Best RV Parks & Resorts near Darwin, CA

Came here after "visiting" the other so called RV park in this area. This is a nice place and we were greeted by the friendly maintenance guy as soon as we pulled in. 

For overnighters there is a separate area from the long term residents with level pull through sites and full hook ups (20, 30 and 50amp) for $30/night.  One of us felt that being secluded away from the main park gave the overnighters area a spooky lonely vibe at night (the other of us didn't feel that way and felt fine).

There is also a self pay drop box (if you need to pay with credit card or want a receipt pay at the office) right outside the fenced overnighter area which also has an easily accessed dump station and potable water for $10 fee if you just need to dump and fill.

The friendly maintenance guy came around to make sure we had everything we needed after we set up. This is right off of Hwy 178 so there is road noise but it quieted down at night. The area is clean and there are dumpsters available as well as a laundry room which is inside the residential area. Laundry was $1.75/wash and $1 for dryer. This park is a good place to stay the night or for a chore day while traveling through.

Good cell service with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, unsure if park has WiFi available.

There's also an RV parts store next door which we did not check out.

Overall a nice clean place, nothing fancy or beautiful but a good place to clean up before heading back into boondocking.

The Stovepipe Wells Village RV park is a different (and privately owned) RV campground nearly adjacent to the NPS-run Stovepipe Wells Campground. 

Open year-round, this is one of the priciest places to stay in Death Valley charging $40 a night for a parking lot drive in site with hookups. There are very few sites here (14 in total) and they do take reservations.  The property is managed by the hotel across the road and you have to check in for the RV park there. You also have access to the hotel facilities (ie. pool) if you pay the $40.

Stovepipe wells RV park has air and water at the gas station/market (where the RV park is).  Gas here was almost 2$ cheaper than in Furnace Creek (about 25 miles away). There is also a general store minimart with souvenirs here in Stovepipe Wells Village.  Beer, water and soft drinks were surprisingly very cheap considering how far removed you are from civilization. A good hub for a sunrise or sunset hike up the sand dunes or an early start at Mosaic Canyon. Not too far from the Artists Drive.

Other than pool access at the hotel, this site doesn't offer much more than the NPS site next door which is only $14. The only reason we considered staying here was that the NPS site is only open during 'season' beginning in mid-October, so it was the only site actually available when we went.

Stayed for two nights in a 22’ RV at one of the full hook-up sites. Next time I come back to Death Valley, either RV or tent, I’ll probably stay here.

Location is amazing. There’s a gas station and general store close by to pick up any supplies you’d need. About a 30 minute drive from the Mesquite sand dunes and Mosaic Canyon, about 20 minutes from Artist’s Drive, 25-30 minutes from Badwater Basin, 10 minutes from Zabriskie Point. You’re close to tons of things but we also got killer night skies once we walked a couple minutes away from our campsite.

No wifi, expect limited cell service. You can make reservations online.

So this place is super pretty and green the only thing green in this entire valley it  has an actual resort, with hotel rooms, they do have an RV park with hook ups but I would call the resort to inquire, anyway they have a golf course, horseback riding is available which I did as a teenager here, a nice pool, shopping, etc...

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.

on their website it states with your nightly rental, guests enjoy the Ranch’s natural spring-fed swimming pool, shower facility, coin-operated laundry which I did check out and is nice, and sports courts including a Tennis Court, Shuffleboard, Volleyball, Bocce Ball, and Basketball Court. 

Your nearby to the  Ranch’s restaurants and the General Store for camping supplies, groceries, and souvenirs.

I took pictures of the entire park from the camp grounds, the rv park, hotel and the shops. A lot of parking at well.

A lovely site, both scenic and peaceful. Was very quiet when we stayed. The small lake was ideal for a bit of casual kayaking and nature watching - mostly birds and dragonflies. Charming and spacious, the informality of the site was a refreshing change. Owing to it being quiet, we spent most of our time there in one of the riverside overlooks that provided seating, a table & a grill (as well as being a vantage point for watching nature and launching the kayaks.

The only slight negative was that it was the only one of 10 we used on this trip that offered full hook-ups but no WiFi (5G service was adequate though). Would also benefit with the addition of more than just the single shower/toilet unit (which contrary to another review was of more than adequate size)

Sunset campground is one of three campgrounds in the Furnace Creek area. Furnace Creek campground has full hookups for RVs, can be reserved and is often full. Texas Springs campground is more tent friendly, can handle smaller RVs but does not have hookups, and is first come first served. Sunset campground is a large flat gravel lot, no hookups and no reservations. The advantage is that it's really big, with a lot of overflow capacity and so if you can't find a spot at the other two, there's likely an available spot here. It'll be close to other RVs and the campground itself isn't pretty, but it is surrounded by beautiful hills.

