Rock hounds and hikers exploring ancient lava flows will find Fossil Falls Campground positioned along volcanic terrain just off Highway 395. This Bureau of Land Management site sits within cinder cone country, where polished basalt formations create the area's signature geological attraction. Sites spread across the desert landscape accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, with fire rings and picnic tables scattered among the volcanic rock.
The campground maintains a reputation for cleanliness despite its remote setting. Vault toilets occupy weather-protected buildings, and campers consistently note the well-separated sites that provide privacy. Wind can be a factor here—strong enough that some visitors avoid tent camping during certain periods. The lack of shade means afternoon temperatures can make the dark volcanic rock extremely hot to touch.
Access requires navigating a packed dirt road for the final half-mile, which can develop washboard conditions and minor washouts after rain. Most vehicles manage the route, though low-clearance cars benefit from scouting rougher sections. A hand pump well exists on-site, though cal K. noted the "water pump that may have worked I didn't try it." The main attraction involves hiking through ancient lava fields to reach the polished rock formations of Fossil Falls itself.
Highway noise carries from about a mile away, creating a subtle background hum. Cell service reaches the area, and the $6 nightly fee makes this an economical base for Death Valley trips. China Lake sits 30 minutes away for supplies and restaurants. M W. describes the setup as "quiet, well separated sites" with good stargazing potential.
Pack extra water and plan morning hikes to avoid afternoon heat on the dark volcanic surfaces.
Description
Overview
Fossil Falls Campground is located in along California Highway 365 at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains.
Fossil Falls Campground contains 11 first-come-first-serve campsites with drinking water, restroom, tables and fire rings. RV sites are available and well suited for medium-sized RVs.
The fee is $6.00 per night and the stay limit is 14 days.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundFossil Falls Campground is located in California
Directions
<https://bit.ly/2YNEt3b>
Coordinates
35.97528002 N
117.91186355 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/1/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 5/1/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/1/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/1/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 5/1/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 49 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 51 min from Visalia, CA
- 2 hrs 59 min from Hanford, CA
- 3 hrs 21 min from Fresno, CA
