Mahogany Flat Primitive Campground, near Death Valley National Park, is a fantastic escape for those seeking solitude and stunning views. This campground is perched at a high elevation, offering a refreshing break from the heat of the valley below, making it a popular choice for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground features designated tent sites nestled among pinyon and juniper trees, providing a cozy atmosphere. Visitors have raved about the epic sunrise views and the breathtaking scenery, with one camper noting, “The sunrise views down into Death Valley were epic.” Keep in mind, though, that the road leading up can be rough, so a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended.

For those planning to hike Telescope Peak, this campground serves as an excellent basecamp. Reviewers have highlighted the convenience of accessing the trail right from the campground, making it easy to get an early start on your adventure. Just remember to pack plenty of water and take your time on the climb.

While amenities are limited—there's no drinking water or electric hookups—campers appreciate the free camping and the chance to connect with nature. As one visitor put it, “This camp spot is nearly perfect. Very remote, epic views, solitude.” If you're looking for a peaceful retreat with stunning vistas, Mahogany Flat is definitely worth considering.

First come / first served primitive campground with no additional fee located in a Pinyon Pine and Juniper forest at 8,200' elevation. Great views down into Death Valley. Located near the Telescope Peak trailhead. Dirt road access requires high-clearance vehicles, often 4x4 required.

Mahogany Flat Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park

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Death Valley

The Best Camping Near Death Valley, California

Stayed at this campground in 2012\. Mind you this was my FIRST real camping trip, I was utterly excited. The trail up to this campground is very rough. there was signs after the kilns for 4x4 only. However, we did see a little car mob up this road, like they had done it before. The road took us to just over 8,000ft elevation. Small campground, but cozy. Drop toilet close by that doesn't get serviced too often because of location. You could see telescope peak and the trail was just off the campground. Campsite had picnic table and a fire ring, thankfully. It was FREEZING when we went. Lets just say I was not prepared for how cold it was going to be. It got down to 12°F and lets just say I had just a "normal" camping sleeping bag. The view down to the valley was gorgeous. We hiked up a little ways.. maybe 3/4 a mile the telescope peak trail, then turned back. We orginally had come up to see something that was happening in the sky that late evening ( 1-2 am-ish), but by 9pm it was too cold to stay up, even with a fire going.

The campground was about 80% full which was surprising since it was pretty solitary out that way.

Free to camp.

First come, First Serve.

What a View

Great campground, road up was not as bad as people had described. Did see a couple sedans parked up at the top but would recommend a vehicle with higher clearance.

Got to the campground around noon and 80% of the spots were full. But people were leaving after there hike so new spots became available later.

We forgot to check if we could take our dog on the hike but lucky you can go on the service road which was completely empty and still had amazing views.

Would have given the site a 5 but our spot had a lot of bees, thankfully they all disappeared once the sun started going down.

Best spot to escape the heat

I was super lucky to arrive at Mahogany Flat on a weekday and there was only one other party camping there. 

I want to say there were a minimum of 10 sites, but maybe more. 

If you're planning a hike of Telescope Peak, I'd highly recommend utilizing this campground as a basecamp to get an early start to the hike. 

The sunrise views down into Death Valley were epic (even with the wildfire smoke) and the peak hike was a nice mix of challenging and breathtaking terrain. 

Bring a bunch of extra water and take it slow on the way up. It's quite the climb, so be gentle on your vehicle!

Up, Up, and Away!

This camp spot is nearly perfect.  Very remote, epic views, solitude. Only thing I was surprised to see were so many other campers at this spot.  Was busy for middle of the week.  Other than that, I had fun camping here.  Definitely going to want a 4x4 driving up to this spot in any poor weather conditions.

Photos of Mahogany Flat Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park

Real photos from real campers