Blast off with this epic Extraterrestrial Highway itinerary and visit otherworldly landscapes, alien-themed attractions, and epic campgrounds.
Ready for an out-of-this-world adventure? Take a fun-filled road trip along the Extraterrestrial Highway. A 98-mile stretch of Nevada State Route 375 from Las Vegas to Death Valley (and back!), this trip offers a blend of natural beauty, quirky attractions, and UFO lore.
The recommended duration for this trip is 3-4 days, allowing ample time to enjoy the sights and experiences along the way. The best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate.
Table of contents
Day 1: Las Vegas to Rachel, Nevada
After arriving in Las Vegas, pick up your brand-new Winnebago RV at Blacksford RV Las Vegas, which is conveniently located next to McCarran International Airport.
After a thorough lesson on how to operate your RV, start on the 160-mile drive north to Rachel, Nevada. Rachel is home to around 50 residents and is referred to as the "UFO Capital of the World." This quirky town is the starting point for your Extraterrestrial Highway road trip
Morning: Stock your RV with groceries before you depart Blacksford Las Vegas. As you drive north on I-15, stop at the Alien Research Center in Hiko, a unique gift shop filled with alien-themed memorabilia and souvenirs. Take some photos with the giant alien statue outside before continuing your journey.
Afternoon: Arrive in Rachel, Nevada—the closest town to Area 51. Grab lunch at Little A'Le'Inn where there’s delicious food, cold drinks, and extraterrestrial-themed décor. After, explore the town, snap pictures with the numerous alien statues, and chat with the locals about their UFO sightings and experiences.
Evening: While camping in Rachel, make time to gaze up at the night sky. Be sure to follow local guidelines and respect private property boundaries.
Discover more things to do in Rachel, Nevada.
Where to camp near Rachel, Nevada
While there are limited RV camping options directly in Rachel, Nevada, the nearby areas offer a few choices for RV campers looking to explore the Extraterrestrial Highway and the surrounding region:
Little A'Le'Inn: Primarily known for its quirky motel, restaurant, and gift shop, Little A'Le'Inn also offers a few RV camping spots with basic amenities. These sites are a convenient base camp for exploring Rachel and the nearby attractions. Be sure to call ahead to check availability and reserve a spot.
Picketts RV Park: Located about 35 miles from Rachel, Picketts offers spacious, level sites with nice views. Guests have access to full hookups, cable, Wi-Fi, a restroom and shower facility, laundry, propane sales, and a dump station.
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge: For free, primitive camping, drive approximately 45 miles southeast of Rachel to the Upper Pahranagat Lake Campground. While there are no hookups available, campers can enjoy the tranquil setting and opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and hiking. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Day 2: Rachel to Tonopah, Nevada
Begin your alien adventure today in Rachel and check out Area 51 before heading to Tonopah, Nevada.
Morning: While Area 51 is not open to the public, you can still get reasonably close. From Rachel, drive along Groom Lake Road towards the main gate of Area 51. The road is about 13 miles long and leads to the entrance, where you'll find warning signs, security cameras, and security personnel.
Do not attempt to cross the boundary or enter the restricted area.
Afternoon: Continue 110 miles toward Tonopah, Nevada. On your way, stop at Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area to admire the ancient Native American petroglyphs and take a short hike.
Your next stop is Tonopah, a historic mining town teeming with eerie ghost stories. Visit the Tonopah Historic Mining Park to learn about the area's history. And don't miss the famous Clown Motel. Yes, it’s adorned with clown memorabilia as the name suggests.
Evening: Find a campsite and grab dinner at Tonopah Brewing Company or Hometown Pizza before settling in for the night.
Discover more things to do in Tonopah, Nevada.
Where to camp in Tonopah, Nevada
Tonopah is a great place to spend your second night on the Extraterrestrial Highway. Availability and amenities may change over time, so it's recommended to call ahead for camping.
Check out these great Tonopah camping options:
Tonopah Station RV Park: Conveniently located near the Tonopah Station Hotel, Casino, and RV Park, this campground offers 20 full-hookup. Campers can go to the hotel's casino, restaurant, and bar.
Tonopah RV Campground: Situated in the heart of town, Tonopah RV Campground has 31 full-hookup sites. The campground also provides Wi-Fi, restrooms, and laundry. Its central location makes it easy to explore Tonopah's historical sites, museums, and dining options.
SolarReserve Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Facility: Although not a traditional RV campground, this unique solar facility occasionally allows overnight RV parking for self-contained units. Be sure to call ahead and confirm if they are currently allowing RV stays.
Sportsman’s RV Park: Located approximately 25 miles south of Tonopah in Goldfield, Nevada, this small and quiet RV park offers full-hookup sites. The Goldfield area is home to several historic buildings, ghost towns, and mining history.
Day 3 Tonopah to Death Valley National Park
From Tonopah, start the 160-mile drive to Death Valley National Park. Tomorrow, you’ll explore this epic national park and its unique beauty.
