Canyon, and we guarantee you will not regret it!
Rhyolite
The gold rush has left a lot of ghost towns in Nevada, and Rhyolite is only one of them. Settled in 1905, the city already had electricity, water mains, a hospital, an opera house, a school, a stock exchange, newspapers, and telephones by 1907. Nevertheless, five years later, it was abandoned. In the 1920’s, the ghost town has become a popular tourist attraction and a filming setting. The most famous movies filmed here are The Return (1965) and The Island (2005). Nowadays, the ruins include several houses, a building of the bank, and a railway station.
If you are up for an RV rental in Las Vegas, we highly recommend coming to Rhyolite, which is situated just 190 km from the city. It will definitely be an unforgettable experience!
International Car Forest of the Last Church
Another incredible outdoor attraction near Las Vegas, the International Car Forest is an automotive Stonehenge, situated just in the middle of the Nevada desert. Over 40 cars, painted in vivid colors and planted in the ground, create a truly surrealistic exhibition.
For those, who rent their RVs in Las Vegas, this place is a must-visit. Even if you are not an automobile enthusiast, you should still come for some fantastic photos!
This is just a small list of tourist sites and attractions, which can be found in Nevada. So, if you are thinking about renting an RV in Las Vegas, don’t hesitate! Book your RV now, and this road trip will become an adventure of a lifetime, which you won’t forget!
