Let’s Point You in the

Right Direction

Every seasoned camper started with a first trip—with most feeling a little intimidated at the beginning. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the options, the gear, or simply not knowing where to go. But those first steps into the outdoors don’t have to be stressful. At Outer Range Outdoor Rentals, we’re here to guide you through it. Our all-in-one gear rentals take the pressure off packing, and our curated destination suggestions help you choose beginner-friendly spots that are as accessible as they are beautiful. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend escape or your first night under the stars, we make sure your introduction to camping is smooth, supported, and unforgettable. With the right tools and a little encouragement, your first trip can turn into a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Within an hour of Las Vegas….

Mt. Charleston/Lee Canyon

  • Mount Charleston, just a 45-minute drive northwest of Las Vegas, is a breathtaking alpine escape that feels worlds away from the desert bustle. Rising to nearly 12,000 feet within the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, this high-altitude paradise offers cool temperatures (often 20–30°F cooler than the valley), lush pine forests, and over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails winding through aspen groves, Bristlecone pines, and cascading waterfalls

    Whether you're setting up camp at one of the rustic US Forest Service campgrounds—such as McWilliams, Fletcher View, Hilltop, or Mahogany Grove—or enjoying dispersed camping off the beaten path, Mount Charleston provides a variety of options for both beginners and seasoned outdoor lovers. Popular trails include the beginner-friendly Mary Jane Falls and Bristlecone Loop, as well as Cathedral Rock and the longer South Loop Trail to Charleston Peak—rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, desert valleys, and even the distant Las Vegas Strip.

    Camping here means starry nights, crisp mountain air, and a rich ecosystem—home to ancient Bristlecone pines (some over 3,000 years old), Palmer’s chipmunks, elk, and more . From spring through fall, the area offers a peaceful, nature-immersive retreat; in winter, it becomes a snowy playground with skiing and snowboarding available at Lee Canyon Ski Resort, plus scenic chairlift rides and snowshoeing opportunities.

    In short, Mount Charleston is the perfect natural complement to Las Vegas—a cooler, greener, more serene world waiting just beyond the city lights.

    • McWilliams Campground
      👉 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232168

    • Fletcher View Campground
      👉 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234005

    • Hilltop Campground
      👉 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232276

    • Mahogany Grove Group Campground
      👉 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232247

Red Rock Canyon

  • Located just 20 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a striking Mojave Desert gem, defined by vibrant red sandstone cliffs, ridges, and sweeping vistas that feel worlds away from the neon lights . Visitors enter via a scenic 13‑mile loop drive filled with overlooks, trailheads, and wildlife sightings—though note: a timed-entry reservation is required from October through May.

    The park boasts a well-appointed campground about 3 miles off the scenic drive, offering standard, walk‑to, RV, and group sites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills (when allowed), drinking water, and vault toilets. While the campground is closed during the hottest summer months (June–August), backcountry camping and dispersed spots remain available year-round with proper permits.

    Red Rock Canyon is renowned for its hiking and climbing opportunities. Trails range from easy loops like the 0.8‑mile Lost Creek/Children’s Discovery Trail and Calico Tanks (~2.2 miles) to more strenuous options such as Turtlehead Peak, Guardian Angel Pass, Kraft Mountain Loop, and Ice Box Canyon, each offering dramatic vistas, hidden waterfalls after rain, and occasional seasonal shade. Climbers flock here too—with over 1,200 named routes, boulders, sport and traditional lines spread across Calico Hills, Sandstone Quarry, Black Velvet Canyon, and more.

    Beyond hiking and climbing, visitors can enjoy biking, horseback riding, guided educational programs at the Visitor Center, and starry night skies far from city lights. Surprising for how close it is to downtown, Red Rock offers a peaceful and photogenic escape, with chances to spot wild burros, desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, and distinctive desert flora and rock art along the way.

    In short: Red Rock Canyon combines world-class outdoor recreation, dramatic geology, and camping amenities—all within a short, scenic drive from Las Vegas.

  • 🏕️ Red Rock Canyon Campground
    https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250877

Valley of Fire

  • Valley of Fire State Park, located about 50–60 minutes northeast of Las Vegas, is a breathtaking desert playground featuring 45,000+ acres of brilliant red Aztec sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and sweeping Mojave views. Named for its fiery glow during sunrise and sunset, the park offers a dramatic contrast to the neon-lit bustling city.

    Visitors can explore a scenic loop drive that winds past iconic landmarks such as Elephant Rock, Atlatl Rock (featuring ancient rock art), and the Beehives—unique dome-like formations created by millennia of erosion. Trail enthusiasts will enjoy options from relaxing beginner hikes like the White Domes Loop and Mouse’s Tank Trail to the colorful Fire Wave, although some trails may close during extreme heat (typically May–September) for safety.

    If you're planning to stay, the park features two first-come, first-served campgrounds—Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock—with a total of approximately 72 sites, including shaded picnic areas, potable water, restrooms, fire rings, and RV hookups with full amenities (dump station, showers, power available). Camping permits are $20–25 per night, plus $10 for hookups; day-use vehicles pay $10–15 depending on residency.

    Inside the park, the Visitor Center—open daily—offers insightful exhibits on geology, ecology, and the area’s ancestral history, alongside helpful maps and trail advice.

    With dramatic landscapes, accessible hikes, and camping beneath fiery-colored cliffs, Valley of Fire offers a surprisingly immersive and photogenic outdoor retreat only an hour from the Strip—perfect for both day trips and peaceful overnights under the stars

  • 🏕️ Valley of Fire State Park Campgrounds
    https://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire

Two to Three Hours Away….

Joshua Tree National Park

Great Basin National Park

Sand Hollow, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park

Zion National Park

  • Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, is a breathtaking canyon landscape carved by the Virgin River and known for its towering sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and narrow slot canyons. As Utah’s first national park, Zion offers a diverse mix of desert and alpine terrain across over 146,000 acres, drawing millions of visitors each year.

    The park is home to some of the most iconic hikes in the U.S., including Angels Landing (via permit), the river hike through The Narrows, and scenic favorites like Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook, and Observation Point. Shuttle service (seasonal) helps visitors access key trailheads within Zion Canyon, while Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Road offer less-traveled adventures on the park’s west and north sides.

    Zion offers three primary campgrounds: Watchman (reservable year-round), South (seasonal, March–October), and Lava Point (remote and primitive, open late spring through early fall). Sites at Watchman and South feature restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, and are within walking distance of the Zion Visitor Center in Springdale. Watchman also includes electric hookups for RVs. Lava Point, located about 1 hour from Zion Canyon, is first-come, first-served and suited to more self-sufficient campers.

    Backcountry enthusiasts can obtain wilderness permits for remote camping in areas like West Rim, East Rim, La Verkin Creek, and the Subway. Permits are also required for overnight trips in The Narrows from the top-down.

    Whether you're camping beneath massive cliffs, trekking through narrow river canyons, or watching the sunset light up Zion’s red rock walls, the park offers an unforgettable Southwest experience with options for both rugged adventurers and first-time campers alike.

Navajo Lake, Utah

Panguitch Lake, Utah

Gunlock State Park, Utah