📷 Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, Public domainValley of Fire State Park
Overton, NV
Nevada’s oldest state park, with flaming red sandstone, petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock and short trails like Mouse’s Tank. Some trails close on the hottest summer days.
Valley of Fire State Park, about 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Las Vegas, is Nevada’s oldest state park. It opened in 1934 and was officially designated in 1935; it became a National Natural Landmark in 1968. The park covers nearly 19,000 hectares (about 46,000 acres). Its red formations of Aztec sandstone date back to shifting dunes some 150 million years ago and seem to glow when the sun is low. Petroglyphs left by the Ancestral Puebloans, who used the valley from roughly 300 BC to AD 1150, are easy to reach at Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank. Three stone cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps also survive.
Valley of Fire Road is a 17 km (10.5 mile) stretch designated as a Nevada Scenic Byway. A new visitor center opened in November 2025. Summer highs usually range from 38 to 46 °C (100–115 °F), winter highs from 12 to 24 °C (54–75 °F). In summer, hike early in the day, or visit in the cooler season, and bring plenty of water.
- Nearest town
- Overton, NV
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.4290, -114.5135
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, October and December. Hot in May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Atlatl Rock CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Valley of Fire State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Arch Rock CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Valley of Fire State ParkTentsCaravans
- Valley of Fire Overflow CampingMotorhome stopover5 mi from Valley of Fire State ParkMotorhomes
- Echo Bay RV VillageMotorhome stopover9 mi from Valley of Fire State ParkMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Echo Bay Upper CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Valley of Fire State ParkTentsCaravans
- Palm Creek RV Resort and Picnic GroundsMotorhome stopover22 mi from Valley of Fire State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Nevada · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Valley of Fire State Park?
Valley of Fire State Park is in Overton, NV, at GPS 36.4290, -114.5135. It is about 36 mi from Boulder City.
Can you camp near Valley of Fire State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Atlatl Rock Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Valley of Fire State Park?
Valley of Fire State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Red rock around Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire.
What is there to see near Valley of Fire State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fire Wave (4 mi), Lost City Museum (8 mi), Hoover Dam (31 mi) and The Neon Museum (39 mi).
When is the best time to visit Valley of Fire State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, October and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)