by James Richardson

Created on: July 17, 2008

The Silver State, despite its arid high-desert climate and notoriety as a gambling mecca, offers a variety of camping opportunities. While some may be inclined to pitch a tent high above on one of the State's many mountain peaks, others may prefer a little civility in their camping excursions-and a place to hook up the RV! For the less adventuresome, the Holiday Inn of campgrounds, KOA, offers six locations throughout Nevada.

Each KOA in Nevada has a swimming pool (except the Ely location) and wireless internet access, in most cases for free. Two of the more rural KOAs, located in Ely and West Wendover, also have cabins for rent-should you not feel inclined to haul an RV or pitch a tent. Remember what I said about the Holiday Inn of campgrounds?

Nevada is a state whose economy has long been driven by tourism. Several of the most popular tourist destinations feature a KOA Kampground. First, and probably most famous, is Las Vegas. If you feel like camping behind the circus of humanity that swarms the famed section of Las Vegas Boulevard, collectively known as "The Strip," look no further than the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. Behind the scary clowns and flashing lights is a KOA Kampground, complete with year-round swimming pool, internet lobby, and convenience store. Here you can park your RV and still be within footsteps of the entertainment offered in the heart of Las Vegas.

Less than two hours east or west of Las Vegas, you can find additional Kampgrounds. The first is to the west, located in Pahrump, Nevada. Pahrump sports the typical Nevada casinos, shopping, and entertainment, along with close proximity to California. The Pahrump KOA is a very luxurious Kampground, complete with fitness center, convention space, two outdoor pools, family activities, and a strong sense of environmentalism. What do I mean by environmentalism? Well, the on-site restaurant serves many organic dishes and takes a health-conscious approach to food preparation. The pools are solar heated. Additionally, the excitement of Las Vegas is only about an hour away.

If heading east is more your thing, then famed casino town, Laughlin, also offers a KOA at the Avi Casino Resort. The campground is a few miles out from the hustle and bustle of the "Laughlin Strip," but offers plenty to do. Beyond the Avi Casino, there's golf, fishing, and shopping-just to name a few of this KOA's offerings. Bullhead City, Arizona is right next door to Laughlin, and offers a huge variety of tourist activities

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