Best Glamping near Darwin, CA

The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers' Campground and Whitney Portal offer premier glamping accommodations with safari tents, cabins, and yurts nestled against stunning desert and mountain landscapes. The Fiddlers' Campground provides electric hookups, hot showers, and flush toilets while maintaining a rustic desert atmosphere. One guest noted, "The Oasis has showers, toilets, and a marketplace nearby, making it comfortable even in the desert heat." Whitney Portal glamping options include cabin accommodations with market access, trash service, and potable drinking water—essential amenities for those seeking comfort while exploring the Eastern Sierra. Both locations welcome pets and permit campfires, allowing guests to enjoy evenings under the stars without sacrificing modern conveniences.

Situated at the gateway to Mount Whitney, Whitney Portal glamping accommodations boast exceptional access to hiking trails and alpine scenery with glamping options available from April 23 to October 30. The elevation provides natural cooling during summer months when temperatures at lower desert sites can exceed 100°F. Visitors can explore nearby Alabama Hills or use these locations as comfortable base camps for Death Valley National Park adventures. According to a camper, "The views are absolutely beautiful with mountain scenery providing a perfect backdrop for comfortable camping." Both locations require reservations, especially during peak season, with The Oasis offering additional amenities like Wi-Fi access and proximity to a marketplace for supplies, creating a balanced glamping experience that combines wilderness immersion with essential comforts.

Best Glamping Sites Near Darwin, California (6)

    1. Minietta Road

    4 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    13 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park

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

    "It can fill up quickly in the afternoon or evening, so plan to arrive early and, if going out to play, leave something to indicate your site is occupied."

    "no one else was there when we arrived later in the evening though we only camped for one night at the end of summer. no one else ever showed up either. just a few cars drove by every now and then. we were"

    3. Whitney Portal

    30 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 937-6070

    $34 - $95 / night

    "Had a wonderful time exploring the area of the Alabama Hills below and was a wonderful campsite to beat the heat of the valley, at that time was over 100 degrees."

    "Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you."

    4. Diaz Lake Campground

    15 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-5577

    $14 - $35 / night

    "This is a great driving reprieve from traveling along the 395! A lovely little lake surrounded by giant oak trees that offer lots of nice shade to spend time resting."

    "This is a small lake and they limit the number of motorboats to 25, which is about 20 too many in my estimation.  "

    5. The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers' Campground

    7 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, NV
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-2345

    $24 / night

    "When you see the gas station it's right behind that is the Fiddlers’ Campground. Campsites are $24 per night. NO hookups, no pull-throughs, no sewer or electric... just basic back-in sites."

    "The campsites aren’t much (dirt lot) but you have full access to the resort. It was a short walk over to the pool which we loved as it was extremely hot."

    6. Troy Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    39 miles
    Website

    "We arrived on Sunday afternoon. The weekend crowd was moving out. We had the campground A Loop to ourselves. Really nice to be out of the Valley heat."

    "Very beautiful well kept supposedly it had just opened an hour or two before I arrived after being closed for two years. Great campground"

Show More
Showing results 1-6 of 6 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Glamping Reviews near Darwin, CA

68 Reviews of 6 Darwin Campgrounds


  • Jason B.
    May. 1, 2022

    The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers' Campground

    Parking lot

    Check in is actually at the Oasis at Death Valley, and for $34 a night they will let you stay in a parking lot down the road, and use restroom next to the golf course. Staff instructed us to walk 10 minutes across the golf course, where we could use the showers at the pool. There is no on-site laundry, and there is no communal fire pit. No picnic tables. There IS WiFi, but it doesn't reach to the campground; you need to walk to the golf course to connect. Save yourself the money and just camp at one of the other park campsites.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park

    Good free camping next to a road

    Stayed probably 10 nights here this season between February and May. It can fill up quickly in the afternoon or evening, so plan to arrive early and, if going out to play, leave something to indicate your site is occupied.

    This is tent only but I’ve slept in my small truck camper here and many sleep in vans or vehicles. I’ve seen quite a few small RVs here too.

    Water is not potable year round, will be deemed not potable and/or shut off mid-May per convo with NPS employee. Fill at Stovepipe, Panamint, or elsewhere in summer. Showers, pool, WiFi available 10-ish miles away at Stovepipe for $10. No cell service at camp. Spotty 3G at Stovepipe.

    Bathrooms are clean with no noticeable mold. Site can get VERY windy. Take care of your stuff. I’ve saved multiple tents here that weren’t properly secured while their owners were out for the day.

