Best Campgrounds near Darwin, CA

Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape surrounding Darwin, California, situated within the vast Death Valley region. Primitive sites on BLM land such as the Alabama Hills Recreation Area provide free camping with minimal amenities, while established facilities like Panamint Springs Resort offer RV hookups and tent sites with more services. The area includes Death Valley National Park campgrounds such as Wildrose, Furnace Creek, and Emigrant, each featuring different elevation profiles and amenity levels. Several campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though dispersed sites typically have no facilities.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 110°F in lower elevations, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Death Valley National Park campgrounds often require reservations during peak season (October through April), while dispersed BLM camping typically allows stays up to 14 days. The extreme desert climate demands careful planning and ample water supplies. Cell service is limited or non-existent in most camping areas. A visitor commented, "There is so much room and a huge choice when camping here, there isn't however, potable water or shade unless you bring your own. Amazing views and stunning sunsets."

Campers consistently rate the stargazing opportunities as exceptional throughout the region, with the Alabama Hills and Trona Pinnacles receiving particular praise for night sky viewing. Proximity to hiking trails and natural features like Darwin Falls provides daytime recreation options. The stark desert landscape offers unique photography opportunities and solitude, though limited shade can be challenging during warmer months. Public lands near Darwin support diverse wildlife viewing, including desert foxes and various bird species. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "It's easy to social distance when you need binoculars to see most of the fellow campers in the area." Most sites require self-sufficiency with water, food, and waste management, as services are limited or non-existent across much of the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Darwin, California (81)

    1. Panamint Springs Resort

    11 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 482-7680

    $15 - $75 / night

    "The sites have picnic tables and fire rings and are close to each other. I’ve always been at the group site which is more spacious."

    "There was a water spigot in between our site and the one next to us. There is a gas station across the road from the campground."

    2. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    87 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "You can see Mount Whitney in the distance. 4 wheel drive isn’t required but definitely recommend. No bathrooms or water around. A lot of old movies were filmed in the hills."

    "Alabama Hills California presents a varied landscape. From the picture above you can plainly see the desert floor to MT. Whitney, snow capped in March of 2018."

    3. Minietta Road

    4 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    13 miles

    "I prepared enough food and stuff to camp in the RV about nearly 2 days. A family of 4 loved the so peaceful night there block blast."

    4. Wildrose Campground — Death Valley National Park

    17 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    23 miles
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    "We stopped here on our way home from Northern California to Arkansas, it was a bit of a random stop but we were tired of driving and found this place."

    "This is a free small campground, close to charcoal kilns and west entrance."

    6. Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    43 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    36 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."

    "Right in the middle of many trails and sites to see, not to mention a quick skip away from Lone Pine."

    7. Fossil Falls Campground

    14 Reviews
    Little Lake, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 384-5400

    $6 / night

    "A very cool and Very unique spot in Southern California. Places to walk around places to climb around. If you plan on doing any rock climbing then you’re planning on doing this in the morning."

    "Just off the highway and easy to get to. The volcano in the distance is beautiful and fossil falls is so unique…lots of room to explore the lava flows."

    8. Fossil Falls dry lake bed

    11 Reviews
    Little Lake, CA
    27 miles
    Website

    "Overnight stay driving through. Easy access. Level parking areas. I stopped close to 395 & had no noise from road. Slept well with strong night winds."

    "We landed here and drove thru the FF campground, which we knew was closed but wanted to check it out, and pulled out onto the dry lake bed area to spend the night. "

    9. Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park

    57 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, NV
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-2441

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Location is amazing. There’s a gas station and general store close by to pick up any supplies you’d need."

    "There are some trees scattered around the campground, but some sites are far more shaded than others."

    10. Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park

    9 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    "summer. no one else ever showed up either. just a few cars drove by every now and then. we were exhausted so we just opened a couple windows to the car rather than set up our tent. toilets were within walking"

    "Just to the left of the main road, this campground is a simple gravel lot with about ten unmarked spots around the perimeter. It was pretty full and we took the last open spot."

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Recent Reviews near Darwin, CA

592 Reviews of 81 Darwin Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Minietta Road

    Silence & Solitude!

    I loved boondocking here in Panamint Valley. The road is really long, so I’m sure there are a lot of spots. Most of them seem to be spread out 1/4 mile or so. The valley is known for having ZERO background noise, so the only sound you’ll hear are the occasionally car, the ravens, and the Hornet fighter jet that flights overhead. At night, you get an unmatched view of the stars and Milky Way because there’s no light pollution.

