As a basecamp for epic outdoor adventures, Reno is an ideal stopping point for travelers on an RV trip. Whether you have a travel trailer, motorhome, fifth wheel or camper van, there are several RV parks in Reno where you can park your rig and enjoy amenities such as laundry, electricity, WiFi and swimming pools before you venture farther up into the Sierra or out into the Nevada desert.
Sparks Marina RV Park
If you’re approaching from the East, the Sparks Marina RV Park is an ideal stopping point, right off the freeway and centrally located within walking distance of Sparks Marina. Enjoy Sparks Marina’s beaches and playgrounds, walk or bike around the lake on dedicated walking trails, sip a drink or coffee at one of the bars and cafes, or even stroll over to the Legends Mall to visit Scheels, Galaxy Theaters and many outlet stores at this outdoor shopping area.
Sparks Marina RV Park is known for being clean and well-maintained, with pavement and grass for every RV site as well as full hookups. This RV park also has a pool, so bring your swimsuit and prepare to relax along the lounge chairs on sunny days. The only complaint here is that the sites are a bit close together, but that should be expected in an RV park near the downtown of any city.
Photo: This photo and above courtesy of Sparks Marina RV Park.
River’s Edge RV Park
If you want a little more nature and distance from the freeway but still want to be near Downtown Reno, River’s Edge RV Park is a near all the action. Sitting along the Truckee River, the sound of the rushing water will drown out any urban noises in this area.
This RV park is also on the Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway, and if you bring your bikes along, you can easily ride into Downtown Reno to the west and Sparks to the east. With the Grand Sierra Resort in proximity to this RV park, in only a few minutes you can be over at Reno’s most visited casino, which is known for hosting events and shows that dazzle the town on a daily basis. River’s Edge also has a swimming pool.
Shamrock RV Park
If you’re coming from the north and want easy access off Highway 395, Shamrock RV Park is a great option with a pool and full hookups. While there’s a bit less to do in the vicinity of this RV park, this is nevertheless a great location to relax and catch up on cleaning and laundry. Each site has a tree and a decent amount of space, and because this is a less-trafficked area, it’s easier to get your RV or truck in and out during a long trip. If you want something quiet for a couple of nights and don’t need proximity to downtown amenities, this is the place to visit.
Photo: A view at the Reno KOA.
Reno KOA Journey at Boomtown (Verdi)
Reno’s KOA Journey at Boomtown serves as a gateway to the Sierra Nevada mountains to the west. At this RV park, the campsites are by far the largest and most private. Despite that, there’s no lack of amenities, with a pool and full hookups being part of the package deal. What’s more, you have easy access to Verdi’s Boomtown Casino Resort, an amazing location for gambling, games and shopping (with Cabela’s right next door).
The Reno KOA is outside of Reno and sits along an undeveloped portion of the Truckee River, so this is the one RV park on this list that really feels like camping, with hiking areas and several parks in the vicinity. The Sierra Nevada mountains tower in the distance. Being a bit closer to the mountains, the weather is milder in summer than in Reno proper, making summer days downright pleasant.
Whatever you’re looking for and from whichever direction you are coming, Reno has plenty of RV parks to choose from when you taking a break from California and Nevada’s many great RV-friendly, off-grid campgrounds.
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
