Valley of Fire: Camp, Shoot, Repeat

Time for a beautiful camping weekend in the stunning Valley of Fire! We’ll be based at Group Site 1, using it as our home base for a flexible weekend of exploring, relaxing, and shooting some of the best desert landscapes in Nevada. This is a laid-back, come-and-go style event—join for the full weekend or drop in as you’d like.

While we have the campground reserved, we’ll explore the park based on interest. Valley of Fire offers endless compositions, from sweeping sandstone formations to small textures and night skies. Potential sights include:

• Fire Wave
• White Domes
• Petroglyphs at Mouse's Tank
• Silica Dome Overlook
• The Beehives (right near camp)
• Petrified Logs
• Bighorn Sheep
• Historic Cabins
• Astrophotography from the campground
• And many more hidden gems

Sunrise, sunset, and night shooting are highly recommended for the best light and cooler temps.

A. MEETUP INFO:
From Las Vegas: Take I-15 N to Exit 75, then follow signs to Valley of Fire (approx. 18 miles to park entrance). The campground entrance is about 1 mile past the main gate, on your right at the Beehives pullout.

• You’ll see a cattle guard gate marked “Do Not Enter” — this is the correct entrance
• Group Site 1 is the first site

This is a casual, flexible event. The group site is available starting at 3 PM Friday, and you’re welcome to arrive anytime throughout the weekend.
Approx. 60-minute drive from Las Vegas

B. MEETUP FEES:

• Nevada Residents: $20/night ($40 total for two nights) — paid to State Park (includes day access)
• $10 cash per person to help cover the group campsite reservation

C. CAMPGROUND INFO:
I. Potluck:
We’ll host a Friday night potluck, so if you’re joining then please bring a dish to share. Please bring 1+ bundles of firewood. Campfire time will include relaxing, socializing, and enjoying the desert nights.

II. What to Bring:

• Tent or vehicle sleeping setup
• Sleeping bag & pad
• Food, drinks, and cooler
• Camp chair
• Headlamp / flashlight
• Day pack for hikes
• Camera gear 📸
• Plenty of water & snacks
• Any other camping essentials

Note: No hookups at this campground.

III. Facilities:

• Basic bathrooms located at camp
• Drinking water available
• Shaded seating area
• Full restrooms & hot showers about 1 mile away

IV. Pets:
Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome. Please clean up after them.

D. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
Even in October, Valley of Fire can still be hot during the day.

• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat
• Hiking is optional and can be self-paced or join us on optional group hikes
• You’re welcome to relax near camp or explore as much as you’d like
• Sunrise & sunset hiking strongly recommended for comfort and best lighting

E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
If your plans change and you are unable to attend, please be courteous and cancel your RSVP so that someone else can use that spot. Please practice Leave No Trace principles — pack out all trash and help keep the area clean for everyone.

F. DESERT PHOTO EXPLORERS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
By submitting your RSVP and participating in any Desert Photo Explorers event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
1. Assumption of Risk:
You understand that participation in outdoor activities involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the level of care exercised by event organizers. These risks may include, but are not limited to, slips, trips, falls, uneven or unstable terrain, loose rock, wet or slippery surfaces, flowing or standing water, weather conditions, wildlife, confined canyon environments, and limited or delayed access to emergency services. You voluntarily assume all such risks, known or unknown, associated with your participation.
2. Release of Liability:
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and discharge the Organizer(s), Event Host(s), and any associated individuals from any and all liability for injury, damage, loss, or claims arising from or related to your participation in any event, including those caused by negligence.
3. Personal Responsibility:
You confirm that you have reviewed all event instructions, understand the general nature of the activity, and are responsible for assessing your own physical condition, experience level, and preparedness. You are solely responsible for your personal safety and for the condition and use of any equipment you choose to bring or use.
4. Guest Responsibility:
If you bring guest(s), you agree to communicate these terms to them and accept responsibility for their understanding and compliance.
5. Indemnification:
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organizer(s) and Event Host(s) from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your participation or the participation of your guest(s).
6. Governing Law and Severability:
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Nevada. If any portion of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
7. Volunteer Host Status:
You understand that Desert Photo Explorers events are informal, peer-organized activities. Organizer(s) and Event Host(s) are volunteers and are not acting as professional guides, instructors, or supervisors. No participant is relying on any Organizer or Host for safety, instruction, or route guidance, and all participants are responsible for their own decisions and actions during the event.
By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this liability disclaimer and assumption of risk. You further agree that your RSVP submission constitutes your electronic signature.