Nevada has so much to offer snowbirds – including several things you won’t find elsewhere. The historic sites of the Old West create a special atmosphere unique to Nevada.

Dramatic desert scenery in 27 state parks, charming rural towns that are affordable and a great network of highways for exploring the state can all be found here. 

Mild winter temperatures in the southern half of the state make Nevada a great choice for snowbirds who want to get outdoors and explore. 

Gaming is legal throughout Nevada, so for those snowbirds who like to try their hand at the slots or play blackjack or roulette, you will have plenty of opportunity. 

80% of Nevada is public land

There are 27 state parks in Nevada offering incredible scenery, some with red rock formations and great fishing and boating opportunities.

Nevada welcomes snowbirds in RVs and campers to its national park and in the numerous RV parks around the state. 

Nevada state parks do not require reservations but Reserve Nevada can be used to book campsites, group areas, and cabins and buy day-use passes and all-access annual permits.

Hit the open road

The best way to discover Nevada is to take one of several recommended road trips around the state that include some incredible scenery and cool sites to visit. 

Nevada has many natural wonders featuring canyons, geological sites, mountains, and even forests – not to mention the unbelievably clear skies at night for stargazers.

However, you will find yourself in some very remote areas, and you should plan your trip in advance and make sure you know where you can find food, gas and overnight accommodations. Also, check the weather along your route and be sure to pack clothing for warm and cool temperatures, just in case.

Travel Nevada has identified 10 great road trips around the state that range from day trips to weeklong excursions. Here are some popular ones for the winter period:

• Neon to Nature
  
  If you are spending time in Las Vegas, there are three great mini road trips that take you to such iconic sites as Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon and the dramatic scenery of Valley of Fire State Park. You will discover other attractions and towns along the way and still be back in Las Vegas for dinner. 
  
  The Neon to Nature Day trips include Red Rockin’ Loop, the Fire and Water Loop, and the Colorado River Corridor. 
• Great Basin Highway
  
  The Great Basin Highway RoadTrip is designed to take 3 to 5 days. On this trip, you will see red rock spires and sandstone canyons and end with mountain peaks and pine forests. The trip takes you from Las Vegas to Ely to Great Basin National Park going through the fabulous landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park, Cathedral Gorge State Park, and several other Nevada state parks, visiting ghost towns along the way.
• Extraterrestrial Highway
  
  Pick up state Route 375 - the section of road officially designated the “Extraterrestrial Highway” in Crystal Springs and get ready for some truly ”out there” attractions, including the infamous Black Mailbox. The desert outside Area 51 has long attracted paranormal enthusiasts searching for clues to prove we are not alone. 
  
  Pose with alien murals, enjoy a space snack at E.T. Jerky and explore the Alien Research Center gift shop along this otherworldly road trip. 
• Free Range Art Highway
  
  For those seeking the more bizarre side of Nevada, this 1 to 3-day road trip along US-95 features creative and sometimes psychedelic free-range art. Imagine brilliant boulder towers, a colorful “forest” of artist-decorated junk cars, Burning Man sculptures, murals, and other eclectic art.
  
  The route from Las Vegas to Reno takes you through artsy towns featuring all types of art galleries, including an open-air gallery adjacent to a ghost town.  There are also a variety of iconic places to stay - including a motel with one of the world’s largest private collections of clowns. 
  
  There’s no way to fully describe this road trip and do it justice – you have to see it for yourself!
• Loneliest Road in America 
  
  This route is further north than some, so you might want to either do it in the fall or wait for early spring. The two to four-day route along U.S. Highway 50 is so remote that in the past it was not recommended for visitors.  But it is a fabulous stretch of wide-open country where you will find ghost towns, old historic mining towns and amazing state parks. Thirsty?  Pop into an old Sagebrush Saloon!
  
  At Great Basin National Park, you will encounter 5,000-year-old trees and the darkest skies. This route offers great hiking, biking, stargazing and camping. There are even hot springs to enjoy. 
  
  This is a bucket list trip that you won’t want to miss! 

Where to stay

There are several southern Nevada towns that are ideal for snowbirds looking to stay a while and where you can find affordable accommodations, outdoor activities and nightlife entertainment.   

These towns are also great for a short getaway or excursion as you explore Nevada:

• Henderson
  
  It is hard to beat Henderson as a great place for snowbirds to escape the winter.  There’s a diverse dining scene, 10 golf courses and several spas.
  
  Henderson has a great downtown art district and the area is great for hiking & biking. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy Lake Mead and Lake Las Vegas.
• Boulder City
  
  Boulder City was first built to house all the workers who constructed the Hoover Dam. Today, this small town located just 48 kms from Las Vegas is actually gaming-free! But you don’t have to go far to find it.
  
  The charming town has an Art Deco feel due to the preservation of a lot of the original buildings and sites in Historic Downtown Boulder City. There’s lots of history to discover here. 
  
  There are plenty of rentals in Boulder City for snowbirds as well as RV parks in the area and proximity to Lake Mead and the Colorado River make this an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Laughlin
  
  Laughlin is situated at the very southern end of Nevada about 140 kms from Las Vegas alongside the Colorado River.
  
  There’s a riverwalk area and several large resorts and casinos in Laughlin for those who enjoy trying their luck once in a while. These resorts also attract top-notch entertainment with some big names passing through. 
  
  The river is great for boating, water skiing, kayaking, fishing and touring. The area is the best of all for hiking, cycling and exploring the local rock formations and canyons. 
  
  And there are 5 championship courses for golfers here - another plus for snowbirds looking to spend the winter.
• Mesquite
  
  Mesquite is another great spot for snowbirds with its small-town charm but great amenities. 
  
  Snowbirds will find full-service resorts and casinos, spas and hotels as well as fabulous golf courses.  Located in the lovely Virgin River Valley amidst the Virgin Mountain foothills, the town affords great scenery.   
  
  Snowbirds will find there are lots of rental options in Mesquite along with RV parks and 3 golf courses.
  
  This is a beautiful spot to escape winter and be surrounded by a natural paradise – but with plenty to do!

• Beatty
  
  Beatty is located on the edge of the wondrous Death Valley National Park - a fascinating place that is a must-see for every visitor. 
  
  This small town has several ghost towns nearby and is perfect for snowbirds seeking a small town where they can settle for a while. Las Vegas is nearby whenever you feel the need for shopping, gaming or entertainment, but Beatty itself is a very quiet place.

  There are small motels and one larger hotel as well as RV parks. Beatty is a perfect place to explore the incredible natural beauty of the area with parks and wildlife reserves. 

The bottom line

The natural beauty of Nevada, combined with mild winter temperatures enabling lots of outdoor activities, makes Nevada a great option for snowbirds.

Sampling some of these road trips while you are there makes this a unique destination offering fabulous landscapes and the history of the Old West - combined with modern resorts, great cuisine, top entertainment and gaming.

For more detailed information about Nevada as a snowbird destination, check out Snowbird Advisor's Travel Nevada Snowbird Destination Guide.