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Camping near Death Valley National Park

538 Reviews

Camping opportunities near Death Valley National Park range from established campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites across California's eastern desert landscape. Furnace Creek Campground provides year-round access with full hookups for RVs and tent sites, while Stovepipe Wells offers a central location with basic amenities and proximity to the Mesquite Dunes. Several mixed-use campgrounds including Texas Springs and Emigrant accommodate both tents and recreational vehicles. The Alabama Hills Recreation Area west of Lone Pine offers free dispersed camping with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Road conditions and extreme temperatures significantly impact camping viability throughout the region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 120°F in the valley, making higher-elevation sites like Wildrose Campground more suitable during warmer months. "This is tent only but I've slept in my small truck camper here and many sleep in vans or vehicles. Water is not potable year round, will be deemed not potable and/or shut off mid-May," noted one visitor about Emigrant Campground. Most developed campgrounds close during summer months, while those that remain open provide limited services. Cell service is nearly non-existent throughout the park, with spotty coverage reported only at Stovepipe Wells. Visitors should carry ample water supplies, as potable water is limited to major developed campgrounds.

Campers frequently mention the stark beauty and exceptional stargazing opportunities from Death Valley's developed campgrounds and surrounding public lands. The region's International Dark Sky designation delivers unparalleled night sky viewing. Many reviews highlight temperature considerations when planning trips. A camper at Stovepipe Wells described it as "basically camping in a dirt and asphalt parking lot with no shade," emphasizing the need for portable shelters. Wind exposure presents challenges at most valley-floor locations, with several reviewers recommending proper tent securing measures. Furnace Creek receives high marks for its amenities and central location, while those seeking solitude often prefer the more primitive conditions at dispersed sites along backcountry roads where visitors can experience complete silence and unobstructed desert vistas.

Map showing campgrounds near Death Valley National Park, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Death Valley National Park (66)

    1. Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park

    26 Reviews
    Beatty, NV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    "The place is nice and near the musquito dunes. There is a shop at waking distance and a gas station. This is inside death valley National Park.
    Most of the campground is rvs."

    "It serves its purpose as a place to stay near the dunes. Nothing more. The Stovepipe Village is right next to the campground. There’s a general store, a motel and a saloon."

    2. Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park

    9 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    "summer. no one else ever showed up either. just a few cars drove by every now and then. we were exhausted so we just opened a couple windows to the car rather than set up our tent. toilets were within walking"

    "Just to the left of the main road, this campground is a simple gravel lot with about ten unmarked spots around the perimeter. It was pretty full and we took the last open spot."

    3. Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park

    57 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, NV
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-2441

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Perfect base camp for exploring Death Valley National Park."

    "Location is amazing. There’s a gas station and general store close by to pick up any supplies you’d need."

    4. Texas Springs Campground — Death Valley National Park

    34 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, NV
    27 miles
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    "Furnace Creek is adjacent to the Visitor Center and the Furnace Creek Inn.  It’s within walking distance of both places.  The Texas Spring Campground is on a hill above Furnace Creek.  "

    "Great scenery surrounding the campground. Modern toilet/sink facilities and potable water."

    5. Stovepipe Wells Village RV Park — Death Valley National Park

    3 Reviews
    Death Valley National Park, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-7090

    $40 / night

    "General store behind the campground with easy access to gas and bathrooms make this a nice spot. Popularity makes it a little crowded but still quiet"

    "Not a bad stop for staying in the park, with easy access to supplies, if neeeded."

    6. Panamint Springs Resort

    11 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 482-7680

    $15 - $75 / night

    "There was a water spigot in between our site and the one next to us. There is a gas station across the road from the campground."

    "It is easy access to Surprise Canyon, Middle Field, and some of the remaining mines in the area."

    7. Wildrose Campground — Death Valley National Park

    17 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    22 miles
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    "We stopped here on our way home from Northern California to Arkansas, it was a bit of a random stop but we were tired of driving and found this place."

