ROADTRIP: Beaver Dam State Park

Cactus blooms in Beaver Dam State Park. See more photos.

Nevada State Parks has a really lovely passport they give out that has suckered us nicely into trying to visit every park in the state (well done, NSP). Not like it's a hardship; the Nevada State Park system is incredible; our state is diverse and beautiful, and the parks are no exception.

Recently we set out to see the parks we hadn't been to yet along highways 80 and 50 in eastern Nevada, but after getting out, we turned south, and ended up getting eight parks knocked out in the three days we were gone.

Beaver Dam State Park was one of the most surprising. As far as we could tell, the park was completely deserted. We were traveling the third week of May, to avoid Memorial Day traffic, so it was still a little early in the season, but as far as the heat goes, I wouldn't want to go any later into the summer. As an added bonus, and another reason not to delay into the summer, wildflowers and cacti were in full bloom all over.

More photos

The road in to Beaver Dam is dirt/gravel, but it was not heavily used, so there is no need for four-wheel drive or a high-clearance vehicle. Honestly, the road was nicer than many of the paved roads we drove during this trip. Once in the park there were some areas where high-clearance was nice, and during the winter months the roads would probably be difficult for cars.

Waterfall Trail crosses a creek before heading toward the Utah border.

We didn't get a chance to do a lot of exploring, but we'll definitely be back as the area was gorgeous. The campground looked well maintained, and was in a really beautiful area overlooking the water. The sites were very close together and the brush was sparse, so neighbors would be visible/audible if the site was crowded, and you can't reserve sites. We also noticed port-a-potties, so I'm not sure if the regular bathrooms were closed if there was other construction or renovation going on.

This is a pretty primitive park in that they don't cater to RVs or ATVs and your phone probably won't work; this is more for the hikers and fisherpeople. The area is rocky and mountainous, so the hiking trails are fun, if on the more strenuous side, especially if it's hot outside. All in all, a great, out of the way place where we can't wait to spend some more time.