Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Darwin? Find the best information on tent camping near Darwin, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
First come / first served tent only campground with no additional fee. Located next to CA 190 at 2100' feet in elevation. Emigrant campground overlooks the Cottonwood Mountains which is a part of the Panamint Range. This is a small campground with 10 sites southwest of Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. A building with flush toilets is 270 feet down a dirt trail just outside of the campground.
Located in the Horseshoe Meadow Recreation Area this trailhead campground has 18 walk-in sites suitable for backpackers and hikers to use the night before they are going to hike into Golden Trout Wilderness via the Cottonwood Pass trail. Please self-register at Horseshoe Meadows Campground when you arrive. Sites include food storage boxes, tent pads, and tables, fire grates, piped water, and toilet facilities. One night stay limit. Horseshoe Meadow Area Campgrounds Guide (pdf)
First come / first served primitive campground with no additional fee located in a Pinyon Pine and Juniper forest at 8,200' elevation. Great views down into Death Valley. Located near the Telescope Peak trailhead. Dirt road access requires high-clearance vehicles, often 4x4 required.
Extremely remote campsite at 3,785ft of elevation, accessible only by high-clearance vehicles with all-terrain tires. Access from Saline Valley Road requires navigating Lippincott Pass and should only be attempted by experienced 4-wheel drivers. There are no approved toilet facilities at this location and no water available. Pack in all that you need, pack out all that you bring.
Horseshoe Meadow is a vast 10,000 foot high meadow, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest. Getting there is an adventure in itself; the road to Horseshoe Meadow climbs over 6,000 feet, as it winds its way up from Lone Pine. Three campgrounds are located in the Horseshoe Meadow Area. Trails from Horseshoe Meadow provide access to the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. The road to Horseshoe Meadow is closed from approximately November to May due to snow.
$6 / night
First come / first served primitive, forested campground with no additional fee located at 7,400' elevation. Accessible to high clearance vehicles (no longer than 25'), and 4x4 may be necessary.
Located near Horseshoe Meadows, the Cottonwood Lakes Basin has many pristine alpine lakes and creeks located between Mount Langley and Cirque Peak. Side trails branch to Muir Lake, Hidden Lake, South Fork Lakes, Cirque Lake. Along the trail to New Army Pass are Long Lake and High Lake in the John Muir Wilderness. Climbing over New Army Pass the trail continues into Sequoia National Park and eventually joins the Pacific Crest Trail.
The Cottonwood Lakes are home to California's state fish, the Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita).
Common Destinations: Cottonwood Lakes basin, New Army Pass, John Muir Trail, Mount Langley
Download area map for trail names https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5337644.pdf
Wilderness Permit Information (760) 873-2483
Historically, there has been a high level of bear activity in the Cottonwood Lakes area. From Memorial Day weekend through October 31, all food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear-proof containers.
At the trailhead, all food, trash and scented items must be removed from vehicles and stored in the bear proof lockers that are located in parking areas. Dispose of trash in bear proof trash receptacles.
For more information about traveling in bear bear country, click here...https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_003846
Guide
After another day spent exploring the park, we were looking for a great spot to set us up for two last stops before leaving the park the following morning. We were going into Sunset but the ranger directed us to Texas Springs-no generators and less expensive for the win. We had a great view of the stars and Milky Way-getting great photos while enjoying the warm evening.
Guide
After spending the day exploring we found this gem of a spot. Even had fresh water available to fill up our tanks.
Ranger
There wasn’t much to this camp site…it was basically a gravel parking lot. Tent only spaces along the rear of the campground. The best part about it is that it’s cheap…only $9 with an Access Pass and in early December it was almost empty. Stayed one night and walked to the gift shop store for snacks and stickers.
Ranger
We planned on staying here in our little Toyota Motorhome but when we arrived, we saw a “Tent Only” sign. The camp looked very clean and there were restrooms available.
RangerThis campground was quiet and clean and centrally located in the park. No hookups, but there is a dump station with potable water available near the entrance.
The spaces are REALLY close together but when we were there the park was mostly empty…maybe a dozen other campers in the whole park. Tent camping only on the lower loop…upper loop had MANY large, pull through spaces. Our camper is small, so the space felt big though. Picnic tables and fire pits at each site. Self serve pay stations, discount for Access Pass holders, I will definitely stay here again if I come through Death Valley again.
Guide
We are full time RVers and stayed here 1 night after boondocking a week and heading to our next boondocking destination. This is a perfect stop to dump, fill water, do laundry and just do an overall reset of our RV. I was able to deep clean and get rid of trash. The only thing they didn't have was propane and gas but they had everything else we needed.