    "This is a free small campground, close to charcoal kilns and west entrance."

    8. Sunset Campground — Death Valley National Park

    23 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, NV
    26 miles
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    "It'll be close to other RVs and the campground itself isn't pretty, but it is surrounded by beautiful hills."

    "I could hear every conversation around us. Not a great view, but it’s right next to a convenient store and close to the sand dunes."

    9. Pinto Peak View Camp

    2 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    10. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    87 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "You can see Mount Whitney in the distance. 4 wheel drive isn’t required but definitely recommend. No bathrooms or water around. A lot of old movies were filmed in the hills."

    "Alabama Hills California presents a varied landscape. From the picture above you can plainly see the desert floor to MT. Whitney, snow capped in March of 2018."

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Recent Camping Photos near Death Valley National Park

183 Photos of 66 Death Valley National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Death Valley National Park

538 Reviews of 66 Death Valley National Park Campgrounds

  • Michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Beatty RV Park

    Cute high desert Park

    First time here. Very cute rustic family run park. Mike (guessing the owner, as I talked with him a few days ago to make reservation) Very kind and helpful. Much like the park. Sites level, 30/50 service, WIFI, it’s about a 1 1/2 miles out of Beatty proper. The only issue I had was the sign is clearly marked except if you are 69 and refuse to wear glasses. Bottom line… let traffic back up and make the turn!

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    Formal spots $10 a night

    Quiet, beautiful view, vault toilets, close to a 5m trail, packed gravel roads and camp spots. Spots backing onto creek are nice to hear water flow. Ended up here because very few spots are now available for overnight camping in Alabama recreation area. Signs everywhere for no camping or just day use.
    Big rock climbing area and people preparing to hike Mount Whitney. You do have to drive around to see if you can find an empty spot. I would suggest trying early in the day. YouTube @TKCompass

  • Anna R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Movie Road/Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping

    Otherworldly Views

    The most stunning campsite I’ve ever stayed in. As the backdrop of a movie set, watching the sun rise over Mt Whitney while nestled in between boulders, Alabama Hills is surreal. Sites fill up quickly and are clearly marked. Arrive early, plan ahead, and enjoy unique landmarks.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Minietta Road

    Silence & Solitude!

    I loved boondocking here in Panamint Valley. The road is really long, so I’m sure there are a lot of spots. Most of them seem to be spread out 1/4 mile or so. The valley is known for having ZERO background noise, so the only sound you’ll hear are the occasionally car, the ravens, and the Hornet fighter jet that flights overhead. At night, you get an unmatched view of the stars and Milky Way because there’s no light pollution.

  • Ryan S.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park

    Incredible starry nights

    Many memorable and wonderful nights camping here with family and scout groups. Easy to pitch tents in the soft ground, smoke trees provide shelter from the fierce winds that occasionally whip across Death Valley, and the stars at night are beyond belief in their sublime beauty. Good amenities like restrooms, dishwashing stations, and stores close by, as well as access to major attractions. We had a cute little kangaroo mouse in our site one year. Highly recommended for inspirational winter camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Django Free Dispersed

    Nice location but diffucult to find a spot

    It’s a beautiful spot, but if you come late it’s incredibly difficult to find a spot in the area due to camping restrictions. For many spots, 4x4 is recommended.

  • Izzy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pinto Peak View Camp

    This is non existent

    Pulled up to this spot late at night to discover nothing here. Previous review sites coordinates over and hour east of here. Very disappointing

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park

    Clean and great location

    Had to pull in here for the night during the ‘25 shutdown. Was able to easily get out 38’ class A in and had a great night with the awesome breeze and bright full moon. The campground is very well laid out and clean.

