Nevada State Parks - Family Friendly Fun

Dayton State Park. Located 12 miles east of Carson City, Nv. in the town of Dayton on Hwy 50. The Carson River runs through it and offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, picnicking, swimming and bird watching. The park also contains what's left of the Rock Point Mill which was built in 1861. It was the processing mill for silver from Virginia City during the famous days of the Comstock Lode.

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Located on State Route 28 near Incline Village. The park includes Memorial Point and Hidden Beach between Sand Harbor and Incline Village. Spooner Lake is at the intersection of US 50 and State Route 28. It's a very popular picnicking, mountain biking, hiking and catch-and-release fishing. During the winter months, it's also great for cross-country skiing. Vehicles aren't allowed in the back country, keeping it just as it was when the pioneers first saw the area.

Mormon Station State Historic Park. Located in Genoa, Nv. 12 miles south of Carson City by either US 395 or State Route 206. It is the first permanent settlement of non-natives in Nevada. The trading post was built in 1851 and a replica of it is located in the park, containing a small museum. From April through October, you can get reservations for group use and visit the museum. Historic Genoa is a great place to visit!

Washoe Lake State Park. Located 10 miles north of Carson City and 15 miles south of Reno on US 395, the park is in the middle of Washoe Valley. Washoe Lake and Little Washoe Lake, for which the park was named, offer swimming, camping, boating, jet skiing, fishing and a variety of other activities.

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park. Located 23 miles east of Gabbs on State Route 844. The Ichthyosaur for whom the park is named, lived and died in a warm sea that covered northern Nevada 225 million years ago. The park's Fossil House contains specimens of fossilized sea life. Tours are offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day, although the park is open year-round.

Fort Churchill State Historic Park. Located 8 miles south of Silver Springs on Alternate US 95. This is my personal favorite. The wife and I camp there every couple of years. The old fort is in ruins, but placards beside the adobe buildings identify them as barracks, mess halls, officers quarters, etc. The parade grounds were in the middle, surrounded by the buildings. An old cemetery (now empty) stands as a reminder of those who once lived and died there. It was a Pony Express stop and the museum has a large collection of memorabilia. The Carson River runs through the park, allowing for both day use and camping.

Nevada is mostly known for Reno and Las Vegas. Gambling and prostitution are legal. For the natives and long time residents, Nevada is much more. The state is loaded with interesting things to do and see that are very family-friendly.

Come check it out!