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Camping

Established Camping

Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park

Stovepipe Wells Campground, near Death Valley National Park, is a straightforward spot for those looking to experience the unique beauty of the desert. It’s essentially a large parking lot with designated sites, making it easy to set up your tent or RV and get settled in.

This campground is conveniently located near a general store and gas station, so you won’t have to venture far for supplies. Visitors have mentioned the $5 shower pass available at the hotel across the street, which is a nice perk after a day of exploring. The campground also offers basic amenities like restrooms and potable water, ensuring you have what you need for a comfortable stay.

If you’re into stargazing, you’re in luck! The open layout provides unobstructed views of the night sky, making it a fantastic spot for some celestial sightseeing. As one camper noted, “It was warm enough for a mesh top tent and stargazing.” Just be prepared for the desert winds, which can pick up at times.

For those looking to explore, the nearby Mesquite Dunes and Mosaic Canyon offer stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities. Whether you’re just passing through or planning to stay a while, Stovepipe Wells Campground serves as a practical base for your Death Valley adventures.

Description

National Park Service

Death Valley National Park

Open seasonally starting October 15th at noon. First come, first served campground located at sea level. The Stovepipe Wells campground has views of Death Valley proper and of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. It is adjacent to the Stovepipe Wells general store, ranger station, and a privately operated RV park. Fee is paid at the pay station at the front of the campground.

Reservation Info

First-come first-serve.

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Location

Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located on CA190 just 24 miles (39 km) west of Furnace Creek.

Address

Stovepipe Wells
Stovepipe wells, CA 92328

Coordinates

36.607886 N
117.148116 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Poor
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • WiFi
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

24%
39%
27%
12%
0%

3.5

out of 5

26 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 7, 2024

Basically a Gravel Parking Lot

There wasn’t much to this camp site…it was basically a gravel parking lot. Tent only spaces along the rear of the campground. The best part about it is that it’s cheap…only $9 with an Access Pass and in early December it was almost empty. Stayed one night and walked to the gift shop store for snacks and stickers.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Michell C., December 7, 2024
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Michell C., December 7, 2024
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Michell C., December 7, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 11, 2023

Cheapest not free camping in the park

We were gonna camp wild Rose (free campsite) but was feeling a lil cold in the mnts so came down to sea level for the warmth. Two nights tent camping at $14 a nite. Very windy but so is the rest of the desert. Spots in the front were quieter first nite, spots in the back seemed more popping off but still chill. Sadly the overpriced market / gas station seem to be the cheapest in the main stretch of the park so def gas up or buy stuff there and not at the oasis / furnace creek side of things .

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Jan. 13, 2023

Basic camp with conveniences nearby.

This is a huge parking lot near the stovepipe wells general store and gas. The sites are very close together, some along the edge of the lot up against the desert. Perks are $5 shower pass across street at the hotel and tasty breakfast sandwich at the general store. It was fine for a night to get my bearings in the park. Water, restroom and dumpster. Byo soap to wash your hands. Easy access right off 190. 30 min to Furnace Creek visitor center. Ranger station right next door for backcountry permits.

Site18
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by cal K., January 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by cal K., January 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by cal K., January 13, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2023

Easy National Park Campground

Easy Campground, generator hours 7 - 7, but also 14 places with electricity.

But perfect location if you want to do some stargazing in the Death Valley.

Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2022

Way too hot

If you like the heat and this is a place for you it’s in death Valley and it is hot there is a store a restaurant and lodging but we stayed in the campground just for overnight and continued our journey to Nevada

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Art Torres & K., July 30, 2022
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Art Torres & K., July 30, 2022
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Art Torres & K., July 30, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2022

It’s a parking lot

[Internet. There was full 3G signal for Verizon but no service for T-Mobile. Speedtest wouldn’t run. Verizon was usable in that you could download and upload but it took a long time. From my iPhone, I could send photos via iMessage but not SMS.]

[Rig. Mercedes Sprinter. 22 feet]

Dump station? - Yes Water fill? - Yes Clean site? - Yes Clean bathroom? - Yes Flush toilet? - Yes Showers? - No Laundry? - Haha no Dish washing sink? - Yes

We stayed in the massive parking lot side. There is a few full hookup sites that are reservable. The parking lot is first-come-first-served. 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. The store has some killer Blue Bunny ice cream sandwiches and some comfy rocking chairs outside for when you eat your ice cream.

It’s basic and served it’s purpose well. No red flags. 4-stars

Site103
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2021

Nice tables and fire ring for tent only campers

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's first come first served. The ticket can be bought at entrance. There is plenty of room here at New Years eve.

Site7
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Robert , December 31, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2021

Cottonwood Canyon Trail

We were in search for dispersed camping in the area, and drove about 12 miles up the Cottonwood Canyon trail. This was the unpaved road toward the mountain behind the Stovepipe Wells camping and gas station. There was a sign about a mile in on the trail that stated no camping for 8 miles past the sign, so we drove a few miles past till we had our space from other campers in the area. Definitely recommend a car equipped to take off the road for driving along this trail. The views at night and in the morning from in the canyon were breathtaking, and kept us cool for most of the morning because the mountain was blocking the sun for a few hours. Unfortunately, our car was dead when we were about to take off in the morning and we didn’t have a jump box. We tried hiking back the way we traveled in to get help, but reluctantly got saved by other campers halfway through our 12 mile journey back to the gas station. Even in mid April and in late morning the heat is a scorcher and pretty deadly. All in all - go out there fully prepared, and enjoy the beauty and privacy!

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Calli G., April 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Calli G., April 19, 2021
Reviewed Feb. 15, 2021

A Parking Lot With a View

Its a literal parking lot. Lots of RVs and pop ups when I was there. There was a campground host and flushing toilets, dumpsters, recycling, a bin for Coleman fuel can recycling, potable water, walking distance to a village with supplies and a gas station. The lot is gravely, but pretty level and tents are comfy.

Bonus is the parkinglot format was an unobstructed line of site to anywhere and I didn't have to worry when my small child wanted to be independent and make 18 million bathroom trips all by herself.

I went in Feb and it was warm enough for a mesh top tent and stargazing (no privacy, but an amazing view).

There was a duststorm that blew in on the second day from Mesquite Dunes and it took out all the literal tents while I was there. I was grateful for MREs so I could cook inside my car.

Gonna be real - moving all my gear to the front seat led to disaster in the form of a drained battery the next day, but it was easy to get a jump start.

Possibly the best possible experience for a first time camper with a 5 year old.

Reviewed Feb. 14, 2021

Stayed nearby during quarantine .

CA was on lockdown (01/2021), but remote camping was allowed far enough off paved roads. We set up a tent about two miles from Stovepipe Wells on the Mosaic Canyon Road just before the trailhead. Could see some lights from State Route 190 but not much else. Nice view of the Mesquite Dunes upon daybreak. The ground we stayed on was rocky, but no problem once we set up the air mattress and tent. Gorgeous views upon waking up.

Reviewed Nov. 28, 2020

No protection from the elements

This is the same basic campgrounds you get through this entire Death valley National park... 

The thing this park is missing is  SHADE for starters... please be aware of how hot it is here and that the sun has no mercy so please pack a pop-up, hat, etc....

anything to keep you shaded from the elements.

Besides that, they do have nice picnic tables at each spot and you can fit two smaller tents at each spot if needed so you are sharing the cost with some buddies... which is always good.

trash cans available and recycle areas for your propane tanks... 

which this entire park has and I love seeing that.

Mother nature needs all the help she can get.

Not much privacy for campers or RVers... Its a parking spot with lines showing your area.. NOT MUCH ELSE

Nice handwashing stations.. BRING YOUR OWN SOAP

Bathrooms could be a little cleaner but you have flushing toilets and water to wash your hands. Bring your own soap they do not provide.

They have potable water

Stunning views

But like I said basic and shadeless...

Perfect for a bunch of friends driving out for sure it does have pros and your right by all the action.

cheers.

  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Brittney  C., November 28, 2020
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  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Brittney  C., November 28, 2020
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Reviewed Nov. 14, 2020

Open Lot, but easy

This is a large open gravel lot w parking spaces. Fine for easy overnight near sand dunes. No privacy or shade trees. Best tent sites along back row.

Reviewed Nov. 7, 2020

Great access

This is a very large open lot. I used this campsite as a hub while I toured around Death Valley. The nice thing about being here November 3, 2020, is that i really had my choice of almost any spot. A few campers were here but very nice to be far away from each other. The sunset and sunrise here was beautiful. Generator only between 7 a.m and 9 p.m.

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2020

Great Location and Awesome Sunset

The park is conveniently located within the park and is easy to get to. The RV section of the park basically consists of a large parking lot. The tent sites are on one edge of the parking lot. There really isn't any indication where one tent site starts and another ends. But there are fire rings and picnic table scattered about so everyone sort of claims the one closest to them. It can get busy at times so getting a site is definitely not guaranteed. The sunset is Death Valley is absolutely breathtaking. Also, since its so dry, consider leaving the rain cover off your tent to truly sleep under the stars!

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by David L., September 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by David L., September 16, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2020

Central Location- But Not Much By Way of Tent Sites

Usually use this as a stopping over site but you will more that likely be camping in a parking lot.  If you are a tent camper (as I am) there are few sites in the back of the lot which are actually camp sites.  But you have to be lucky to get them.  Otherwise you are on the asphalt so plan accordingly.

Theses are all open - un protected sites - so I can not imagine being there in teh summer.  I have always been there in the fall or winter when the sun is not the issue - but the wind can be.  Again plan accordingly to get weight in your tent as stakes are hard to use here.  I have always used teh car as a wind shield and tie down.

On the positive side there is a store, gas and you can use the day showers at the hotel across teh orad.  It is located near some great hiking areas and the dunes so it is all about access here not the camping.

You need to make sure your gas up before you head out!

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by MarinMaverick , August 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by MarinMaverick , August 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by MarinMaverick , August 12, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2020

Nice site

Really nice site and handy to the dunes and nearby canyons.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Sam B., July 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Sam B., July 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Sam B., July 3, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2020

It's All About Location

The Stovepipe Wells Campground/RV Park's strength is its location. It's in the middle of Death Valley National Park so you can more easily reach the more remote highlights compared to the Furnace Creek area.  However, if you want to be in the middle of the activity, head to Furnace Creek.  

The RV area of Stovepipe Wells is just an open field with hook-ups spaced with just enough room for a rig to fit in between. Thus, you are right on top of your neighbors, which is weird since there's so much wide open space here.  I think if you didn't need hook ups or had a tent you might be able to spread out more than we did.

While we were there in December 2019, the wifi was non-existent and the power was very intermittent.  In fact, we went two days with no power at all, which was really unfortunate since we paid for the hook up.  Also, restrooms are quite a walk away from the hook up area, so if you are counting on using the bathrooms, be prepared to walk a bit to either the gas station or across the street to the hotel lobby area.  

We were promised a refund for the days we didn't receive the services we paid for but they never followed through and the employees seemed powerless to do anything to help.  Kind of a let down. When we return to Death Valley, we'll probably stay closer to Furnace Creek.

SiteRV space 6
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Marnie G., June 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Marnie G., June 6, 2020
Reviewed Apr. 5, 2020

Nice in winter

Not a pretty campground, just a gravel parking lot, but not crowded in winter when the weather is very pleasant. Can be very windy at night. Only $12/night. Walk to nice shops and restaurants. Bathrooms clean. Nice view of valley. Mostly RV sites. One row of tent camp sites with fire pit grills. If you have a roof top tent you’re considered an RV here so can’t use a tent site.

  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Tom and Marianne  H., April 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Tom and Marianne  H., April 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Tom and Marianne  H., April 5, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2019

Clean & quiet

I really love Death Valley very much clean camping ground even that time we was very hot for tent we camping there for one night we love it 🥰

  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Vijitra V., August 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Vijitra V., August 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Vijitra V., August 27, 2019
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2018

Great standard site

This was a great campsite at the lowest point in the continental US. Potable water is available on site, the bathrooms are clean. Obviously this campsite is desert like, there is a bit of shade with some trees, but it’s open for the most part. Showers are offsite at a nearby hotel.

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2018

Open, hot campsites with tons of places to explore

You will be a bit off the beaten path at this site, but it will be worth it the second the sun goes down on a clear night. It is one of the darkest spots in the country and the stars will take your breath away. You need to bring your own shade, but every place you want to explore is a short drive away.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Karla S., July 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Karla S., July 28, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2018

Hard Pack Camping with a View

It’s basically camping in a dirt and asphalt parking lot with. I shade. You are close to the general store, so cold beer (at about $10 a six pack) isn’t far away. But, that’s not why you come to Death Valley. You come for the otherworldly experience and Stovepipe Wells is dead center for exploring.

Bonus tip- Head over to Furnace Creek Inn at sunset and enjoy a margarita or glass of wine on the deck. It’s a bucket list experience.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Curtis B., July 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Curtis B., July 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Curtis B., July 23, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Spacious and great location

I enjoyed this campsite over Mesquite campground in Death valley, the sites were not as close together here and it is close to some bigger hikes as well as, it is still not far from the visitor center or other things you may need.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Jessica R., July 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Jessica R., July 8, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2018

Rock Camping

$12 a site. No frills, set up on gravel, sleep, get up and enjoy an amazing sunrise by the Mesquite Dunes. No shade. Brutally hot in the summer, but people tough it out.

Site12
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2016

Nothing Fancy, yet views of the Dunes

This campsite is near multiple stores, a bar and a gas station in case you are worried about your resources for the night. That said, it also has an amazing view of the valley, and you can see sunset on the dunes if you are lucky! It does get windy due to the lack of cover so be prepared for that.

  • Review photo of Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park by Elynn K., August 25, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is poor, and T-Mobile is poor.