    No shade here and the road can be loud. Traffic fumes can also be a factor, depending on wind direction, for those who are sensitive when people using the rest stop leave their rigs idling.

    Overall, I recommend this spot as a single night or two but not for much more than that. It’s a great base close to showers but far enough out of the busier campgrounds and crowds.

  • D
    Apr. 9, 2017

    Whitney Portal

    Whitney Portal great way to beat the valley heat

    Had a wonderful time exploring the area of the Alabama Hills below and was a wonderful campsite to beat the heat of the valley, at that time was over 100 degrees. The stream was flowing and had just been load with fish, the campground was open and as well as the store/restaurant. The Burger and Beer was a welcome site after a week in the sierras, the big surprise was breakfast, the single pancake was big enough to feed three people. Do not order the short stack unless you have an army of people to feed. The campsite was kept very clean and well organized, firewood for campfires and an abundance of information about the hike to the top and surrounding areas.

  • Gabby G.
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Whitney Portal

    Amazing

    By far the best campground I've been too.

    I was on campsite 044. Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you. Flat ground for the tent and in no sight of other campers. Close (walking distance) to Mt Whitney Trailhead

  • c
    Nov. 4, 2021

    The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers' Campground

    Only perk is wifi and location to park

    There is no quiet time. Generators ran all night. The jeep rental company at the front of the lot started pressure washing jeeps at 5:15am. The construction crew kicked off their day and heavy machinery at 6:25am. No privacy, sites are right on top of each other, especially with bigger rigs (I was car camping). Pool and showers is included in the fee (week nights 29 weekends 34). Had WiFi not been required for me working all of the other campsites around that are part of the NP are much nicer and more scenic views and cheaper. WiFi only works near office and restaurants, so no matter where you stay on the property you have to come to the front to use WiFi (for most people not a big deal, but I’m working so it was inconvenient but better than nothing). There is a bar and food / restaurants on site- all severely overpriced. Local draft beer $11, grilled cheese $17, breakfast buffet $18, dinner buffet $32. I didn’t use the pool but lots of others did and seemed really happy with it. Staff was all nice except a younger man working early shift at reception. All in all - Would not stay here again.

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Whitney Portal

    Whitney Portal in March

    Great camp ground. no running water that time of year. Toilets were clean and bear boxes were easily accessible.

  • Kate
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park

    free, quiet campground

    no one else was there when we arrived later in the evening though we only camped for one night at the end of 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 distance/next to the parking lot but closed due to bees. port-a-potties were available instead. at night, the stars were absolutely beautiful. it was pretty hot but by opening the car windows and using some battery powered fans, we managed!

  • Katie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Whitney Portal

    Magical spot, Gorgeous

    The trees against the rocks and blue sky is gorgeous every time you look up. Very cool campsites nestled into the raw nature. We loved it. Didn’t see any bears, used the bear locker and trash cans on site.

  • kathleen K.
    Jul. 2, 2021

    Diaz Lake Campground

    BUGS!!!!

    Road through here on a road trip one hot afternoon when I needed to get off the road. I saw that there was a lake so I thought it would be a great place to camp. I travel in a Toyota Yaris and sleep in my car. This is a very big Campground with a lot of campsites; car camping, tent sites, RV sites and boat sites also. They all come with a fire ring and a picnic bench. The trees are very sparse. My mistake was parking under trees thinking that I could utilize the shade to sleep. I got eaten alive I have so many bites all over me that it seems like I have a rash. The ants are both black and red in the sand outside and they bite. There are also sand flies that bite and spiders that bite and the birds are relentless. This lake is amazing the water is clear and the perfect temperature too bad the campground sucks! There are no flush toilets and no running water. The price is cheap but I probably won't be back maybe for a dip on my way out of town. But this place is way too buggy for me


Guide to Darwin

Dispersed camping near Darwin, California provides diverse options in the high desert terrain at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 feet. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F in lower elevations while higher sites maintain cooler conditions. Many dispersed sites lack cellular service, potable water, and sanitation facilities, requiring campers to pack in supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles.

What to do

Stargazing at night: Minietta Road offers exceptional dark sky conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. One camper noted, "In this place you are like lost on an uninhabited island, no phone signal, not a single tree. I prepared enough food and stuff to camp in the RV about nearly 2 days."

