Best RV Parks & Resorts near Keeler, CA

Rv camped in winter. Not all loops open but there weren’t a lot of people there so it was ok. Lots of long rv spaces. Nearby exploring is plentiful

Remember pets on leashes on trails.

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.

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)

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.

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!

Communication with the host was amazing, we went from the Thursday before Memorial Day to Memorial Monday.  Everything was amazing.  Very quiet community.

Full hookups for our 5th wheel, spacious sites, flushing restrooms and showers if you wanted.  Starlink worked perfect, though there was wifi available.

A couple notes:

Zero Cell coverage (we took that as a good thing), but make sure to download your google map.

The drive up is a little daunting with going up the mountain, but the road was fine just take your time it will be worth it.

[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.

There are a lot of camping options in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, especially if you are willing to be a little further away from the big trees. This campground is in Kings Canyon, about an hour away from Grant Grove. There are about a 100 campsites with tents, campers, and RVs mixed in. Sites are first come-first served (no reservations but you need to go to the reservation hut to get a site), but fill up fast in the summer. When you go to the campground reservation hut, you will be assigned a site and the rangers may or may not remember where the RV’s are. I lucked out and my ranger was really good at getting me a site on a loop with no RV’s. With no hook ups or dump station, expect some generator noise during the day and evening. I got the usual standard speech about using the bear lockers for all foods and scented items, but also got one about water conservation. Apparently in the summer if the water levels drop too much they will close the showers and laundry at nearby Cedar Grove Village. I liked the nice trees that provide lots of shade, but you may not end up with enough properly spaced trees to hang your hammock (I did not). There is no real underbrush to provide any privacy, but at least the sites were not on top of each other. There are clean flush toilets here, but if you need to shower you will need to head into Cedar Grove Village, just down the road (there is also a small market that has pretty much everything you might need). There are several trailheads nearby with great hikes, including Roads End with the backcountry ranger station at the busy trailhead.

If you’re looking to camp in California, Sequoia National Park should be one of your top destinations. They have cabin and tent camping. I have stayed in both. There are trails galore and GIGANTIC trees bigger than your car. This beautiful setting is worth visiting year round and I recommend camping during the less touristy times in early Spring and Fall. You are near lakes, waterfalls, and an array of bodies of water. I recommend coming up the back end up the park for an easier ascent rather than via the 198. The 198 takes you up a steep, but beautiful, hair pin turn ridden road. If you get car sick easily, take the route through Fresno.

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.

Forest Fire 2 years ago did some damage resulting in the water spigot being intermittently operating, boiling or filter a must. Spacious, sparsely used, remote tent or car camping, some space for RV but NO hookups. 20 mile dirt road for access. Fire restrictions usually "extreme" so probably not a spot for a campfire. Rattlesnakes common, use caution with kids and pets.

Great campground first come first serve and cheep. Awesome views of Mt. Whitney. Close to Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney, Lone Pine is a cute little town as well. Pit toilets available and water available seasonally, RV dump station for extra $, and there are dumpster. Easy access with any kind of vehicle.

This is a great campground. Right in the heart of the forest. There is a market and showers at the entrance to the campground. They even have a dump site for trailers and rv’s. Just a few miles down the road are the giant trees, Moro rock and crystal cave. The river runs right thru the campground too. Awesome and fun!!

If you want to get away from it all, this is the place for you. Down another 25+ mile dirt road, at the foot of the dunes, there are a few large parking areas to set up camp and a pit toilet. You must bring everything else with you. I wouldn’t recommend anything larger than a teardrop trailer for camping. Most of the people had roof top tents or set up tents on the ground. It can get very cold here at night so be prepared, we visited in April and the night time temps dropped into the 20’s. There are other campgrounds in Death Valley that can accommodate large RV’s and trailers. There is little or no cellular service in the park and drones are not allowed. Stars were fabulous here.

This resort is really just a place to park with hookups. The lake is a large pond and it’s beautiful but there is only one small restroom with one small shower with barely room to change. There are no other services like laundry, clubhouse, pool, gym. The price was the same as a fully featured property. The host was responsive and nice.

Independence is on Hwy 395 about an hour south of Bishop and about half an hour north of Alabama Hills.  Which is to say it's a great location with a lot of places to explore and hike.  

This land is a good spot to stay for a few nights while exploring the area, or if you just need a free place to sleep.  The spot we marked here is about 2 miles west of Independence, but there are a few other cleared out areas that you can camp on, just check Google satellite maps.  We didn't see anyone else camping on the BLM land while we stayed here, but we saw a lot of people driving up and down Onion Valley Rd.

The area is clean and very quiet, zero shade and zero amenities.  Please help keep it clean by packing out your trash.

Some of the dirt roads might need a high clearance vehicle but on the spot I've marked we made it fine in our 26ft motorhome.

General: 81 BLM sites within the shadow of the eastern Sierras. All are first come, first available with a 14-day limit, but we had no problem finding a choice of sites on a Monday in early April around 12:30 pm. You can’t beat the price of $10 ($5 with a Golden Age Pass)! Surprisingly good cell coverage (Verizon)! The views of the mountains are awesome!

Site Quality: Gravel and most looked level. No hookups of any kind. A fire ring (with grill), lantern hook, and large concrete picnic table complete the site. 

Toilets: More than an adequate number of vault toilets sprinkled throughout the campground and at least the one by our site was clean and had hand sanitizer. 

Activities: We spent our day exploring nearby beautiful Alabama Hills (about a 10-minute drive from the campground), driving out Movie Road, and taking a few short hikes. 

Just several things to note (but they did not detract from our stay): 

1. since our site was near Tuttle Creek, the mosquitoes came out in droves at dusk, 

2. you will hear (but not see!) a steady sound of fighter stealth jets from Edwards Air Force Base flying overhead from about 8 am to 8 pm) and 

3. There are gnarly speed bumps on the road into the campground. Other than that, the unpaved road is well-maintained.

I wish we had planned to spend another night here!

Its a literal parking lot. Lots of RVs and pop ups when I was there. There was a campground host and flushing toilets, dumpsters, recycling, a bin for Coleman fuel can recycling, potable water, walking distance to a village with supplies and a gas station. The lot is gravely, but pretty level and tents are comfy.

Bonus is the parkinglot format was an unobstructed line of site to anywhere and I didn't have to worry when my small child wanted to be independent and make 18 million bathroom trips all by herself.

I went in Feb and it was warm enough for a mesh top tent and stargazing (no privacy, but an amazing view).

There was a duststorm that blew in on the second day from Mesquite Dunes and it took out all the literal tents while I was there. I was grateful for MREs so I could cook inside my car.

Gonna be real - moving all my gear to the front seat led to disaster in the form of a drained battery the next day, but it was easy to get a jump start.

Possibly the best possible experience for a first time camper with a 5 year old.