Nevada’s 8 Best Kept Picnic Secrets

Nevada may be known for its deserts and casinos, but if you take the time to look, you’ll find quiet corners perfect for a simple picnic.

Some are tucked into mountain valleys, others sit along lakeshores, and a few are hiding in plain sight near towns. Here are eight spots across Nevada where spreading out a blanket feels special.

1. Washoe Lake State Park (near Carson City)

Locals in northern Nevada often speak fondly of Washoe Lake State Park, a spot that manages to fly under the radar despite its proximity to Carson City. The shoreline here stretches out beneath vast blue skies, with the Sierra Nevada mountains standing quietly in the distance. If you arrive in the late afternoon, the sunset becomes the real showstopper, painting the sky with soft oranges and pinks as you enjoy your meal.

Picnic tables dot the lakeside, but you won’t find crowds. Even on weekends, it’s possible to have plenty of space for yourself and a book, or maybe a fishing pole. Birdwatchers in Nevada appreciate the chance to spot hawks gliding over the reeds, and on windy days, you’ll see windsurfers skimming across the water far enough away not to disturb your peace.

Bring your own shade if you’re planning a midday visit, as trees are sparse. It’s the open feeling that sets Washoe Lake apart, perfect for anyone who values quiet and a long horizon. Few places near Nevada’s capital city offer such a simple, restorative picnic experience.

2. Cathedral Gorge State Park (Panaca)

Few places capture the imagination quite like Cathedral Gorge State Park. The park’s sculpted clay spires and narrow slot canyons feel almost otherworldly, especially when the sun casts dramatic shadows across the landscape. These formations make every visit feel like you’ve stumbled into a natural sculpture gallery.

Shaded picnic spots can be found near the park entrance, making it easy to set up lunch without a big trek. That said, I love packing a basket and walking just a bit farther along the trails. Once you slip behind the first row of formations, there’s a sense of privacy you rarely get at state parks in Nevada.

Early mornings bring cool air and soft light, which is ideal for both eating and exploring. If you linger, you’ll see the colors shift as the sun moves across the sky. Cathedral Gorge’s unique setting makes a meal here feel like an adventure you won’t forget, with natural beauty at every turn.

3. Angel Lake (near Wells)

Surprises come in all shapes here in Nevada, but Angel Lake is one of my favorites. Set high in the East Humboldt Range, this alpine lake offers cool mountain air and striking views at every angle. The drive up feels like a secret passage from desert to forested slopes, especially in summer when the rest of the state bakes below.

Picnic tables are perched right by the shore, giving you a front-row seat to the reflections on the water and the occasional splash from a nearby fish. If you’re lucky, you might spot mountain goats picking their way along the rocky cliffs that rise above the lake, a treat for both kids and grown-ups.

Angel Lake has a sense of tranquility you don’t always find near Nevada’s highways. While it isn’t huge, the setting feels intimate. The air, cooler and scented with pine, seems made for slow afternoons spent with a sandwich and good company.

4. Spooner Lake (Lake Tahoe–Nevada State Park)

On the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Spooner Lake offers just the right mix of forest and water. The crowds that flock to the bigger beaches tend to skip this spot, so it’s easy to find a shady corner under the pines. I’ve always liked the way light filters through the trees, making the picnic areas feel cool and inviting.

The loop trail around Spooner Lake is gentle and lined with wildflowers in spring. Before or after lunch, it’s fun to take a stroll and watch ducks paddling or catch a glimpse of an osprey hunting for fish. Nevada’s mountain air feels extra crisp here, especially when you get a breeze off the lake itself.

Spooner Lake is a favorite for families, birdwatchers, and anyone who prefers their picnics with a dose of quiet. There are plenty of tables off the main trail but tucked away enough that you can truly settle in. Bring a blanket if you want to stretch out among the pines after your meal.

5. Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Elko County)

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge catches you off guard with its lush, watery landscape in the middle of Nevada’s high desert. The refuge sprawls across marshes, ponds, and grassy banks, drawing in hundreds of bird species each year. For anyone who enjoys wildlife watching, this is a rare treat in the state’s remote reaches.

I set up picnics on the benches near the water’s edge, where dragonflies and swallows dart overhead. The quiet here is deep and uninterrupted, broken only by the calls of sandhill cranes or the distant splash of a frog. It feels like an escape to a different side of Nevada, far from busy roads and city noise.

Access requires a bit of a drive, so it pays to bring everything you need. The reward is total immersion in nature, with mountain reflections on the water and the chance to observe wildlife in their element. Pack a pair of binoculars and a camera, you’ll want to remember this one.

6. Valley of Fire State Park (near Overton)

Valley of Fire State Park’s name gives away its main attraction: brilliant red sandstone formations that seem to glow, especially late in the day. The picnic shelters here are cleverly tucked into the rocks, providing both shade and an unbeatable view. No matter how many times I visit, I’m still taken aback by the striking colors and shapes.

Picnicking at Valley of Fire feels like dining in an outdoor art gallery. The wind carves patterns into the stone, and lizards skitter across the warm surfaces as you eat. In the late afternoon, the light turns golden, making everything shimmer in a way that’s hard to find outside Nevada.

Visitors often stay for the hiking trails, but it’s the peaceful moments at a shaded table that I remember best. Bring extra water and a hat, the desert sun can still be strong even under shelter. Valley of Fire stands out as one of Nevada’s most visually stunning picnic destinations.

7. Great Basin National Park (Baker)

Great Basin National Park remains a well-kept secret, even with its national park status. The high elevation and cooler temperatures make it a welcome retreat during Nevada’s hot summers. I’ve spent mornings at picnic tables near Lehman Caves, surrounded by towering pines and fresh mountain air.

There’s something special about eating lunch in the shadow of Wheeler Peak, Nevada’s second highest mountain. The picnic spots here feel open yet protected, thanks to the trees and the sense of remoteness. Wildlife sightings are common, keep an eye out for marmots or deer passing by.

Fewer visitors means you rarely have to share your picnic with a crowd, giving you time to relax before or after exploring the park’s trails and caves. It’s the kind of setting that invites long conversations and lingering over snacks. Great Basin is a reminder of how much quiet beauty Nevada still keeps to itself.

8. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park (near Ely)

History buffs and nature lovers will both find their spot at Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park. The six large ovens, shaped like beehives and built in the 1870s, stand as reminders of Nevada’s mining heritage. It’s a place where the past and present quietly meet, right in the middle of open meadows and mountain views.

Most visitors come for the ovens, but I prefer the picnic areas nearby. It feels as if time slows down among the tall grasses and wildflowers. There’s a kind of peacefulness here that makes food taste better, especially with the broad sweep of the Egan Range as your backdrop.

Wildlife often wanders close by, mule deer, rabbits, and a variety of birds make regular appearances. The ovens themselves provide not only a sense of place, but also a fun photo opportunity after you’ve finished lunch. If you enjoy blending a bit of history with your outdoor adventures, this spot is a must.