Best Campgrounds near Darwin, CA

Darwin, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Darwin, California (79)

    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. 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."

    5. Minietta Road

    2 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    13 miles

    6. Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    41 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 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. "

    8. Fossil Falls Campground

    12 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."

    9. Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park

    55 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, CA
    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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Showing results 1-10 of 79 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Darwin, CA

575 Reviews of 79 Darwin Campgrounds



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 79 campgrounds and RV parks near Darwin, CA and 27 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 27 free dispersed camping spots near Darwin, CA.

What parks are near Darwin, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Darwin, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.