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Camper submitted image from Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground — Death Valley National ParkView 15 Photos
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Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Death Valley National Park's Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground sits at the northern end of the park, at the base of California's tallest sand dunes, reached by roughly 25 miles of dirt road from Big Pine. Road conditions vary by season and recent grading; one visitor found the final stretch well-graded gravel in March, while others describe washboard surfaces that rattle vehicles considerably. Campers with large RVs or trailers should note that most visitors arrive in smaller rigs, rooftop tents, or ground tents, and reviewers caution against bringing anything larger than a teardrop trailer.

Sites run along a mile-long track at the dune's base, with a few picnic tables and fire rings distributed among them. No water is available on-site. Bring everything, including toilet paper; the only facility is a single pit toilet. Cell service is essentially nonexistent, with one reviewer noting a single bar of intermittent AT&T signal not worth relying on. Night skies draw consistent praise, and Theodore S. describes the backdrop as "desert mountains with bands of vivid colors." Drones are not permitted within the park.

Temperatures can swing sharply. April nights have dropped into the 20s Fahrenheit, so cold-weather gear matters even in spring. Crowds are light; one March visitor counted roughly five groups spread across the site. Campers planning a broader Death Valley itinerary can explore campgrounds near Death Valley National Park for sites with more infrastructure. Those wanting dispersed options in the same remote corridor might consider Ubehebe Crater Road Dispersed — Death Valley NP to the southeast.

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Map & DirectionsEureka Dunes Primitive Campground is located in California near Big Pine

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Off of CA190 at the junction for Scotty___s Castle road, travel north thirty-eight (38) miles and take a right on unpaved Big Pine road. Travel thirty-four (34) miles on Big Pine road and take a left on South Eureka Valley Road. Travel ten (10) miles south to Eureka Dune dry camp.

Coordinates

37.112 N
117.6809 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol

Drive Time

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground

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5 Stars

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3 Stars

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1 Star

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 16, 2026

Exquisite

This is the place to feel awe. Desert mountains with bands of vivid colors are the back drop for spectacular tan dunes. Who cares if the campground is a small open parking lot with a few picnic tables, fire rings and a backcountry outhouse. Same, who cares if you rattle your bones on washboard roads to get there. Don’t miss this one.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park by Theodore S., March 16, 2026
Reviewed Mar. 20, 2024

On the way to nowhere

Spacious, out of the way site with incredible desert views and night skies. Access was easy in March ‘24 with maybe 10 miles of well graded gravel following an easy, mostly paved approach on Big Pine road. Dry, shadeless, remote, with maybe 5 groups camped along a mile of track.

Climb the dune, but try to avoid stepping on the plants holding it together. The views from the top are worth it. When I was there a few military jets flew low up the valley — continued access for training was evidently part of the deal for adding this valley to the park.

One bar of very intermittent AT&T service I would not rely on. There is one pit toilet. Bring everything else, including toilet paper.

Site10 feet off the side of the road, 1/4 mile past the poop shack.
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Jan. 7, 2023

It's Not the End of the World, but you can see if from here

(My visit was in Feb. 2020) I drove in from Big Pine, it's not that bad of a drive, if you like rough roads. The drive in is no where nearly as bad as the road to the Racetrack. There are no facilities here, nothing, nada, zip, so be prepared. You are on your own as cell service is limited to nonexistent. The campsites are along the road so you can drive right up to the site. There are a few sites picnic tables and fire rings (BYOW).

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park by James N., January 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park by James N., January 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park by James N., January 7, 2023
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2019

The back of beyond!

If you want to get away from it all, this is the place for you. Down another 25+ mile dirt road, at the foot of the dunes, there are a few large parking areas to set up camp and a pit toilet. You must bring everything else with you. I wouldn’t recommend anything larger than a teardrop trailer for camping. Most of the people had roof top tents or set up tents on the ground. It can get very cold here at night so be prepared, we visited in April and the night time temps dropped into the 20’s. There are other campgrounds in Death Valley that can accommodate large RV’s and trailers. There is little or no cellular service in the park and drones are not allowed. Stars were fabulous here.

Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Eureka Dunes dry camping area?

Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground offers minimal facilities. There's only a pit toilet available at the site - you must bring everything else with you. No water, electricity, hookups, or other amenities are provided. The campground consists of several large parking areas at the foot of the dunes where you can set up camp. This is truly primitive camping, so pack accordingly with all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. The remote location offers incredible desert views and spectacular night skies, but requires complete self-sufficiency.

How do I access the Eureka Dunes campground by vehicle?

Access to Eureka Dunes is via a dirt road that extends about 10 miles from Big Pine Road. The road is rough but generally passable in most vehicles when conditions are good. It's better maintained than some other remote Death Valley roads (like the one to the Racetrack). Standard clearance vehicles can typically manage the drive during dry conditions, though high clearance is preferable. The final stretch follows a well-graded gravel road leading to the camping area at the base of the dunes.

Are permits required for overnight camping at Eureka Dunes?

No specific camping permits are required for overnight stays at Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground. However, standard Death Valley National Park entrance fees apply. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Since this is a remote location with limited oversight, be prepared to follow Leave No Trace principles. Always check with the National Park Service before your trip for any potential changes to camping regulations or seasonal restrictions.

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