Wherever you travel in Nevada, take time for advance planning for gas stops, grocery replenishments and securing camp sites. US Highway 50, dubbed the nation's loneliest road, runs across Nevada and, despite publicity otherwise, planning for gas and essentials is important. Have all necessities on hand with plenty of water, food and snacks. Be sure your RV is in tip-top shape, your spare tire has air and you have a roadside emergency kit with flares. An RV tow to town could be expensive out here!
Consider the time of year you will be traveling in Nevada. During summer, you'll find plenty of RV parks, especially in popular tourist areas. Winter weather can be extreme in spots, so call ahead and check road conditions. There are year-round RV parks near ski resorts at Lake Tahoe, Reno and Carson City. Many have free shuttle service. Some state parks, like Berlin-Ichthyosaur, have year-round campsites but may be closed due to severe winter weather.
If you want to include fishing in your Nevada RV trip, you'll find plenty of lakes. Call a local bait store and check water conditions, as well as fisherman's luck. Contact the Forest Service or Parks Service for information; then get a campsite reservation and purchase a fishing license in advance. Manually operated boats, like a kayak or canoe, don't require Nevada certificates nor does a registered boat owner from another state. Check boating regulations through Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Check RV park and campground pet restrictions. Some limit pet numbers and most require leashes. Horses are welcome on Death Valley National Park trails but not in campgrounds. They are permitted in Washoe Lake State Park near Carson City, which has equestrian facilities and horse trailer space. Horses are allowed in overnight campgrounds listed on the internet site, Horse and Mule Trail Guide USA.
RV camping in Nevada is full of surprises and extras. Scenery is diverse, with remote corners contrasting with crowded tourist favorites. Highway 50 follows the Pony Express Trail past historic spots like Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park. Toiyabe National Forest near Austin boasts more sagebrush than pine trees, while Great Basin National Park has brilliant night skies without light pollution. For bright lights, try casino camping, where RV'ers camp free in parking lots or enjoy amenities in adjacent, low-fee RV parks. Added bonuses often include free dump stations, discounted buffet tickets, playgrounds for younger campers plus free shuttle service.