Booking & Space: Was easy online. $35 for pull through site for capacity up to 42'. Sites are close together but still far enough to have all slide outs out and room to walk between.
Amenities: Big trash and recycling bins were a bonus. We did 9 loads of laundry, can only load them half way and the washing drum is a little small. 3 washers, 3 dryers. All of the units used the Payrange app except 1 dryer is quarters only. The dryer drums are pretty large so we were able to just split the 3rd load between the 2 dryers that use the Payrange app. It was easy to download the app, add funds, scan the barcode of the machine, set the settings on the machine and start. The washers recommend not to use powder detergent and half the amount of liquid detergent. No coin machine for breaking down change. Also no laundry supply stuff for purchase. Overall our stuff cleaned and dried without problems. The door does get stuck and seems locked after entering the code correctly.
Check-in was easy. Just pull into our site and hook up. Check in is after 2 PM and checkout before 2 PM.
Hookups: Water pressure was good. Electrical has a meter but there's no additional charge for it. Black/Grey water dump and water spigot at each site.
Area was very quiet. No road noise and campers were also quiet. It is very well lit all night and cameras are everywhere.
Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. 3 stalls in the women's and the 3 showers for additional no charge. Each shower had 3 hooks and a seat. There is no bench or seating outside of the showers.
We will definitely be back. Thank you for a great experience.
Guide
We pulled off on the closest part to the road which was quiet all night really. There were other parts further up.
ScoutPulled in late, well after dark and after a long and somewhat harrowing drive in from the north. Read on the NPS website that of the three area campgrounds (all within a mile and very easy access), Furnace Creek is most popular (so we cruised past it), Texas Springs most scenic with mountain views (true), and Sunset rarely fills (because it’s a big gravel parking lot).
Our stay was mid-week in October, so even rolling in after 9pm, there were only a few sites occupied. It’s a little tricky to find the loops, as the only signage is “slow,” with no numbered directionals, but so wide open it quickly makes sense. We found a spot right in the middle of the lower loop, no one around us, easy bathroom access. Electronic self pay station back at the entrance was a breeze. Realized after the fact there was also a kiosk by the lower bathroom, so we wouldn’t have had to go to the entrance.
No power or water (expected), but the bathrooms were clean and I liked the dishwashing sink setup - outdoors with three taps and one big trough basin, several stations throughout the campground.
Arrived after dark, so waking up to a desert mountain sunrise was a treat. StarLink worked perfectly under unobstructed sky for morning virtual meeting. Bonus points to NPS for their sense of humor in decorating the phone booth - and for having a phone booth. Dumpster, recycling, and propane drop all on the way out, super convenient.
Only downside? It’s SO quiet that with low occupancy and desert acoustics, you can hear a tent zipper from 50 yards away. I imagine in busier season you might be all up in each other’s stuff.
Guide
We stayed recently when it was 116 during the day, but since the sites had electric, we gave it a shot. The first two sites we tried had bad electrical setups. The breakers wouldn't lock in place, and kept flipping back to the tripped/open state. No problem, since we were the only people there - we just notified management and moved sites. They have water/sewer too, but you'll want to filter the water because of the taste. The pool across the street was actually cold at night, even though the air temp was 90, so that was great.
The "saloon" was being renovated and had a limited menu... I'll just say that we wished we had just grabbed some pre-packaged sandwiches from the general store instead.
Not a bad stop for staying in the park, with easy access to supplies, if neeeded.
Traveler
It's a huge campground, a whole section was closed off when we were there. It's worth driving around to find the best vacant spot, as there are a few trees giving much needed shade. There are flush toilets, and running water. It's nice and close to the visitor centre, and to zabriskie point. It was quiet enough in Sept on a weekday, but I wouldn't fancy going there when it's busy.
Traveler
2nd time at this spot and loved it! Rolled in after midnight and no one else was around.
Scout
Beautiful views!
Guideno 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!
Traveler
This park is in the middle of nowhere but a fabulous view of the Sierra Nevada's. I had a problem when I pulled into my site getting shore power from the electrical hook up. But I went to the office and I was moved immediately to a better site with a good hook up! Quiet, clean and well landscaped for the desert surroundings
TravelerThis is just an extraordinary place, Death Valley. Takes you out of yourself and your sense of human history completely.
The motels and campsites were always subpar. They act, to this day, like only hardened stoic geologists would want to visit. This campsite is actually better than the so called “motels’ available. It’s not a great place, but BRING ALL your creature comforts and you’ll be thrilled to be in the middle of the all the hiking and road trip thrills.
