Skip to main content

Day Trips from Reno

← All Reno day trips

Day Trips from Reno: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Reno, NV. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Reno

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, Pine Grove, CA 95665

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

Pine Grove, CA 95665

Just 2 hrs 24 min from Reno, rated 4.8 stars by 633 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 24 min4.8 (633)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Eldorado National Forest, CA 95667, USA

Eldorado National Forest

CA 95667, USA

Just 1 hr 20 min from Reno, rated 4.8 stars by 5,924 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 20 min4.8 (5,924)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Sand Harbor State Park, Incline Village, NV 89452

Sand Harbor State Park

Incline Village, NV 89452

Just 54 min from Reno, rated 4.8 stars by 9,239 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

54 min4.8 (9,239)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Galena Creek Recreation Area, Reno, NV 89511

Galena Creek Recreation Area

Reno, NV 89511

Just 22 min from Reno, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

22 min4.8 (85)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma, CA 96142

Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

Tahoma, CA 96142

Just 1 hr 4 min from Reno, rated 4.8 stars by 1,265 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 4 min4.8 (1,265)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Stanislaus National Forest, Sonora, CA 95370

Stanislaus National Forest

Sonora, CA 95370

Just 2 hrs 16 min from Reno, rated 4.8 stars by 3,528 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 16 min4.8 (3,528)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Hidden Falls Regional Park, Auburn, CA 95603

Hidden Falls Regional Park

Auburn, CA 95603

Just 1 hr 52 min from Reno, rated 4.7 stars by 1,352 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 52 min4.7 (1,352)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

South Yuba River State Park, Penn Valley, CA 95946

South Yuba River State Park

Penn Valley, CA 95946

Just 1 hr 51 min from Reno, rated 4.7 stars by 2,374 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 51 min4.7 (2,374)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Cosumnes River Preserve, Galt, CA 95632

Cosumnes River Preserve

Galt, CA 95632

Just 2 hrs 36 min from Reno, rated 4.7 stars by 1,362 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 36 min4.7 (1,362)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Oroville, CA 95965

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve

Oroville, CA 95965

Just 2 hrs 43 min from Reno, rated 4.7 stars by 750 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 43 min4.7 (750)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, Lee Vining, CA 93541

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

Lee Vining, CA 93541

Just 2 hrs 26 min from Reno, rated 4.6 stars by 1,182 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 26 min4.6 (1,182)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Putah Creek Wildlife Area, Winters, CA 95694

Putah Creek Wildlife Area

Winters, CA 95694

Just 2 hrs 53 min from Reno, rated 4.6 stars by 1,030 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 53 min4.6 (1,030)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Reno

What are the best state parks near Reno, NV?

The best state parks near Reno offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Reno?

Most state parks near Reno charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Reno are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Reno offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Reno?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Reno. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

Don't know where to go?

Tell us your interests, budget, and how far you want to drive. We'll find the perfect trip for you.

Surprise me