We were here in late January, and the lot was probably a quarter full, so our views weren't blocked and we were able to find a spot immediately. Next time I would try Texas Springs first and if that's full (it was most nights while we were there) I'd go to Sunset. You drive in, select your spot and pay at one of the pay station.

The location is central -- it's just across the street from the Ranch at Death Valley (which has a fancy general store and some restaurants, including an ice cream shop). Gas at the filling station was $1.50 a gallon more than at Stovepipe Wells. The campground is walking distance to the Death Valley visitor center. It's pretty central to most of the sights in the area.

The Stovepipe Wells Campground/RV Park's strength is its location. It's in the middle of Death Valley National Park so you can more easily reach the more remote highlights compared to the Furnace Creek area.  However, if you want to be in the middle of the activity, head to Furnace Creek.  

The RV area of Stovepipe Wells is just an open field with hook-ups spaced with just enough room for a rig to fit in between. Thus, you are right on top of your neighbors, which is weird since there's so much wide open space here.  I think if you didn't need hook ups or had a tent you might be able to spread out more than we did.

While we were there in December 2019, the wifi was non-existent and the power was very intermittent.  In fact, we went two days with no power at all, which was really unfortunate since we paid for the hook up.  Also, restrooms are quite a walk away from the hook up area, so if you are counting on using the bathrooms, be prepared to walk a bit to either the gas station or across the street to the hotel lobby area.  

We were promised a refund for the days we didn't receive the services we paid for but they never followed through and the employees seemed powerless to do anything to help.  Kind of a let down. When we return to Death Valley, we'll probably stay closer to Furnace Creek.

Spaces were roomy, pull through had plenty of room for our tow vehicle, trailer and another vehicle. Good sized area with picnic table and enough space for a large pop up and tent. Full hookups were nice, be prepared for high temps even in the spring. It was over 100 in April but the overnight temps were very comfortable.

$35 per night with full hookups makes this place great for a night or two between longer boondocking stays. The overnighter spots are separate from the permanent resident area, the spaces are level and very clean. Staff in the office is super friendly and helpful. The office for the park is located at the RV parts building. There is also a dump station with potable water just outside the overnighter area with a self-pay station for just $10. Fantastic deal. 10/10 would recommend and will stay here again.

Had a great experience at Siesta Ranch. The proximity to Alabama Hills and the privacy and convenience of full hookups coupled with views of the Eastern Sierras sold it for me. Would stay again!

The campground is part of the Oasis Resort, located by the Ranch. The amenities for the Ranch are included in the campground fees. The actual campground area is a gravel parking lot with 50’ parking areas for RVs.

Best campground in Death Valley. It's still crowded and can be noisey during the day, but pretty quiet at night. Great stargazing! We were lucky enough to get a campsite with trees, provides much needed privacy and shade! Great restrooms, fire pit and table at each site. RV spots as well. Dumpsters and store nearby.

I love that they have separate parts of the campground for RVs and tents so you don’t have to hear generators if you’re tent camping. Our site had some trees that we pitched the tent under for shade. Bathrooms were clean with running water and a dishwashing area too.

The best part about the campground is the location! Super easy to get to all the great sights. We were tent camping in site 14 which has an RV spot, fire pit and a picnic table. We were across the street from the bathrooms and they are flush and have a dishwashing station. The campground was quiet even on New Year’s Eve! Great December camping

[Internet. There was full 3G signal for Verizon but no service for T-Mobile. Speedtest wouldn’t run. Verizon was usable in that you could download and upload but it took a long time. From my iPhone, I could send photos via iMessage but not SMS.]

[Rig. Mercedes Sprinter. 22 feet]

Dump station? - Yes Water fill? - Yes Clean site? - Yes Clean bathroom? - Yes Flush toilet? - Yes Showers? - No Laundry? - Haha no Dish washing sink? - Yes

We stayed in the massive parking lot side. There is a few full hookup sites that are reservable. The parking lot is first-come-first-served. It serves its purpose as a place to stay near the dunes. Nothing more. The Stovepipe Village is right next to the campground. There’s a general store, a motel and a saloon. The store has some killer Blue Bunny ice cream sandwiches and some comfy rocking chairs outside for when you eat your ice cream.