  • Ryan S.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park

    Incredible starry nights

    Many memorable and wonderful nights camping here with family and scout groups. Easy to pitch tents in the soft ground, smoke trees provide shelter from the fierce winds that occasionally whip across Death Valley, and the stars at night are beyond belief in their sublime beauty. Good amenities like restrooms, dishwashing stations, and stores close by, as well as access to major attractions. We had a cute little kangaroo mouse in our site one year. Highly recommended for inspirational winter camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Django Free Dispersed

    Nice location but diffucult to find a spot

    It’s a beautiful spot, but if you come late it’s incredibly difficult to find a spot in the area due to camping restrictions. For many spots, 4x4 is recommended.

  • Izzy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pinto Peak View Camp

    This is non existent

    Pulled up to this spot late at night to discover nothing here. Previous review sites coordinates over and hour east of here. Very disappointing

  • John L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Fossil Falls Campground

    Very rocky terrain

    Nice for a night or two lots of spots but close together some are more level than others, saw all types of campers from vans to trailers and my lifted Motorhome

  • Marie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park

    Great location

    Pull through sites easy in and out. Full hook ups. No laundry, restrooms, or showers here. Great location to lots of fun for outdoor or off-road enthusiasts. Easy drive to Death Valley. The girl in the office is super sweet and helpful. Great rate. We found so much to explore in the area we stayed 2 weeks. Ghost towns, abandoned mines, Schmidt Tunnel, movie road, robbers Roost, Red Rock Canyon State Park, trona Pinnacles. Great weather in early October too.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park

    Clean and great location

    Had to pull in here for the night during the ‘25 shutdown. Was able to easily get out 38’ class A in and had a great night with the awesome breeze and bright full moon. The campground is very well laid out and clean.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wagon Wheel Staging Area

    Super spot - great lookout

    A fantastic spot. Great views, sheltered behind rocks, and even with clean restrooms. Many spots—some only accessible by 4WD due to deep sand and dry waterways. There are plenty of 2WD spots, though. Apparently popular with motocross riders on weekends. Everything was completely quiet for us. We were completely alone in the entire area. A wonderful place. We only had internet with T-Mobile across the road on the mountain.


Guide to Darwin

Camping near Darwin, California, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Alabama Hills Recreation Area: This area is famous for its unique rock formations and scenic views. One camper said, "Absolutely love this spot! Very cool rock formations all around you. Nice short trail nearby that takes you by a stream."
  • Hike near Tuttle Creek Campground: With trails that lead to breathtaking views, this campground is a great starting point for hikes. A visitor noted, "Nice, out of the way campsite...so lots of exploring opportunities!"
  • Visit Death Valley National Park: Just a short drive away, this park offers stunning desert landscapes. One reviewer mentioned, "Easy access right off 190. 30 min to Furnace Creek visitor center."

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One said, "We ended up at this site by chance, but were so glad we did. Beautiful panoramic views!" at Tuttle Creek Campground.
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A camper at Fossil Falls Campground shared, "It was very quiet and secluded."
  • Unique rock formations: The Alabama Hills are a hit among visitors. One camper exclaimed, "THIS PLACE IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. HEAVEN ON EARTH!!!"

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Many campgrounds, like Alabama Hills Recreation Area, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A reviewer cautioned, "No drinking water, no electric hookups."
  • Cell service can be spotty: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for limited coverage. One camper noted, "No cell coverage for T-Mobile, but I used my WeeBoost and got two bars."
  • Road conditions vary: Some roads can be bumpy and challenging. A visitor shared, "Use caution when traversing though the area to find a site if you have a normal sedan or normal vehicle height."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for spots like Boulder Creek RV Resort, which offers amenities like a playground and swimming pool. One family mentioned, "Hosts were very helpful in getting us situated."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Wildrose Campground said, "We had nearly the whole camping ground for ourselves!"
  • Be prepared for weather changes: Nights can get cold, so pack extra layers. A visitor noted, "Nights are cold (we got snow) temperature during the day is very comfortable!"

Tips from RVers

  • Check for RV-friendly sites: Campgrounds like Stovepipe Wells Campground are big rig friendly. One RVer shared, "Easy Campground, generator hours 7 - 7, but also 14 places with electricity."
  • Be ready for wind: Some areas can be windy, so secure your setup. A camper at Boulder Creek RV Resort mentioned, "There is very little protection for the tent campsites."
  • Utilize amenities: Take advantage of facilities like showers and laundry at places like Boulder Creek RV Resort. One reviewer said, "Nice and clean. Full hook ups."

Camping near Darwin, California, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly spots. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and joys that come with camping in this beautiful area!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Darwin, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Darwin, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 81 campgrounds and RV parks near Darwin, CA and 28 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Darwin, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Darwin, CA is Panamint Springs Resort with a 3.7-star rating from 11 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Darwin, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Darwin, CA.