Kershaw-Ryan State Park

Introduction of Kershaw-Ryan State Park

This park is located in the heart of Kershaw Canyon, one of the most beautiful canyons in the state. Its rock walls rise up to 700 feet above the desert floor. Wildlife abounds on the canyon walls. The wildflowers bloom in the spring, adding to the beauty of the colorful canyon.

Natural underground springs create a desert oasis a little further down the valley. Most RV campers believe grapevines and fruit trees do not grow in Nevada, but they haven’t visited Kershaw-Ryan State Park. These springs naturally clean the pool. Many people stop here to relax from their rigs, and many of the local wildlife come here for a drink.

The park also has some excellent hiking trails and other camping facilities. The majority of these structures were constructed in the 1990s, following the destruction of the park by a flash flood in 1984. A dozen large and shady RV parking spots are among the developments and amenities.

Kershaw-Ryan State Park Camping

The 12-site campground is close to the park’s entrance and visitor’s centre, which has a wealth of information about the park and its surroundings. Each RV campsite has a ramada with shade, a fire ring, a barbecue grill, and a picnic table. Some campsites even have water and electricity hookups. So you can spend some quality time outside at any time of day or night. There is also an RV dump station and restrooms. You’ll have easy access to hiking and picnicking along the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail from the campground.

Kershaw-Ryan State Park Activities

Hiking

There are two main hiking trails at Kershaw-Ryan State Park. They are primarily designed for foot hikers with or without leashed animals, as there are some steps here and there. The 0.1-mile Rattlesnake Loop Trail is directly adjacent to the parking area. It is mostly flat and well-marked. This trail is called Rattlesnake Loop for a reason. Keep an eye out for these critters, especially during the summer. In some places, the 1.4-mile Canyon Overlook Trail resembles a backcountry trail. It’s also steeper and more rocky than Rattlesnake Loop. At the loop’s outer end, there are several beautiful scenic overlooks. If you don’t want to go that far, there are several cutoffs available.

Picnicking

The main picnic area is located off Rattlesnake Loop, just before the actual loop section of this trail. There are several sheltered picnic areas available. If they’re in use, you’ll probably be able to find a good spot under an oak tree. Near the wading pool, there is another large picnic area. That’s a lovely spot for lunch in the desert. Smaller and more isolated picnic tables can also be found throughout this area, particularly near the motorhome parking area and day-use area. Grills are available at most tables.

Wildlife viewing

This park’s wildlife includes more than just rattlesnakes. The majority of the other inhabitants are interesting creatures. Larger mammals, such as deer and even wild horses, frequently visit the spring-fed wading pool. Smaller mammals, such as rabbits and squirrels, are also common. Go deeper into the canyon to see more wildlife, such as coyotes and even some elusive mountain lions.

Kershaw-Ryan State Park Location

Kershaw-Ryan State Park is located near the Utah border, approximately 100 miles northeast of Las Vegas. This region of the state is as desolate as it gets. There are a few towns strewn about, but the term “town” may give these communities too much credit. Many of them lack even gas stations. Make sure you have a full tank of gas, a full stomach, and plenty of RV camping supplies before you leave Las Vegas.

The main north-south road in this part of Nevada, US Highway 93, is quite narrow. However, there is almost no traffic, so navigating it in your RV should be simple. Change drivers as often as possible. 

The RV park is close to the park’s entrance. This area has plenty of large-vehicle parking. Follow the main park road past the greenhouse to another large parking area to get to the hiking trails and more scenic parts of Kershaw Canyon. This loop is close to the park’s day-use area and major trailheads

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public transport is not available.