Community Forums

randyranger · 02-12-2012, 08:06 PM

DW and I are planing a trip down from Victoria B.C. to Las Vegas Nevada for the first week of Aprll. I was hoping to get some recon on what the conditions are like weather wise, campground availibility and any other advice the Sages may have. This will be our first trip down that way, even though I have done my reasearch and have a good idea of what we want to see and do, looking for those details from other campers that you cant get from most web-sites.

Alan24601 · 02-12-2012, 10:47 PM

Not sure about camp grounds but the weather can be almost anything you can imagine. Visit every April for the last 20 yrs and have had heat, cold, wind but generally it is tolerable. Red Rock area by lake Mead can be nice in April.

LindaH · 02-13-2012, 07:35 AM

We travel north through Nevada every April and have driven almost every north-south road in the state doing so. We have run into some snow in the higher elevations south of Ely, but, mostly, the weather has been nice, although cool.

You shouldn't have much problem finding open RV parks and there are lots of places to boondock if you want. If you have some idea of your route in Nevada, it'd help to give you specific places to camp.

randyranger · 02-14-2012, 09:28 AM

Well, DW and I were planing to come into Navada via Reno and travel east to Wells then head south through Ely to Las Vegas and spend a few days in the Vally of Fire and Red Rock Canyon before heading north again. I also need to know what the route is like that time of year through Cali to Reno? Also what do locals consider chily (40's, 50's or 60's F) for that time of year? We are used to the high 40's and low 50's for that time of year.

HeapBigEngin · 02-14-2012, 11:37 AM

As a resident of northern Nevada, I consider April's weather as the most unsettled time of the year here. The seasons are changing at that time, and this can bring incredible winds out of the Sierra's, especially at the higher elevations in and around Reno and out in the flat country east of Reno. These winds also frequently bring snow and rain...but not always. Daytime termperatures at that time are pretty unpredictable; however, best to count on cool-to-cold nights. East toward Winnemucca and Ely, the nightly temps can be especially cold....as much as 15-20 degress lower than Reno. The same is true south on 395 near Bridgeport and areas further south as the elevation increases. The Sierra's can generate some interesting weather patterns during the Spring.

We get a ton of sun here throughout the year, so that can be true in April as well. But, to repeat, just be careful of the winds at that time. Stay away from the 18 wheelers and travel trailers in the flat country when the winds come a callin'. Would also suggest you keep an eye on the weather in Northern California...sometimes April is very wet there. And that moisture usually makes its way to our neck of the woods. We have had very little rain/snow so far this year, and we really do need it. Most locals here feel that if the storm door ever opens for us this year, it could be a very wet Spring. Just dunno'. If I did, I would be at one of the casinos!!

Have a great trip. And please don't forget to leave some $$$'s behind as you travel thru....God knows, we need it!!! Thanks!!

LindaH · 02-14-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randyranger

Well, DW and I were planing to come into Navada via Reno and travel east to Wells then head south through Ely to Las Vegas and spend a few days in the Vally of Fire and Red Rock Canyon before heading north again.

This route adds lots of extra miles. If you look at a map, you'll see that, from Reno, I-80 goes quite far north before it really starts heading east.

I'd recommend, instead, heading east on I-80 only as far as Fernley (Exit 46). From there, you have two choices:

1. Head east on US-50 to Fallon and then head south on US-95 which goes right into Las Vegas.

2. Go south on Alt-50/Alt-95, continuing south on Alt-95 once you get to Silver Springs. At Yerington, Alt-95 heads east to meet up with US-95. At this point, you'll head south on US-95 as in #1.

Enjoy your trip. Nevada is one of our favorite states to explore!

stuhly · 02-14-2012, 03:00 PM

X-2 on LindaH plan.

randyranger · 02-16-2012, 10:05 AM

Sounds like all good advice, thanks for the input. Yes I'm sure I will be leaving lots of money behind, not sure if I will be in the casino’s a whole lot, but I'm sure DW will find some way to spend money. As for coming through Northern California as long as it is only wet and not white we can deal with that.