It’s basic and served it’s purpose well. No red flags. 4-stars

Because we had site 112, and it was March not July, and we could launch our canoe without any muss or fuss, and there were only a few other campers, I give this park 4 stars.  If we were here in July, well...we wouldn't stay here in July...period.  I can only imagine the crowds here after May 1.  This is a small lake and they limit the number of motorboats to 25, which is about 20 too many in my estimation.  Also, there is mandatory vessel inspection for mussels, and a $10 a day launch fee after May 1.  

So, timing is everything.  We had the lake to ourselves and we could launch our canoe directly from campsite #112.  The water is muddy, and much of the bank is not accessible from the water due to reeds, but the scenery looking at Mt Lone Pine, and Mt Whitney across the Alabama Hills is beautiful!

There was no check-in in March.  Reservations are online, and they will have your name on the post at the site when you arrive.  However, after May 1, you must have any vessel you are bringing with you inspected prior to entering the campground.

Each site will have a picnic table and fire ring and there are several water spigots throughout the campground where you can top off your tank.  However, most of the spigots do not have a nipple to screw on a water hose.  There are a couple that do.  There are also vault toilets and trash dumpsters throughout the campground.

The main downside to this campground regarding amenities is the lack of a dump site.  However, Boulder Creek RV Park just south on 395 will let you use their dump site for $25.   

The staff are very approachable and friendly and a couple of the maintenance guys even left us some cut firewood as they were thinning out the salt cedar trees.

The only demerits I give this campground in the offseason is the loud hwy noise from 395, which is inherent, and the small bits of trash that have become components of the sand.  Trash like broken glass, bottle caps, crushed aluminum cans, cigarette butts, dental floss applicators, etc.  Small stuff everywhere.  We spent an afternoon sifting through the sand, picking up trash around our campground, but it was really too big of a job for just 2 people.  Inyo County should organize a community clean up day where an army of volunteers with rakes can really go through the sand to pick up all of the debris.

Campsite not well marked and difficult to navigate. Stop at gas station first to avoid difficulty finding RV sites. Had trouble with electrical hookup. EMS code showed “open ground” so used the site hookup adjacent. Very helpful, informative and accommodating staff even though our paid reservation was not in their system. Middle of no where. No cell No internet.

My husband and I were at Death Valley 8 years ago (2011) staying in Furnace Creek hotel rooms. This year (2019) we returned with our tents as part of a California National Park tent trip and wow were we surprised! The park has had a major renovation with great shopping and options for your stay. With our senior park pass we get into the parks free and camping is 50% off, so our two night stay was a whopping $16.00. We drove up to the newly remodeled inn that has rooms for 350-600$ a night, and while we were there, someone was arriving via helicopter, truly a luxury resort. We learned that the owner of the LA kings hockey team has purchased the resort and has many improvements planned.

We were reminded how far everything is within the park, you may choose to hike a trail and it may be an hour or two drive away, there is gas in the park, but you may a nice price for it! The main gas station in furnace creek had gas for $5.46 per gallon, however gas at the stovepipe wells was only $4.21.

We choose the hike to zabrieski point for sunrise and sunset, the natural bridge (very rough road) and the 8.5 round trip hike to wild rose peak which was very challenging.

This year, Scotty’s castle is closed until 2020 due to flood damage, so we were happy we had seen it on our prior visit.

We camped at furnace creek campground which is one of the few open after Memorial Day and is first come, first serve, no advance reservations. We arrived around noon and most sites were available, however later that night, most were occupied. The campground has many toilets with running water and flush toilets, and there is a dishwashing station by most bathrooms. There are tent sites and full hookup sites. There are trash dumpsters with areas for recycling and empty propane containers. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

There is a golf course, swimming pool, horse riding (closes in May), many nice restaurants and a spa.

Here’s the best deal, for 10$ per person you get a pool and shower pass for all day! The pool is awesome, spring fed warm water. The showers have massive pressure with hot water.

What can I say you are in Death Valley where the heat can get so insane you can feel it collapsing your lungs and melting your face but at this campground that can be a lot less of a problem as you are welcomed with the temperature at the visitor's center. Sure it is still hot and miserable most of the time, but what better way to embrace it than to just let it all hang out so you can see it.

I was very interested in this campground just inside of California when I was staying in Nevada over the first part of the year, it had great reviews and looked like a nice campsite. When I arrived I was not disappointed at all it was well kept, offered some shade and had nice even sites for tents or RVs alike.

