Camping near Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park camping ranges from basic desert sites to campgrounds with limited amenities. Texas Springs Campground has running water and restrooms but no showers for campers who want some basic comforts. Stovepipe Wells Campground works on a first-come, first-served basis and sits close to the park's impressive sand dunes. Most people camp here during spring and fall since summer temperatures can be dangerously hot. Winter camping requires warm gear as nights get cold in the desert. Most campground roads are fine for standard vehicles, though some backcountry areas need high-clearance 4WD. You'll likely see coyotes and wild burros around camp, so store food properly. Cell phones rarely work in the park, but the night skies are incredible without light pollution. Bring plenty of water and all supplies you'll need since stores are few and far between. Furnace Creek Campground is another option with more facilities for those who want them. Hiking trails cross the park's varied landscape with options for all difficulty levels. Follow park rules and pack out what you pack in to protect the environment. The harsh conditions make good planning essential for a safe trip. Both Texas Springs and Stovepipe Wells give you different views of the stark beauty that makes Death Valley famous.

Best Camping Sites Near Death Valley National Park (63)

    1. Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park

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

    "The place is nice and near the musquito dunes. There is a shop at waking distance and a gas station. This is inside death valley National Park.
    Most of the campground is rvs."

    "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."

    2. Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park

    9 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    7 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."

    3. Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park

    55 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-2441

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Perfect base camp for exploring Death Valley National Park."

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

    4. Texas Springs Campground — Death Valley National Park

    34 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, CA
    27 miles
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    "Furnace Creek is adjacent to the Visitor Center and the Furnace Creek Inn.  It’s within walking distance of both places.  The Texas Spring Campground is on a hill above Furnace Creek.  "

    "Great scenery surrounding the campground. Modern toilet/sink facilities and potable water."

    5. Stovepipe Wells Village RV Park — Death Valley National Park

    3 Reviews
    Death Valley National Park, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-7090

    $40 / night

    "General store behind the campground with easy access to gas and bathrooms make this a nice spot. Popularity makes it a little crowded but still quiet"

    "Not a bad stop for staying in the park, with easy access to supplies, if neeeded."

    6. Panamint Springs Resort

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

    $15 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "It is easy access to Surprise Canyon, Middle Field, and some of the remaining mines in the area."

    7. Wildrose Campground — Death Valley National Park

    17 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    22 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."

    8. Sunset Campground — Death Valley National Park

    23 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, CA
    26 miles
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    "It'll be close to other RVs and the campground itself isn't pretty, but it is surrounded by beautiful hills."

    "I could hear every conversation around us. Not a great view, but it’s right next to a convenient store and close to the sand dunes."

    9. Pinto Peak View Camp

    1 Review
    Darwin, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    10. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    87 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    44 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."

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Recent Reviews near Death Valley National Park

527 Reviews of 63 Death Valley National Park Campgrounds


  • HENRY C.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Minietta Road

    Spacious and ideal stopover point

    In this place you are like lost on an unihabited island, no phone signal, not a single tree. 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.

  • K L.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    Scenic but misleading

    Labor day weekend and half the campground is closed, water faucets are locked, and dump station is closed. We specifically chose this campground for the convenience of water and dump station. Otherwise, the sites are spread apart and the scenery is beautiful.

  • J M.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Alabama Hills North

    Great views

    Awesome location, easy to reach with a 4X4 Low clearance vehicles may need to be careful

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Django Free Dispersed

    Nicest view of Mt Whitney

    Very nice spot with a nice view of Mt Whitney

  • Desmond S.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Portuguese Joe Campground

    Cool spot to spend the night

    Needed a place to sleep for the night on my way home from Yellowstone. This was a nice quiet place. I don’t think it’s a spot to spend extended time at unless you are venturing out to the surrounding area or for Mt. Whitney. But it was cool. The creek running through it provided nice background noise while you slept. Plenty of stores and places to eat near by if you need them. I’d stay again if passing through.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Vanderbilt Pond Road

    Good for a night maybe two

    It’s a nice spot, RIGHT off the road, so it’s a bit loud. The frogs are croaking, the burros are hawing, it’s an energetic place for sure, much better than a simple rest stop. Its convenience is 5/5, lightly populated,

  • Jeremy P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Bonnie Clair Lakebed

    Fantastic for stars

    I had the entire lakebed to myself. You can drive all over it and it's fantastic for stars gazing.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Texas Springs Campground — Death Valley National Park

    Super Beautiful Spot

    This campground has some gorgeous views as you are elevated off of the valley floor. Nice bathrooms and the sites are pretty big. There is nothing obscuring your view from the other camping sites but a great opportunity to meet you neighbors. One thing to note is the wind can howl through here and literally blow you camp away. If you are tenting it I would secure EVERYTHING if you are going out and about for the day.