I am writing this in fall of 2024. That means you should book Xmas 2025. Or else, really stay somewhere else entirely and expect a drive.
And yes, when you have the winter blues in January, this is just an incredible visit.
Ranger
Camped here before hiking Mount Whitney the following day. Think we got one of the only sites with a “tree,” but the grounds were well maintained and area was quite. Enjoyed camping here.
Guide
I pulled in here looking for a campsite on my way up to mammoth. I was able to find a pretty dope spot surrounded by rocks, and nowhere near any other campers. I was legit, alone.
Great place to pull off and sit on a rock to watch the sun set over the mountains. Shade was minimal, but if you hide between the rocks like they do in that scene on the fire planet in Riddick you’ll be alright til it cools off.
Legend
I think the coordinates for this campground are off, it's located closer to 36.563093,-118.279422
We hiked Mt Whitney from the portal campground in two-days, with one overnight at trail camp. Even with the permit system, the campground was packed, it was hard to find a spot for our tents. We arrived to the campground around 4pm, so I would suggest starting the hike earlier (we started at 10am) if you want a better spot. Another downside of how many people go through the campground, was that it smelled like pee in a few areas, and I was very disappointed to see people had left trash and even wagbags.
The 360 view around the campground is magnificent, and it is breath-taking to see the sunset and sunrise. Don't expect to sleep much in-between though, because you're sleeping on rocks, and hikers start/finish at all hours on the trail that's a few yards away from many of the tent spots.
Legend
We stayed one night in Cabin #17. Because we visited off-season, we were one of only three cars parked in the cabin/camping area. The beds were comfortable and the air-conditioner kept the cabin cool while we slept. There were a LOT of bugs that got inside the cabin, which was somewhat unavoidable every time we openned the door.
The night we stayed was a new moon, so the dark sky views were INCREDIBLE. We saw the milky way with our bare eyes sitting on the porch of our cabin.
We arrived around 10pm at night, so the check-in desk was already closed. Fortunately, I had received the email with the late check-in instructions, and finding our cabin assignment was easy. I do wish getting some information in advance had been easier. I tried to call the front desk on our drive to the park, but no one answered. It wasn't entirely clear what amenities/facilties were open. For example, the website said breakfast available in one place, but in another place it said the only open was getting a breakfast burritio in their gas station. So we didn't know if we should pack extra food.
It did turn out that the restaraunt was still open, despite being off-season. It was pricey (totally fair, you're in the middle of a desert) but delicious, and friendly service. The staffer in the general store/gas station was also really friendly and gave great advice for which parts of the park to visit, and how to drive responsibily in the summer heat.
Finally, I think it goes without saying, but coming in July will be HOT. Plan to do activities like hiking early in the morning, and find some place by noon to stay in the air conditioning until evening.
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Scout
Last minute decision to camp near Lone Pine. The site has a machine that takes cards now - super convenient. The breeze helped cool the temperature quickly, and the creek sounds great! Mostly quiet tonight, maybe a third full.
Guide
It’s confusing to find the campsite. No signs directing you where to go. You have to drive behind the sites and pull through. Sites are small and you’re basically packed together. power and water are on the right instead of left. Bathroom ok, shower curtain looks dirty.
Traveler
Campsite 32 was beautiful, overlooking the creek, every morning here was blissful. Fairly remote (about 25-30 min from the general store with wifi) this place feels like another world
ScoutA 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)
Guide
This place was pretty easy to find, right off Hogback road. There are a couple of sites here, we picked the first one. After an hour or so two vans showed up and parked on the other side of the creek. This site is so close to the road, we could see them make the turn off Hogback road. No trees, just bushes. It's okay. Pretty basic. Great views of the backside of Mount Whitney.
Ranger
The campground is beautiful. The sites are a bit close together and many have little privacy, but it was very quiet and enjoyable. The vault toilets needed to be emptied and they were very stinky. It seemed a little early in the season (early June) for them to be so full. Nice hiking trails accessible from the campground. Saw fresh bear scat near our site, but never saw any bears.
Traveler
The sites were pretty well spaced and quiet at night. The bathrooms were not bad, and there's running water (needs to be treated). There's the wonderful sound of motorcycles on and off through the day, so if that bothers you take notice. There's some great fishing near by too.
Tent camping near Darwin, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Death Valley National Park and surrounding areas. With a variety of campgrounds available, you'll find options that cater to different preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Darwin, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Darwin, CA is Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Darwin, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Darwin, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
