Sitting at elevation in the Panamint Range, Wildrose Campground gives campers something rare in Death Valley: cooler temperatures. The road in follows Emigrant Canyon Road off Highway 190, winding roughly 20 miles to the site. It's paved but narrow and steep in sections, with a posted 25-foot vehicle length limit, so larger rigs should plan accordingly. Wild burros are a genuine road hazard here. Drive slowly.
The campground itself is a gravel clearing set among sagebrush-covered ridges, with open sightlines toward Telescope Peak, which holds snow in winter. Sites are flat and spread across open ground, with fire rings and picnic tables at each. There's no tree cover to speak of, which means little privacy between sites, though the tradeoff is an unobstructed sky after dark. Several reviewers specifically mention the dark skies and star visibility. "One memorable thing about this campground was hearing burros during the night," notes Julie D., adding that it wasn't loud, just audible in the distance.
A short drive or hike from camp opens up views down to the valley floor, and the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns sit just down the road, a set of large stone structures worth the detour. The campground is not close to Death Valley's most-visited attractions, so factor in drive times when planning day trips. Stovepipe Wells, the nearest spot for gas and supplies, is roughly 45 minutes away. Fill up before heading in. Cell service is unreliable at best. Campers who want more tent campgrounds near Death Valley National Park have additional options elsewhere in the park, including Thorndike - Death Valley National Park a few miles further up the range.
The campground runs first-come, first-served. It has been free at various points, though pricing can vary, so check current NPS information before arrival. Pets are not permitted. Wildrose suits campers who want a quieter, cooler base in the park with some tolerance for primitive conditions and a willingness to plan around limited services.
Description
First come / first served campground with no additional fee high in the Panamint Mountains. Located at an elevation of 4100 ft / 1250 meters. No hook-ups available. Generators allowed 7am - 7pm. This area is prone to high winds. Sites are dirt and gravel surrounded by Mesquite bushes and rolling hills.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWildrose Campground is located in California near Darwin
Directions
Located high in the Panamint Mountains on Emigrant Canyon Road. From CA190 take Emigrant Canyon Road. Be sure to check road conditions prior to your trip.
Address
Wildrose Campground
Death valley, CA 92328
Coordinates
36.26584 N
117.188544 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 54 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 3 hrs 2 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 4 hrs 4 min from Visalia, CA
- 4 hrs 12 min from Hanford, CA