Guide to Death Valley National Park

Camping near Death Valley National Park, California, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone in this desert paradise.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in the park. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The highlight of our trip was a great hike (Golden Canyon - Gower Gulch loop) nearby" at Texas Springs Campground.
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for incredible stargazing. A camper at Mesquite Spring Campground noted, "Great stargazing!" which is a common sentiment among visitors.
  • Visiting Landmarks: Don't miss iconic spots like Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. One reviewer from Furnace Creek Campground said, "This campsite is actually better than the so-called motels available," highlighting the campground's proximity to these attractions.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. A visitor at Texas Springs Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean with running water and a dishwashing area too."
  • Separation of RVs and Tents: Campers enjoy that some campgrounds, like Texas Springs, have designated areas for RVs and tents, ensuring a quieter experience for tent campers. One reviewer said, "I love that they have separate parts of the campground for RVs and tents."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Wildrose Campground offer breathtaking views. A camper shared, "A lot of donkeys are on the road to be aware! Between the mountains. Fire pit. No flushing toilets."

What you should know:

  • Reservations are Key: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Furnace Creek Campground advised, "That means you should book Xmas 2025."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Stovepipe Wells Campground, have basic amenities. A camper noted, "This is a huge parking lot near the stovepipe wells general store and gas."
  • Weather Considerations: The desert can get extremely hot. One visitor at Texas Springs Campground mentioned, "We hit a record high for March during our stay (104°F)."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like clean restrooms and picnic areas. A parent at Furnace Creek Campground appreciated the "level asphalt drives" and "fire rings, picnic tables."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A reviewer at Texas Springs Campground suggested, "Biking, hiking and even golf are just a few of the activities available nearby."
  • Stay Hydrated: The desert heat can be intense, so keep plenty of water on hand. A camper at Wildrose Campground noted, "It was quite windy in the nighttime - loved it," indicating the need for proper hydration.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. A reviewer at Texas Springs Campground mentioned, "This alone makes it worth the short drive up the hill, but it’s also got a little bit more charm."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: The desert can be dusty, so keep your RV clean. A camper at Stovepipe Wells Campground said, "It serves its purpose as a place to stay near the dunes."
  • Plan for Limited Services: Many campgrounds have limited services, so stock up on supplies before arriving. A visitor at Panamint Springs Resort noted, "The bathrooms were falling apart and disgusting," highlighting the need for self-sufficiency.

Camping near Death Valley National Park, California, can be an unforgettable adventure if you come prepared and know what to expect. Enjoy the beauty of the desert and make the most of your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Death Valley National Park?

Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park is widely considered the premier campground in the park. Located just a quarter mile from the visitor center, it offers the perfect base camp for exploring Death Valley. Some sites feature shade trees and the campground provides easy access to park services. For those seeking a more centrally located option, Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park offers convenience to attractions like Mesquite Dunes and has nearby amenities including a shop and gas station. This first-come, first-served campground tends to have availability even during busy periods. For those seeking solitude, the park also offers backcountry camping options with stunning views and fewer crowds.

Can I camp in an RV at Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park accommodates RVs at several campgrounds. Sunset Campground — Death Valley National Park offers a large, flat parking-lot style area that works well for RVs of all sizes, though it lacks hookups. For those wanting full hookups, Stovepipe Wells Village RV Park — Death Valley National Park provides RV-specific amenities. Many campers note that Stovepipe Wells area is dominated by RVs and provides good access to park attractions. Just outside the park, Space Station RV Park serves as a convenient base camp for exploring Death Valley. When planning an RV trip, be aware that summer temperatures can be extreme, making proper cooling systems essential.

When is the best time for camping in Death Valley National Park?

The ideal time for camping in Death Valley National Park is from late fall through early spring (November to March) when temperatures are moderate and comfortable. Winter camping at Texas Springs Campground — Death Valley National Park offers pleasant daytime temperatures for exploring. For a unique experience, February and March occasionally bring spectacular wildflower blooms. Avoid summer camping (May through September) when temperatures regularly exceed 110°F (43°C), creating potentially dangerous conditions. If visiting during shoulder seasons, Wildrose Campground — Death Valley National Park at higher elevation offers cooler temperatures than valley floor locations. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and bring appropriate gear for temperature fluctuations.

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