Craig Ranch Regional Park

A Desert Oasis: Craig Ranch Park

Positioned in North Las Vegas sits Craig Ranch Regional Park, a sprawling 170-acre green space that breathes life into the desert landscape. What was once a golf course has transformed into one of the area's most popular community spaces since its 2013 completion. The city purchased the former Craig Ranch Golf Course in 2005, creating a much-needed public recreation space in an area where green space is precious.

The designers thoughtfully preserved elements of the original golf course, including gentle slopes and water features, while adding a ton of modern amenities. The park welcomes visitors daily from 5AM to 11PM, with security staff keeping an eye on things so everyone can enjoy their time safely.

Play Paradise for the Little Ones

The park offers several attractions for children. The southern section of the park houses multiple playgrounds centered around peaceful ponds. The enormous rattlesnake slide makes hissing sounds as children slide down. Nearby, there's a treehouse for little explorers and a giant lizard climbing structure for climbing adventures.

When summer temperatures soar (and in Vegas, they definitely do), the splash pad offers welcome relief from the heat. We appreciate that the designers thought about the scorching Las Vegas sun - most play equipment sits under shade structures to prevent those dreaded hot-metal burns. There's also a lovely stream and discovery area where kids can connect with nature through hands-on play.

Skaters' Paradise

The park features a 65,000-square-foot skate park. If you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this massive space offers something for everyone with its mix of street and transitional skating elements. You can find ramps, rails, stairs, and several bowls of varying difficulty levels.

Many locals frequent this skate park, which is popular in the Las Vegas area. The thoughtful addition of shaded rest areas means you can take a breather without melting in the Nevada heat - a small detail that makes a big difference.

Pup-Friendly Paradise

For dog owners: The park features three separate off-leash areas where your four-legged friends can run free. These fully fenced spaces include water fountains for thirsty pups and waste bag dispensers to keep things clean. There's even a hose outside the gate so you can rinse off your dog after they've had their fun.

The separate sections for small and large dogs ensure everyone plays safely. Many regulars bring their dogs daily, creating a friendly community where both humans and canines have formed lasting friendships.

Natural Beauty

One of the park's most calming features is its three ponds, which have become home to an impressive variety of wildlife. You'll spot mallard ducks and Canada geese year-round, and in recent years, red-eared slider turtles and colorful koi fish have joined the aquatic community.

The green spaces across the park offer welcome shade under mature trees - perfect spots to spread out a blanket for a picnic or simply sit and read a book. The ponds create a peaceful atmosphere that feels miles away from the typical Las Vegas experience.

Get Your Game On

For the athletically inclined, Craig Ranch doesn't disappoint. The park houses two lighted competition baseball fields, six tennis courts, four volleyball courts, and two basketball courts. The open grassy areas provide space for impromptu games of frisbee or soccer.

You'll also find an outdoor fitness equipment area where you can get in a workout while enjoying the fresh air. Walking paths wind throughout the property, meant for jogging, strolling, or rollerblading depending on your energy level for the day.

The AMP: Outdoor Entertainment

Since October 2015, the park has been home to The AMP at Craig Ranch, a 7-acre amphitheater that can accommodate up to 8,000 people. This venue hosts everything from community productions to major music festivals, adding a cultural dimension to the park's recreational offerings.

The venue offers good sound quality for an outdoor space and hosts live performances under the open sky. It's become a popular spot for concerts and cultural events that bring the community together.

Grow Your Own

For those with a green thumb, the park's community garden offers 62 personal plots available for annual reservation. This little urban oasis gives local residents the chance to grow their own produce and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

The garden area allows residents to grow their own vegetables despite the desert climate of Nevada.

Gather & Celebrate

Numerous picnic shelters dot the landscape, providing shaded retreats complete with tables and BBQ grills. You can reserve these for special occasions or simply claim one on a first-come basis for family gatherings.

The stone pavilions feature designs that complement the natural environment. These larger structures accommodate bigger groups for birthday parties, reunions, or other gatherings.

Community Connection

Year-round, Craig Ranch hosts a diverse calendar of events that bring people together. From the swashbuckling fun of Pirate Fest to the excitement of Slides, Rides & Rock and Roll, there's always something happening. The park also welcomes cultural celebrations including Las Vegas Pride, the Celtic Festival and Highland Games, and various cultural festivals celebrating Hawaiian heritage and Mexican Independence.

The regular Farmers Market connects residents with fresh produce and local goods. These events highlight the park's importance as a community gathering place - somewhere people can come together to celebrate, learn, and simply enjoy each other's company.

Craig Ranch Regional Park combines natural spaces with recreational facilities where visitors can exercise, relax, or spend time with others in the North Las Vegas community.