Hike alpine trails: At Whitney Portal, visitors access numerous trails including the Lone Pine and Meysan Lake trails. According to a camper, "If you aren't planning to summit Mount Whitney, I highly recommend the Lone Pine Trail, which leads up to an alpine lake, which is absolutely gorgeous. Meysan Lake was also beautiful."

Wildlife observation: Many campgrounds near Darwin offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Emigrant Campground, a visitor mentioned, "At night, the stars were absolutely beautiful. It was pretty hot but by opening the car windows and using some battery powered fans, we managed!"

Desert photography: The stark landscape provides dramatic photographic opportunities year-round. A camper at Minietta Road shared, "Great for a night or two, heading towards or leaving Death Valley between Joshua Tree. You are literally in the middle of nowhere."

What campers like

High elevation cooling: Emigrant Campground visitors appreciate the temperature difference from lower desert areas. A camper reported, "Limited sites, each with a picnic table, access to water and flush toilet. Very nice spot and the higher elevation provides cooler temperature."

Convenient amenities: Some glamping close to Darwin, California includes access to nearby facilities. A visitor at The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers' Campground shared, "The campsites aren't much (dirt lot) but you have full access to the resort. It was a short walk over to the pool which we loved as it was extremely hot."

Solitude and quiet: Many dispersed camping areas provide isolation from crowds. One Minietta Road camper explained, "You are literally in the middle of nowhere. No cell phone reception, amenities, nothing, not even shelter, but yet so peaceful and quiet. We saw a couple of RVs but everyone has a TON of space."

Access to fishing: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities. A camper at Troy Meadow Campground mentioned, "Great hiking on Fish Creek, or, after a short drive, to Jordan Hot Springs."

What you should know

Heat management strategies: Summer temperatures require preparation. An Emigrant Campground visitor advised, "Water is not potable year round, will be deemed not potable and/or shut off mid-May per convo with NPS employee. Fill at Stovepipe, Panamint, or elsewhere in summer."

Wildlife precautions: Bears are active in some camping areas. A Whitney Portal camper warned, "Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc. Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions. So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service."

Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. A camper noted about Whitney Portal, "Because of this the campgrounds do fill up insanely quick! Be sure to book at least 2-3 months out especially during the 'climbing' season for Whitney June-Sept."

Cellular connectivity: Most dispersed sites lack phone service. A camper at Diaz Lake Campground shared, "This is a great driving reprieve from traveling along the 395! A lovely little lake surrounded by giant oak trees that offer lots of nice shade to spend time resting."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with amenities: For luxury glamping near Darwin, California, select campgrounds with facilities. The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers' Campground provides access to "the Resort's natural spring-fed swimming pool, shower facility, coin-operated laundry, and sports courts including a Tennis Court, Shuffleboard, Volleyball, Bocce Ball, and Basketball Court."

Pack adequate shade structures: Limited natural shade exists at most sites. At Diaz Lake Campground, a visitor observed, "Nice view but lots of bugs! It was ok, but lots of bugs!"

Bring entertainment options: Limited cellular service means offline activities are essential. A Minietta Road visitor noted, "I was able to let dog and cat out of camper and they weren't going anywhere. Nothing to chase, etc."

Monitor local weather forecasts: Sudden temperature changes and wind can impact camping comfort. An Emigrant Campground visitor cautioned, "Site can get VERY windy. Take care of your stuff. I've saved multiple tents here that weren't properly secured while their owners were out for the day."

Tips from RVers

Generator policies vary: Some campgrounds restrict generator usage. At Emigrant Campground, one RVer noted, "Stayed probably 10 nights here this season between February and May. It can fill up quickly in the afternoon or evening, so plan to arrive early."

Limited hookup availability: Many sites are dry camping only. A camper at The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers' Campground explained, "Campsites are $24 per night. NO hookups, no pull-throughs, no sewer or electric... just basic back-in sites."

Level site considerations: Some campgrounds offer more level terrain than others. A camper at Diaz Lake Campground mentioned, "Campground was a great place to use as a base to check out the area. I drove up and checked out the Mt Whitney trailhead and the view was incredible. Small little lake but quite a few campsites and they all looked to be relatively level."

Pack extra water: Limited water sources require planning. An RVer commented about Minietta Road, "In this place you are like lost on an uninhabited island, no phone signal, not a single tree. I prepared enough food and stuff to camp in the RV about nearly 2 days."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Darwin, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Darwin, CA is Minietta Road with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Darwin, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 glamping camping locations near Darwin, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.