Red Spring Picnic Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The Red Spring Picnic Area features spectacular views of the red and tan sandstone cliffs of Calico Basin. The area is tucked between the gray limestone La Madre Mountains to the north, the red sandstone Calico Hills to the west, and a desert ridge to the south.

The Calico Basin area is fed year round by water from three permanent springs: Red Spring, Calico Spring, and Ash Spring. The water from these springs support large cottonwood trees, ash trees, scrub live oak, honey mesquite, and saltgrass meadows. Red Spring flows from a shallow tunnel in the rocks along the Red Spring Boardwalk trail, feeding a beautiful marshy grassland and attracting a variety of wildlife.

The Red Spring Picnic Area contains picnic tables, metal barbeque grills, trash cans, and restrooms adjacent to the parking area. The area is a good place to see native peoples use of the area including petroglyphs.

Note: Picnic Area reservation holders do not need to book a Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Scenic Timed Entry ticket in order to access Red Spring Picnic Area. If while visiting the area you would like to visit the Scenic Drive, you will need to make a timed entry reservation.

Red Springs Picnic Area offers one group shelter with approximately 8 tables. The Picnic Area does not have power or water. It is fully Accessible and comfortably accommodates up to 50 people with a view of the Red Spring Boardwalk. There are other nearby picnic shelters, which are not included as reservable. There are Accessible vault toilets located at the Picnic Area as well.

Notifications and Alerts

Reservations only accepted for dates on or before March 31st. Reservations for April 1st and beyond will be available on a new page beginning mid-February. Return here for the date and link to new reservation page.

Need to Know

Picnic Area reservation holders do not need to book a Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Scenic Timed Entry ticket in order to access Red Spring Picnic Area. If while visiting the area you would like to visit the Scenic Drive, you will need to make a timed entry reservation.
Vault toilet restrooms and garbage cans are provided on site.
Please bring your conformation letter the day of your reservation.
No potable water onsite.
Respect Resources:

• Stay on designated trails and routes, including the Boardwalk.

• Do not disturb or feed wildlife.

• Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.

• Removal of or defacing a building, poster, sign, or other property is prohibited.
Respect Others:

• Loud music and noise are prohibited.

• Areas around grills and picnic tables must be clean at all times.

• Dumping is prohibited.

• All pets must be on a leash and cleaned up after.

• No littering; trash receptacles are located in picnic areas.

• Park vehicles in designated area only.
Fire and Fireworks:

• Charcoal fires only in grills.

• Extinguish all fires prior to leaving the premises.

• Fireworks are prohibited.
Permits:

• Any commercial use, including photography and weddings, requires a BLM permit.

• Organized groups may require a permit.

• No metal detector use unless permitted by the BLM.

• The group shelter can be reserved on recreation.gov.
Skateboards, bicycles, roller skates, and motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Boardwalk.
Observe Area Hours:

The Red Spring Picnic Area is open every day of the year with hours changing slightly according to the season:

Nov – Feb – 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM

March – 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Apr – Sep – 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Oct – 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

High use periods Oct- Dec 1 and Feb 14- June 1. Weekends

All day during Spring Break. Highest use weekend Thanksgiving period.(3rd Thurs- Sat of November annually).
Cultural Resources:

Sites and artifacts dating back many centuries have been found within the Conservation Area. Please help protect these valuable resources of the past. Federal law prohibits the removal and disturbance of cultural artifacts and sites. Violations are punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.

Natural Features

The year round Red Spring is fed by snow and rainfall. This precipitation soaks into the limestone mountains and moves through the rock until it reaches an impermeable layer. This then forces the water into a more concentrated stream, creating the permanent spring we see today. Due to the permanent and reliable year round water source, the area is home to a variety of endemic plants and an abundance of animals, making Red Spring an important area for more than six thousand years.

Nearby Attractions

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area contains over 70 miles of hiking trails, over 2000 documented rock climbing routes, picnic areas, mountain and road biking trails, horseback riding trails, and scenic byway tours.

Recreation

The Red Rock Scenic Drive and Visitor Center, as well as the Red Rock Canyon Campground, are all located within three (3) miles of the Red Spring/Calico Basin area by hiking trails and paved roadways. Activities available at the Red Spring/Calico Basin area include hiking, equestrian use and rock climbing. Guided hikes, climbing and educational programs are open to the public.

Changes & Cancellations

Cancellations*: *cancellation becomes a "late cancellation" at 12:01 am EST on the day before arrival.

$10.00 fee if reservation is changed/cancelled earlier than the day before arrival.
$10.00 plus first night's camping fee is charged if reservation is cancelled the day before or the day of the arrival, except when the reservation is only for 1 night (in which case only the first night's camping fee is charged).
No Shows: customer does not arrive and/or does not cancel reservation by check out time (11 :00am) the day after the scheduled arrival date.
$20.00 service fee charged and forfeit the first night's user fee.
If requested before the late cancellation window: NRRS will handle
If requested during the late cancellation window (day before arrival, or day of arrival): Customer will be charged first night's use fee, and refunded the rest.
If requested after arrival, during or after departure from site: recreation.gov processes the refund and the field office has to approve it.

Contact Information

1000 SCENIC LOOP DRIVE LAS VEGAS NV 89161

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 702-515-5350

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From downtown Las Vegas take Charleston Blvd (SR159) west for 17 miles, (about 1.5 miles east) of the entrance to the Scenic Drive of Red Rock). Turn right onto Calico Basin Road and drive north, then west, for about 1 mile to where the paved road makes a 90-degree turn to the right. At this point turn left, drive through the gate, and enter the picnic area. Red Spring is located at the far side of the parking lot adjacent to the boardwalk.

Available Campsites

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