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 (62)

    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

    33 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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Showing results 1-10 of 62 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Death Valley National Park

519 Reviews of 62 Death Valley National Park Campgrounds



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 camping is available near Death Valley National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Death Valley National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 62 campgrounds and RV parks near Death Valley National Park and 27 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Death Valley National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Death Valley National Park is Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park with a 3.7-star rating from 26 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Death Valley National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Death Valley National Park.

What parks are near Death Valley National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Death Valley National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.