Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Shoshone, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Shoshone campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.
A large part of the Spring Mountains is remote and undeveloped. Visitors can venture out and set up camp in these remote areas with just a little planning from the guidelines below The best known areas in the Spring Mountains include Mack's Canyon, Champion Road, and Lovell Canyon but those can get crowded in warm weather. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive or hike out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot with a nice view or good shade. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed outside a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream or spring. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines. - Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damage or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 100 feet of any water source, as plants near water are especially fragile. - Do not camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow; try to make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting - Do not try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Pick a tent site that is already level with good drainage. Going to the Bathroom in the Woods Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six (6) inches deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. A ziplock bag is helpful for this. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground since it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Treating Your Water We used to be able to take a cup and drink directly out of the sparkling creek, a rushing waterfall, or a clear, deep lake. There is NO safe water source anymore. With an increasing population and visitation to the Spring Mountains, water sources have been contaminated with invisible micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases. Giardia is a common contamination that has been spread through improper toileting and wild animals to many water sources. It will cause diarrhea, cramping, and other physical problems. The only way to ensure that water from any undeveloped source is safe is to treat it. That means heating it until it comes to a rolling boil, using water purification tablets or a water purification filter. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use without treating.
Delight's Hot Springs Resort is world-renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and therapeutic geothermal mineral-rich hot springs. Delight's offers a brand new outdoor swimming pool and four completely private hot spring bathhouses. Each bathhouse has its own pool, shower, and changing area that is available to you in 30-minute increments. We offer day passes to enjoy the property, rustic cabins, motel rooms, and RV spaces that have 30 and 50 amp service with full hookups. When staying overnight, the Hot Springs are available to you all night long. Our California hot springs are considered by many to be among the best therapeutic waters in the United States. Please bring your own drinking water as all the water on the property is the hot springs water. We are located 80 miles west of Las Vegas, Nevada, and 10 miles from the southeast entrance to Death Valley National Park.
$35 / night
Furnace Creek Campground is the only NPS campground in the park that is reservable. All other NPS campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advance reservations are highly recommended for Furnace Creek Campground during the reservation window (October 15 - April 15). First-come, first-served sites (FF) at Furnace Creek Campground are rare and fill quickly on weekends, around holidays, and in days preceding and just after the reservation season. PLEASE NOTE: The actual availability of any first-come, first served-sites (FF) IS NOT reflected on the Recreation.gov website in real time. When arriving without reservations, we recommend tent campers pack camp chairs and a propane stove for cooking as not all campsites in other park campgrounds offer picnic tables and fire rings. Death Valley has a total of 9 National Park Service campgrounds to choose from in this beautiful land of extremes. Six are open year-round. Three others are closed during summer months. Please visit our official park website to assist with trip planning and to check out all of our camping options: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/camping.htm
There are over 3.4 million acres of Death Valley to explore. The popular main attractions are accessible by paved roads and more remote areas of the park will require high clearance, 4wd. Please visit our website for helpful tips when planning your trip: www.nps.gov/deva
Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley! In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Death Valley has sunk below sea level through geologic processes over time. It lies within the Mojave Desert and is the hottest, driest and lowest location in North America. Despite its extreme climate, the park boasts a diversity of ecosystems, including colorful badlands, snow-covered peaks, desolate sand dunes, rugged canyons and flat, dry basins called playas. Furnace Creek Campground is located on the valley floor. The terrain is fairly open with sparse vegetation. Some campsites do have trees that provide shade, but most are unshaded. The facility offers a wide mountan views to the east and west, which glow with hues of orange, red and yellow during sunrise and sunset.
Between 10/15/2020 and 04/15/2021 this location is staffed. Please call (760) 786-2441 to speak with local staff. From 04/16/2021 to 10/14/2021 this location is unstaffed. Please call (760) 786-3200 for general information.
Explorers of all ages can enjoy educational programs and exhibits at the Visitor Center, just a short walk from the campground. Birders may have luck spotting local and migratory birds around the campground and along Airport Road, especially in the cooler months. Visitors can bike, walk their dog, or run along a one-mile bike path to an interpretive trail from the campground to the Harmony Borax Works, an abandoned borax refinery from the late 1800s. The campground is also within walking distance of the private resort, Furnace Creek Oasis and Ranch.
Reservation Cancellations & Changes Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure. There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows Overnight and Day-Use Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Early Departures If a customer departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Please notify staff at the facility if you depart early to allow others to use the site. Customers may notify the call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a customer requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time has passed, the customer will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used.
$30 - $60 / night
Updated 2/10/2024
Our hot springs, motel, cabins, and campground are open for 2024! We offer 12 motel rooms and 4 cabins through our website. RV camping with full hook ups and dry tent camping can also be reserved here through Dyrt. We're open October 1st through June 1st every year.
Are you ready for wide open space, a spectacular view of the night sky, a soak in natural silky hot spring waters at the edge of the wilderness of Death Valley National Park, time away from incessant technology, aka quiet with cozy comforts?
Then you’re ready for Tecopa Hot Springs Resort.
$35 - $170 / night
McWilliams Campground is located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, just 50 miles from downtown Las Vegas. Visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking and scenic driving in this forested desert oasis.
Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities on the 6.2-mile Bristlecone Trail. Upper and lower trailheads are located just above and below the campground. The 1.3-mile Sawmill Trail begins about four miles below the campground just off State Route 156.
The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a beautiful island in the desert, brimming with breathtaking scenery and diverse flora and fauna. The Bristlecone pine, the world's oldest organism, and the rare Mount Charleston blue butterfly are both found within the Spring Mountains. More than 100 springs create the namesake for the mountain range, making it an ideal place to escape the heat of the city. The campground is situated in a scenic Ponderosa and white pine forest, which offers partial shade. The area affords breathtaking views of the surrounding Spring Mountains.
More than 60 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the area. Rock climbing, picnicking and scenic driving are popular activities. The Spring Mountains Visitor Center in Kyle Canyon offers guided hikes and educational and evening programs. Interpretive displays provide information on local plants, animals and history.
$25 - $50 / night
Traveler
Big gravel lot with spaces, not much space between as I could hear the neighbor snoring all night. No generators allowed. Got there about 2 and there were just a few spots left, by 4 pm it was completely full. Beautiful views though
Traveler
A great quiet and peaceful place - a smooth dirt/gravel road that was easy to navigate with a little car.
There were pull off spots, basically individual camp sites for each person. There were others camping, too, including RVs and camper vans. They were nearby but not visible. We drove back in until we came to an empty spot.
Quiet and peaceful all night. