Death Valley National Park manages Thorndike Primitive Campground as a no-frills site in a forested section of the park, a rarity in this otherwise desert-dominated landscape. Access is rough, so high-clearance vehicles are advisable before making the drive in. Amenities are minimal: toilets and trash service only, with no pets allowed. Mahogany Flats Campground sits just 0.5 miles southeast for campers weighing nearby alternatives. Thorndike works best for self-sufficient campers who want distance from crowds and can handle primitive conditions.
Description
First come / first served primitive, forested campground with no additional fee located at 7,400' elevation. Accessible to high clearance vehicles (no longer than 25'), and 4x4 may be necessary.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsThorndike Primitive Campground is located in California near Darwin
Directions
Thorndike Campground (Primitive) directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/thorndike-campground.htm.
Coordinates
36.236917 N
117.072172 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Toilets
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 26 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 3 hrs 33 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 4 hrs 35 min from Visalia, CA
- 4 hrs 43 min from Hanford, CA





