We decided to stop in West Wendover, Nevada during our planning for our return trip from the northwest without considering much more at the time than the fact that this would allow us to add Nevada to the list of states we have camped in. A few days before we arrived here I started doing some research into things to see in the area and boy was I disappointed that we didn’t have another day or two to spend here. First, I didn’t realize that West Wendover is famous for being a gateway to the Bonneville Salt Flats which is just east of the city in Utah. The salt flats are a stunning, vast, and flat expanse of salt. As most people know the Salt Flats are a popular spot for racing events, photography, and tourists looking for a unique landscape. The town also has a rich history related to aviation and the military, with the Wendover Airfield being a historically significant site. The airfield was originally built in 1941 as a military base during World War II, serving as a training center for bomber crews. It played a pivotal role in the development and preparation of crews for long-range missions, including the famous Enola Gay crew, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. We were able to make a quick run over to see the Salt Flats but unfortunately since we stayed only one night we didn’t get to see the airfield.

The Victory Highway

The Victory Highway was a historic U.S. highway that ran from New York City to San Francisco, passing through multiple states and connecting key cities. It was part of a broader initiative to create a transcontinental highway system that facilitated both civilian and military travel, particularly important during the World War II era. The highway was named in honor of the victory in World War I, symbolizing progress and unity. In the context of West Wendover, Nevada, the Victory Highway played a role as a major east-west route, passing through towns like Wendover as part of the journey across the western United States. While the Victory Highway is no longer in use by its original name today (it was later incorporated into U.S. Route 40 and later parts of I-80), the area around West Wendover and its proximity to the highway was a significant route for travelers and military personnel during the war years. In West Wendover, the highway served as a vital connection between Nevada and Utah, offering travelers access to the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats, local landmarks, and eventually the military installations like Wendover Airfield. Today, much of the legacy of the Victory Highway remains in the roads and infrastructure that still exist, and remnants of its historic significance can be explored through museums and local attractions.

Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats are not only a visual marvel but also an iconic site for land speed racing. It has long been a destination for speed enthusiasts, where drivers attempt to break world speed records on the nearly perfectly flat surface. The Bonneville Speedway is a renowned venue where various speed trials, including the famous Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week, take place annually.

Park Review – Wendover KOA Journey

Rating: ⭐⭐
Location: West Wendover, NV
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 3:00/11:00
Site Quality / Amenities: Gravel roads and pads. Each site has a picnic table. There is a pool and a pavilion.
Access: From I-80 take exit 410 to Florence Way (US-93 ALT) and go south about .6 miles to Camper Drive. Turn right on Camper Drive and the KOA will be ahead on the left.
Staff: The person who checked us in was very friendly and helpful.
Cellular/WiFi: They claimed to have WiFi but I could not find it. Verizon 5G was fast at 111 Mbps download and 5.23 Mbps upload. Since we were only here for one night we did not connect our Starlink.
Restaurants: We did not eat out during our stay.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: Easy access to the park and friendly staff. Bonneville Salt Flats nearby as well as other interesting sites like the historic Wendover Airfield Museum.
What we didn’t like: Sites are dusty (and salty). We had a corner site but as you can see from the picture it was still cramped. A night here was expensive for what you got.
Verdict: I’m not sure we’ll be in this area again and honestly I don’t believe there are any other RV parks nearby but we won’t rush back to this park.