Unlike my usual desire to have no amenities, I feel like staying in place like this I need a few luxuries just in case. So it was nice to find sites with electrical hook ups and potable water. The electrical hook ups made it nice for having a small fan which didn't rely on batteries which can drain quickly and that made it more than comfortable on the hot evening.

Where my tent was located the short shrubs provided a nice wind break however I did notice in some of the more open spots it can get a little blustery and we noticed several dust devils popping up across the area in the distance, very common for this region.

The campsite does accept reservations however when we were there mid week in late spring it wasn't packed so no reservation was needed.

I did notice that some of the areas were marked with heat warnings which included closure postings during certain times and warnings about temperatures after 10 a.m. I was fortunate in that it wasn't terrible just yet but already it was beginning to get that way despite it being spring. By summer I would not recommend staying here unless you were able to get inside of an RV it would be far to hot for myself in my little tent.

TIPS:

• Keep hydrated when staying here or at any of the Death Valley campgrounds.

• Obey postings of warnings, they are there for a reason!! We were listening to a ranger in the visitor center and he was telling us some statistics and it was enough to make you want to listen to everything you hear them say!!

• Fuel up before getting to 1/4 tank anytime you are entering the Death Valley or Mohave area you never know what will happen and you would rather be safe than sorry in case you are rendered stranded , at least with gas you can rely a bit on your air.

This campground is right in Death Valley and has low prices but limited facilities as you would expect in the National Parks. There are 136 sites all with picnic tables and fire rings. There are flush toilets, water and an RV dump station on site. 9 back in RV sites have hookups and there are 9 pull through sites with hookups. There is a visitor center and small store within 300' of the campground. There is a gas station a short drive down the highway. There is very little shade. Be sure to have an awning of shade cloth with poles as it gets warm.

My site 055 shares a paved pad with 054. This would be great if you are camping with someone in another RV.

Get up early for sunrise at Zabriskie Point.

Campground Review:

This campground lies about 10 miles to the west of its namesake town, Lone Pine in the Owens Valley to the east of the Sierra Nevada range.  It is a very popular campground to use as a base camp for climbing Mt. Whitney especially if the Whitney Portal CG is full. which was the case when we were there.  If you can't get a reservation or walk in site at Lone Pine CG, then Tuttle Creek, and the Alabama Hills would be your closest places to camp if you're not planning on climbing Mt. Whitney.

Now on to the actual campground!  Now since this is a few miles from the actual trail head to Mt. Whitney it has more RV camping sites than tent sites.  Campsite range in price from $25-$65 for single tent sites, RV sites, and 1 group site, respectively.  Each campground has a large bear proof box to store all of your food and  smelly items in addition to a picnic table and a metal fire ring.  The campground had potable water spigots and vault toilets spread throughout.  You could also purchase firewood from the camp host, which is recommended due to the possibility of spreading pests.

To list all of the activities you can do in this area would take a book so I'm just gonna touch on some of the things we did!  Our main goal for the trip was to try and summit Mt. Whitney by the Mountaineers Route.  We got pushed back however due to hard route finding and soft avalanche prone snow.  We ended going around 10 miles but the regular hiking trail is 13 miles one way!  After getting beaten down by the mountain we were able to eat some great food at the Mt. Whitney Restaurant which had Americana and diner food. 

Since we stayed at this campground in the middle of June the temperatures weren't too hot but I would really try to camp higher up at the portal if you plan on coming here in July or August as it could be really hot and there wasn't a ton of shade.  Also be doubly sure to book your campground ahead of time as I doubt there will be any sites if you show up after 3 or 4 without a reservation.

Product Review:

Being a Ranger for the Dyrt allows us to test and review gear from time to time!  This time we were testing out the Adjustable Neck Gaiter from Eclipse sun protection.  This was honestly one of my favorite pieces of gear I've been able to test for the Dyrt!  

Pros: 

• Simple design that replaces $100's of sunscreen in it's lifetime! (never washes out)
• Is multi functional and can be used as a gaiter, headband, buff, and so much more!
• Super lightweight and doesn't need to be reapplied or leave you greasy
• It is super cheap and includes a Velcro strap to adjust to smaller neck      

Cons:

• The only flaw I could find was the sewing along the neck was a little weak and I ripped it slightly before realizing I needed to be a little more delicate pulling it on

Other than that one con I would say this is an amazing product that helps keep you from spending 100's on a temporary sunblock and helps keep all those nasty chemicals out of nature, the waterways, and the oceans!  I definitely think we'll be trying out the sleeves for fishing as my fiances arms can get pretty burnt sometimes.