Morning: Say goodbye to Tonopah and head towards Death Valley National Park. Make a stop at Goldfield, another historic mining town, to see its colorful buildings and the Goldfield Hotel.
Afternoon: Arrive at Death Valley National Park, a land of extremes and breathtaking landscapes. Stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center for some helpful park information.
Evening: Set up camp at one of the park's RV-friendly campgrounds—Furnace Creek Campground or Stovepipe Wells Campground are good options. Then relax and enjoy the stunning desert surroundings.
Learn more about Death Valley National Park.
Where to camp near Death Valley
Death Valley National Park offers a variety of RV camping options. Here are four of the best places to RV camp in Death Valley:
Furnace Creek Campground: This centrally located campground offers 136 campsites, including 18 with full hookups. Amenities at Furnace Creek include flush toilets, potable water, a dump station, and picnic tables. The campground is open year-round, but reservations are recommended between October and April. Furnace Creek is close to popular attractions like the Badwater Basin, Artist's Drive, and Zabriskie Point.
Sunset Campground: Close to Furnace Creek, Sunset Campground is a large, flat, gravel parking area with 270 RV-friendly campsites. There are no hookups, but the campground has great mountain views restrooms, potable water, and a dump station. This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is typically open from October to May.
Stovepipe Wells Campground: Located near the Stovepipe Wells Village and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, this campground has 190 sites, with some accommodating RVs up to 40 feet in length. There are no hookups, but amenities include restrooms, potable water, and a dump station at the nearby village. Stovepipe Wells operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is open year-round.
Texas Springs Campground: Known for its scenic beauty and proximity to attractions like the Harmony Borax Works and Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, Texas Springs Campground offers 92 campsites, including some suitable for RVs up to 25 feet in length. The campground does not have hookups, but it provides restrooms, potable water, and a dump station. Texas Springs operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is typically open from October to May.
Day 4 Explore Death Valley and return to Las Vegas
Discover Death Valley’s otherworldly beauty by exploring the salt flats at Badwater Basin and the colorful rocks at Artist's Palette. Use today to take a scenic drive, hike, sand surf, and marvel at the landscape. Be sure to always carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks.
POPULAR attractions in Death Valley
Badwater Basin: Visit the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. The vast salt flats are astonishing and the nearby boardwalk offers an excellent vantage point for taking in the scenery at Badwater Basin.
Zabriskie Point: Enjoy panoramic views of the park from this iconic viewpoint. The vibrant colors of the eroded landscape look stunning in photographs—especially during sunrise and sunset.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Hike around the largest dune field in the park, with some dunes reaching heights of 100 feet. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures.
Artist's Drive and Palette: Take a scenic drive on this 9-mile, one-way loop that showcases the park's colorful volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The highlight is Artist's Palette, which is a striking display of vibrant mineral deposits.
Ubehebe Crater: Marvel at this half-mile-wide volcanic crater that’s over 500 feet deep. Created by a steam explosion around 2,000 years ago, the crater offers a fascinating glimpse into the park's geologic past.
Racetrack Playa: Witness the mysterious "sailing stones" on this remote, dry lakebed. The large rocks appear to move on their own, leaving trails in the cracked mud. A high-clearance vehicle and careful planning are required for travel to Racetrack Playa.
Scotty's Castle: Although currently closed for repairs (check the park website for updates), this Spanish-style mansion built in the 1920s offers a unique piece of Death Valley history. Guided tours provide insight into the life of Walter Scott, a charismatic gold prospector known as "Death Valley Scotty," and the wealthy Chicago businessman who financed the castle.
Discover more things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As the sun begins to set on your final day, it's time to bid farewell to Death Valley and make your way back to Las Vegas.
Where to camp near Las Vegas, Nevada
The RV campgrounds and resorts below offer a range of amenities and proximity to both Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead.
Be sure to check availability and make reservations in advance, as these popular spots can fill up quickly.
Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort: This luxury RV resort is a few miles south of the Las Vegas Strip and offers top-notch amenities, including full hookups, swimming pools, a fitness center, an 18-hole golf course, and an on-site restaurant.
Red Rock Canyon Campground: Located about 20 minutes west of Las Vegas,, this campground offers 72 individual sites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet in length. There are no hookups, but the campground provides restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Lake Mead RV Village: One of the best places to RV camp near the Hoover Dam! Located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area this RV park offers stunning views of Lake Mead and the surrounding desert landscape. The campground provides 115 full-hookup sites. Amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry , a convenience store, and picnic tables. The village also offers Wi-Fi and cable TV for a fee.
As you return to Las Vegas and say goodbye to the Extraterrestrial Highway, remember that the spirit of adventure is always within reach. Keep exploring, keep seeking the extraordinary, and let the road lead you to new horizons.
Rent a Blacksford RV for your Extraterrestrial Highway Adventure
Reserve your Winnebago RV from Blacksford and get ready to blast off on an epic Extraterrestrial Highway road trip. Uncover the mysteries of the universe, immerse yourself in alien lore, and create memories that are truly out of this world.
The Extraterrestrial Highway awaits—let's embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
