In addition to those spots named above, there are not very far away several National Parks and Recreation Areas. Near Baker, Nevada, you will find Great Basin National Park with its wonderful wilderness areas and more than 60 miles of hiking trails. Try hiking the Baker Lake Trail or the Bristlecone-Glacier Trail. You will love getting out into the beautiful environment awaiting you here.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a great place to camp out in your RV rental, where you can freshen up after a swim or a hike. You can also fish, boat or just lounge around soaking up the sun. You will get some great photos here. The lakes, desert landscapes and wildlife will capture your fancy and make the trip in your RV so worthwhile. While you are there, be sure to visit Hoover Dam, which isn’t a National Park, but is run under the Bureau of Reclamation.
Zion, the Utah National Park closest to Las Vegas, is about 165 miles, or about 2.5 hours northeast of the city. A mile-long tunnel with windows cut into its side and a curving road leading to Zion Canyon draw more than 4 million visitors a year.
Death Valley National Park: If you want another excursion, you can drive to Death Valley in 2.5 hours from Vegas. You will be taken in by the unusual, uniqueness of the environment and see how nature just simply survives. Death Valley is different, beautiful in its own way and extreme. October through April are the best times to visit. Also due to the potential for extreme heat, optimum viewing is when the sun is lower in the sky and not directly overhead.
Other national parks close to Las Vegas include: Bryce Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.