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Cathedral Gorge
Overview
Cathedral Gorge State Park is a hidden gem in southeastern Nevada, known for its otherworldly landscapes of eroded bentonite clay. Visitors are greeted by dramatic spires and slot canyons that resemble a gothic cathedral, hence the name. For RV travelers, this park offers a quiet, scenic retreat far from the neon lights of Las Vegas, providing a deep connection with nature and unique geologic history that feels like a trip to another planet.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the high desert of Lincoln County, the park is located just off US Highway 93 near the small town of Panaca. The surroundings consist of expansive valley floors bordered by rugged mountain ranges. The primary draw is the valley floor itself, where eons of geological activity have carved narrow moon caves and towering fins that change color throughout the day as the sun moves across the vast Nevada desert sky.
Amenities & Park Features
The North View Campground serves as the primary hub for RVers, featuring 22 well-maintained sites. Each site is equipped with electric hookups, accommodating both 30-amp and 50-amp needs. While there are no sewer hookups at the individual pads, a centrally located dump station and fresh water fill-up area are available. The facility includes modern restrooms with flush toilets and heated showers, making it more comfortable than a standard primitive camping site.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Hiking is the premier activity, with the Juniper Draw Loop offering a 4-mile trek through the heart of the formations. Photographers often flock to Miller Point for panoramic views of the gorge at sunset. Beyond the park boundaries, visitors can explore the historic town of Panaca, one of Nevada’s oldest settlements, or venture to nearby Kershaw-Ryan State Park for lush canyon greenery and a spring-fed wading pool.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal destination for nature photographers and hikers seeking a unique landscape that feels truly remote. It is perfectly suited for RVers who prefer a peaceful, rustic environment over bustling resort settings. Because of the manageable site sizes and essential utilities, it is a favorite for mid-sized rigs and adventure-seekers looking to explore the scenic wonders of the Great Basin Highway.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ryan Alberts
A very interesting natural park with slot canyons and beautiful vistas of eroded stone formations. I spent about 2 hours exploring the slot canyons and taking photos of the surrounding views/birds. Lots more to do but I was short on time. Park rangers were helpful and friendly. Plenty of parking around 1pm on a weekday. I’d come again if I were in the area to do more hiking/exploring on the trails in the northern part of the park. Also one of the cheaper state parks I’ve visited before at $10 USD for the day.
Jessica Horine
Great small state park with very unique geological formations. Easy to explore and spend 1hr to 2 days. Do NOT drive past Moon Canyon to get straight to Cathedral Canyon. Moon has much larger and longer slots than Cathedral to explore. Do the 4 mile hike that goes from Cathedral to Miller Point to Juniper. If you can’t hike 4 miles, drive to Miller Overlook and take the stairs down - it’s is really beautiful. Also Miller Point is a great place to watch the sunset and have a picnic. Amazing pit toilets too! Best we have ever experienced. If you’re in this area, don’t overlook Echo Canyon, Spring Valley (best camping sites!) and Kershaw-Ryan State Parks! Hot Tea Pot Arch in Panaca too. Lovely add-ons to round out the day / weekend. I would have loved to do the loop hikes at kershaw but we didn’t leave enough time. Don’t make our mistake!
Spencer E
Great way to get out of town! Crazy rock formation makes you think your in a sci fi movie on another planet, narrow slot canyon maze! Great place to spend part of the day! Close camping and picnic tables!
Ed Schneider
Great state park! Immaculate campground hosts November 12th to the 16th, 2025. Restrooms perfect, shower rooms are spotless and huge. The slot canyons and geography are amazing!!
Christina Piles
Easy to access location. The campground was very clean and neat. The main bathroom was closed for repairs, so it was a bit of a walk to get to the one that had the showers. The showers were nice and hot, 5 minutes for $0.25. It was nice to be able to explore the slots in the rocks formations freely.