Atlatl Rock Campground

There are two campgrounds in Valley of Fire State Park, Arch Rock and Atlatl Rock, and Atlatl Rock is is the best choice for larger RVs. Both campgrounds are situated around a cluster of large red rock formations about two miles from the visitor center in one direction and two miles from the east entrance in the other. Half (22) of the sites have electric and water hook ups and are generally larger, including some very large pull-through sites and sites that could accommodate several vehicles. There are several car camping tent sites and three walk-in tent camping sites at this campground as well.

The most striking feature of this campground is the scenery. Every site has views of the surrounding red rocks, the distant mountains, and the beautiful desert landscape that lies between. Some sites back right up to the rocks and others on the far side of the loop have more distant views. Circling around the campground loops is a two-mile scenic loop drive that is partly paved and partly maintained gravel. This drive really should be walked because it winds very close to outstanding rock formations that just cry out to be explored, climbed, and photographed. Adjacent to Atlatl Rock Campground is Atlatl Rock itself, which is inscribed with very well-preserved petroglyphs. A long metal stairway leads to a platform dozens of feet above ground level where the petroglyphs can be seen up close. 

As this is a very popular campground and they do not take reservations, plan to arrive well before noon mid-week during the busy seasons (spring and fall) to get a space. Sites with electric and water hookups are particularly in demand and go quickly. As a side note, BLM land is just outside the park borders, and dispersed camping in vehicles is allowed if a campsite in the park is not available.