Guide to Death Valley National Park

Camping near Death Valley National Park, California, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone in this desert paradise.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in the park. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The highlight of our trip was a great hike (Golden Canyon - Gower Gulch loop) nearby" at Texas Springs Campground.
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for incredible stargazing. A camper at Mesquite Spring Campground noted, "Great stargazing!" which is a common sentiment among visitors.
  • Visiting Landmarks: Don't miss iconic spots like Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. One reviewer from Furnace Creek Campground said, "This campsite is actually better than the so-called motels available," highlighting the campground's proximity to these attractions.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. A visitor at Texas Springs Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean with running water and a dishwashing area too."
  • Separation of RVs and Tents: Campers enjoy that some campgrounds, like Texas Springs, have designated areas for RVs and tents, ensuring a quieter experience for tent campers. One reviewer said, "I love that they have separate parts of the campground for RVs and tents."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Wildrose Campground offer breathtaking views. A camper shared, "A lot of donkeys are on the road to be aware! Between the mountains. Fire pit. No flushing toilets."

What you should know:

  • Reservations are Key: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Furnace Creek Campground advised, "That means you should book Xmas 2025."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Stovepipe Wells Campground, have basic amenities. A camper noted, "This is a huge parking lot near the stovepipe wells general store and gas."
  • Weather Considerations: The desert can get extremely hot. One visitor at Texas Springs Campground mentioned, "We hit a record high for March during our stay (104°F)."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like clean restrooms and picnic areas. A parent at Furnace Creek Campground appreciated the "level asphalt drives" and "fire rings, picnic tables."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A reviewer at Texas Springs Campground suggested, "Biking, hiking and even golf are just a few of the activities available nearby."
  • Stay Hydrated: The desert heat can be intense, so keep plenty of water on hand. A camper at Wildrose Campground noted, "It was quite windy in the nighttime - loved it," indicating the need for proper hydration.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. A reviewer at Texas Springs Campground mentioned, "This alone makes it worth the short drive up the hill, but it’s also got a little bit more charm."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: The desert can be dusty, so keep your RV clean. A camper at Stovepipe Wells Campground said, "It serves its purpose as a place to stay near the dunes."
  • Plan for Limited Services: Many campgrounds have limited services, so stock up on supplies before arriving. A visitor at Panamint Springs Resort noted, "The bathrooms were falling apart and disgusting," highlighting the need for self-sufficiency.

Camping near Death Valley National Park, California, can be an unforgettable adventure if you come prepared and know what to expect. Enjoy the beauty of the desert and make the most of your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Death Valley National Park?

Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park is widely considered the premier campground in the park. Located just a quarter mile from the visitor center, it offers the perfect base camp for exploring Death Valley. Some sites feature shade trees and the campground provides easy access to park services. For those seeking a more centrally located option, Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park offers convenience to attractions like Mesquite Dunes and has nearby amenities including a shop and gas station. This first-come, first-served campground tends to have availability even during busy periods. For those seeking solitude, the park also offers backcountry camping options with stunning views and fewer crowds.

Can I camp in an RV at Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park accommodates RVs at several campgrounds. Sunset Campground — Death Valley National Park offers a large, flat parking-lot style area that works well for RVs of all sizes, though it lacks hookups. For those wanting full hookups, Stovepipe Wells Village RV Park — Death Valley National Park provides RV-specific amenities. Many campers note that Stovepipe Wells area is dominated by RVs and provides good access to park attractions. Just outside the park, Space Station RV Park serves as a convenient base camp for exploring Death Valley. When planning an RV trip, be aware that summer temperatures can be extreme, making proper cooling systems essential.

When is the best time for camping in Death Valley National Park?

The ideal time for camping in Death Valley National Park is from late fall through early spring (November to March) when temperatures are moderate and comfortable. Winter camping at Texas Springs Campground — Death Valley National Park offers pleasant daytime temperatures for exploring. For a unique experience, February and March occasionally bring spectacular wildflower blooms. Avoid summer camping (May through September) when temperatures regularly exceed 110°F (43°C), creating potentially dangerous conditions. If visiting during shoulder seasons, Wildrose Campground — Death Valley National Park at higher elevation offers cooler temperatures than valley floor locations. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and bring appropriate gear for temperature fluctuations.