Table of Contents
Just a stone’s throw away from Casino Drive in Laughlin lies Nevada’s hidden gem, the Big Bend of the Colorado State Park. Established in 1996, this state park perfectly frames the Colorado River, offering stunning views of the river, the city, its bustling casinos, and the encircling mountains.
Experience Comfortable RV Camping
Big Bend State Park, with its dedicated campground constructed in 2008, is primarily tailored for RV camping. The park provides 24 neatly laid-out camping sites, the majority of which are pull-through sites intended for larger rigs. The back-in sites have a width of about 30 feet, ensuring hassle-free entry. Among these, three sites – two pull-through and one back-in – are specially equipped to cater to handicapped individuals.
Each site offers:
- Full hookups
- A tent pad
- A shade ramada covering a picnic table
- A barbeque grill
- A fire pit
While reservations aren’t accepted, all sites operate on a “first come, first served” basis.
Facilities and Services: Designed for Convenience
Camping at Big Bend State Park grants access to a range of facilities, including a comfort station that houses toilets and showers. This facility is modern, clean, and well-maintained, providing hot water for your convenience. Each shower costs $0.25 for five minutes, with the option to extend the time for an additional fee.
Apart from this, the park also has a large parking lot with trailer spaces, servicing a two-lane boat ramp that connects to the river via a man-made lagoon. A day-use area includes a paved walking trail encircling the picnic area, coupled with an expansive parking lot.
In addition, both the boat ramp area and the day-use area showcase shade ramadas by the shore, some equipped with tables and BBQ grills. Please note that wood and charcoal aren’t available at the park.
Engage in Exciting Activities
Big Bend State Park teems with activities that cater to different interests. Water lovers can indulge in boating, fishing, swimming, or simply lounging on the river beaches. Hiking enthusiasts can tackle the park’s four miles of sandy trails.
Birdwatchers can enjoy a rich array of birds, including mallards, coots, herons, geese, hawks, roadrunners, quails, hummingbirds, doves, owls, and phainopelas. Wildlife sightings, such as cottontail rabbits, foxes, raccoons, beavers, muskrats, and even occasional cougars and bighorn sheep, add to the park’s charm.
Across the highway, the Big Bend Recreational Area provides opportunities for off-roading, geocaching, rock scrambling, and desert hiking.
Fee Schedule at Big Bend State Park
In comparison to parks in the Lake Mead Recreation Area, Big Bend State Park is relatively high-end. Here’s the fee breakdown:
- Vehicle/Motorcycle Entry: $9.00
- Boating: $15
- Walk/Bike In: $1
- Camping per night: $30 (inclusive of Entry fee)
The park also extends discounts for annual permits, state-wide passes, Nevada residents, and Nevada seniors.
In conclusion, Big Bend State Park is your one-stop destination for an unforgettable RV camping experience. Whether you want to soak in the natural beauty, engage in exhilarating activities, or simply unwind, this state park has something for everyone.
