The 13 Best Picnic Spots in Nevada!
The state of Nevada is well known for it's expansive desert landscape, rugged outdoors and a few very active cities. Beyond the obvious, Nevada has many hidden gems in the form of amazing spots to enjoy an afternoon away from it all. These spots often include stunning natural habitats one may not expect to find in the desert but are the perfect spot for a picnic.
Great Basin National Park
Situated close to the Nevada/Utah border, this out-of-the-way spot is well worth the drive to spend the day away from everything to just enjoy both the views and a picnic. The views include some very lush green surroundings and great contrast. Many hikers enjoy exploring the Lehman Caves in the park as well.
Bowers Mansion Regional Park, New Washoe City, NV
The newly-restored Bower's Mansion makes a stunning backdrop for a day trip for a picnic. This location is not only rich is local history but also has a refurbished hot springs fed pool that is open in the spring for visitors too.
Sand Harbor Beach, Incline Village, NV
While Nevada may not be known for it's beaches, the east bank of Lake Tahoe is a hidden gem. The views are amazing and the picnic spaces tucked away from the lake offer a relaxed environment. Space is limited as more and more people discover this spot so it is suggested visitors arrive early. The limited parking keep down the crowds in the area.
Galena Creek Regional Park, Reno, NV
This park is a great picnic spot for spring visitors or a nice spot for a winter adventure via snow shoes. The park is popular year round for the amazing views, diversity of the landscape and the natural habitat for many animals.
Red Spring Picnic Area, Las Vegas, NV
Located in the world-famous Red Rock Canyon, this small picnic area is a close drive from the big city life of Vegas. The picnic area is family friendly with a variety of facilities that give visitors a nice glimpse of the desert landscape. The photo opportunities alone are worth the drive.
Clark County Wetlands Park, Las Vegas, NV
The wetlands in Clark County are not what many expect to see when they visit Las Vegas. The area is known for the stark desert landscape but these wetlands at the base of the valley offer an oasis in the desert that is home to many plush picnic areas and prime spots to watch many of the birds that call the marshy areas home.
Lamoille Canyon
This lush landscape is at the base of the Ruby Mountains in what some call the Nevada Swiss Alps. While the area is often deep in snow during the winter, a hike in during the early summer is rewarded with an amazing picnic one won't soon forget.
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno, NV
Bring a bit of the Wild West into your next picnic where the grasslands meet the tumbleweeds of the high desert. Part of the park is filled with beautiful desert flora while others transition into the valley wetlands. The park is also home to some historic buildings worth exploring.
Bartley Ranch, Reno, NV
Bartley Ranch is home to the Western Heritage Interpretive Center with many scenic walking trails, spots for larger picnic groups and individual sites as well. This location is great for families because of the facilities and the variety of activities for all ages.
Floyd Lamb Park, Las Vegas, NV
This 680-acre park in the heart of the Vegas desert is an amazing break from the stark sand. The vegetation is lush with a different view in every direction. The open meadows make a peaceful place to take a picnic and just enjoy watching the sheep or other small animals that are often seen in the park.
Sunset Park, Las Vegas, NV
One of the last places in Nevada with both a developed recreational area and original sand dunes, this is a long time favorite family destination for locals in Clark County. The area is very active in warmer weather with splash pads and a variety of team sports. The natural sands offer visitors something a little bit different as well.
Spooner Lake, Carson City, NV
For an out of the way picnic spot with some great fishing, Spooner Lake is just the spot. Located close to Lake Tahoe, this smaller water way is just far enough away from the heavy tourist areas to be the perfect lake side picnic secret.
Rose Garden at Idlewild Park, Reno, NV
In the heart of downtown Reno, this community park is decorated with roses through out the spring. The scent alone brings picnic ready families to enjoy the park. The grounds are a lush green with plenty of family friendly grounds to enjoy a nice walk to find the perfect picnic spot.
