🌤 Weather at Beaver Dam State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–73 °F | 48–90 °F | 23–81 °F | 17–47 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Enterprise, 21 mi away, elevation 5,320 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
The park itself ranges from about 4,900 to 5,970 ft in elevation — higher ground runs cooler than the figures above.
Beaver Dam State Park is one of the more interesting state parks in Nevada.
Situated about 3.5 hours from Las Vegas, the park resides at an elevation of around 5,400 feet. It also covers an area of approximately 2,500 acres and is named after the beavers that once thrived in the area and the dam they built.
Open year-round, the park is known for its scenic beauty which includes a landscape of lush meadows, pine forests, and rocky canyons. Much of which can be seen on the several miles of trails that run through it.
It is also much loved as a destination for hiking, fishing, birding, picnicking and camping, offering a range of primitive camping options on a first come, first served basis.
Activities
This fabulous state park contains several different highlights that attract visitors from all over the state and beyond.
Presented below is a quick summary of some of the more prominent activities you can partake in during your time there.
Fishing at Beaver Dam State Park
If you are a fishing enthusiast you will want to bring your rods and reels with you to the park, as there are terrific opportunities to be had at both the Beaver Dam Creek and Meadow Valley Wash.
At both you will find plenty of brown and rainbow trout, as well as smallmouth bass and catfish. Generally, the best time to cast a line at them is in the spring and fall, as water temperatures are cooler and the fish are more active.
You will need to have a valid Nevada fishing license in order to do this. Though once you get one you can choose to throw in your reel from the banks of the waterway or in a watercraft or vessel in the middle of it.
Additionally, to help maintain healthy fish populations in the park, visitors are asked to follow catch-and-release guidelines. For this reason there are no fish cleaning stations within it.
Hiking at Beaver Dam State Park
One of the best ways to really immerse yourself in the park is to hike through it.
Overall, the park has several miles of trails that will take you to different parts of its landscape. These trails differ in length and their level of difficulty, however there is a trail for everyone at Beaver Dam State Park.
One of the most popular trails is the Beaver Dam Overlook Trail. This is a moderate hike that runs for about 1.2 miles and showcases stunning views of the park’s namesake dam and the surrounding mountains.
Another regularly attempted trail is the Lost Mine Trail, which is a more strenuous hike that covers about 3 miles in a round trip. This trail highlights the surrounding canyons and is a great place to see wildflowers and wildlife.
Whichever trail you decide to head out on, visitors are advised to wear a hat and a proper pair of walking boots. It is also worth taking lots of water and snacks with you as well as applying plenty of sunscreen and mosquito spray.
It is important as well to stay on designated trails and be aware of their surroundings. The area is home to wildlife such as rattlesnakes and mountain lions who are usually not very friendly!
Picnicking at Beaver Dam State Park
Beaver Dam State Park offers visitors a tranquil and scenic setting for picnicking.
Throughout it, there are several picnic tables and grills located at spots with beautiful views where you can cook up an al fresco meal.
Visitors are asked to follow the park’s rules regarding picnicking, which include properly disposing of trash and only using the provided grills and fire pits for cooking.
Whilst enjoying a picnic, the consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden.
Birding at Beaver Dam State Park
The park’s remote location provides a natural habitat for several species of birds. So if you are into birding you will want to bring your binoculars with you.
Many of these breeds of birds live in the park all year round, while others stop by on a seasonal basis.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you could be able to see the likes of Gambel’s quail, western bluebirds, canyon wrens, and raptors such as red-tailed hawks and golden eagles.
Some of the best places to observe the birds in the park are near the dam, along the River Trail, and in the surrounding canyons.
Pets
Pets are welcome at Beaver Dam State Park (Beaver Dam park page). Nevada State Parks rules apply: keep your pet caged, inside your vehicle or on a leash no longer than 6 feet, keep it under control, don’t let it cause a nuisance or disturbance, and clean up after it. Unless the park supervisor gives written approval, pets other than service animals are not allowed on swimming beaches, inside buildings or in any area the park has closed to them (Nevada Administrative Code 407.140, as of October 2026).
Camping
For those who want to camp at the park there are 33 primitive campsites available on a first come, first served basis.
These campsites are located in a scenic area with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Each of them comes with its own fire pit and a picnic table, and there are vault toilets located throughout the campground.
Potable water is also available at the entrance to the campground, but there are no hookups or dump stations for RVs.
Visitors should be aware that the park is located in a remote area and there is no cell phone service available, so they should plan accordingly and bring everything they need with them.
Park Location
Beaver Dam State Park
Beaver Dam Rd
Caliente, NV 89008
Phone: (775) 728-8101
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Beaver Dam State Park:
Explore More Nevada State Parks
Beaver Dam State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Nevada. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Nevada guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Kershaw-Ryan State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Cathedral Gorge State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Beaver Dam State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Leashed pets are welcome at most Nevada state parks.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted at swim beaches; notably pets are banned at Sand Harbor (Lake Tahoe) April 15 through October 15.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited on certain trails in the Spooner Management Area; park supervisors may close additional areas to pets.
Are dogs allowed at Beaver Dam State Park?
Leashed pets are welcome at most Nevada state parks. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.nv.gov. More: Nevada state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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