Major city · United States
Moapa Valley
Spend 1–2 days, stay at a Valley of Fire campground, visit Lost City Museum and Valley of Fire State Park; drive from Las Vegas (≈1 h).
Moapa Valley is a quiet desert region in southern Nevada, offering archaeology at Lost City Museum, striking rock formations at Valley of Fire State Park, and historic sites like St. Thomas Ghost Town. With a single night of camping you can see the main attractions; a second day lets you explore Warm Springs Natural Area or the Overton Wildlife Management Area. Access is by car via I‑15, about an hour from Las Vegas.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jun–Aug (high desert heat)
- Airport
- LAS
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Moapa Valley911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Moapa Valley, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; watch for heat, limited medical facilities, and wildlife on roads.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 911 fire · 911 ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLAS McCarran International Airport (≈1 h drive north on I‑15).
- Getting aroundCar is essential; I‑15 runs through the valley, providing access to park entrances and museums.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LAS McCarran International Airport (≈1 h drive north on I‑15)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
Best
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Jun
Avoid
44°C (111°F)111°F (44°C)
Jul
Avoid
46°C (115°F)115°F (46°C)
Aug
Avoid
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
Sep
Best
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Oct
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (46°C (115°F)115°F (46°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (2 rain days), driest Apr (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Moapa Valley: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
2 rd
Feb
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
2 rd
Mar
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
0 rd
May
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Jun
44°C (111°F)111°F (44°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
0 rd
Jul
46°C (115°F)115°F (46°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
0 rd
Aug
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
0 rd
Sep
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
0 rd
Oct
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is essential; I‑15 runs through the valley, providing access to park entrances and museums. No public transit.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Las Vegas
goDoor to door: ≈1 h each way
Drive north on I‑15, about 1 h
For dining, shopping or nightlife after a desert day.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
goDoor to door: ≈45 min total
Drive west on Hwy 167, 30 min
Boating, kayaking and additional campgrounds.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Atlatl Rock Campground
$20 per vehicle; inside Valley of Fire State Park
Arch Rock Campground
$20 per vehicle; inside Valley of Fire State Park
Echo Bay Lower Campground
Lake Mead NRA, free; boat ramp nearby
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$90 excl. camp site
- Mid
- $120–$150 excl. camp site
- High
- $200+ excl. camp site
Trip budget
| Campground site (vehicle)2 × 1 night × US$20 | US$40 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Car rental (1 day, compact)2 × US$50 · check | US$100 |
| Valley of Fire entry fee (vehicle)2 × US$10 · out‑of‑state $15, check | US$20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$40 |
| Trip total≈ US$220 per person per day, bed included | US$440 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Lost City Museum entry | $6 adult |
| Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.50 |
| Meal at a casual diner | $12–18 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer temperatures often exceed 40 °C (104 °F); bring water and sun protection.Summer temperatures often exceed 104 °F (40 °C); bring water and sun protection.
- Cell service can be spotty in remote areas.
- Campground sites may fill early in peak season; reserve if possible.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire
- 911
- Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Moapa ValleyMoapa Valley
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US citizens: 911 for emergencies; nearest US consulate in Las Vegas.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- LAS → Moapa Valley (rental car, 1 day): ≈ $50, check
- Valley of Fire entry (vehicle): $10 resident, $15 out‑of‑state
Say or show
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the restroom?
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Moapa Valley. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jun–Aug (high desert heat) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Campground‑to‑car contract for Valley of Fire sites.
- Add a day for Warm Springs Natural Area if interested in wildlife.
Sources
- officialWikidata Moapa Valley
- secondaryLost City Museum
- officialValley of Fire State Park
- secondaryWarm Springs Natural Area
- secondaryWikivoyage: Moapa Valley, revision 5281771 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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