Top state parks
State ParkValley of Fire State Park
State ParkWard Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
State ParkWashoe Lake State Park
State ParkBerlin–Ichthyosaur State Park
State ParkBelmont Courthouse State Historic Park
State ParkCathedral Gorge State Park
State ParkFort Churchill State Historic Park
State ParkCave Lake State Park
State ParkLake Tahoe State Park
State ParkWild Horse State Recreation Area
State ParkOld Las Vegas Mormon Fort
State ParkRye Patch State Recreation Area
State Parks by county
All state parks (20)
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph state parks
State parks often protect a signature feature — a gorge, lake or overlook — that is best in early morning before visitors and harsh light arrive.
- Check park hours: many state parks close at dusk, which affects sunset and night shooting.
- Ask rangers about photography permits for commercial work, models or drones.
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded at popular viewpoints.
- Trail maps often mark overlooks — combine them with the sun azimuth to plan.
- Day-use fees or passes are common; buy them online before arriving.
Season: Spring wildflowers and autumn color are peak seasons in most parks.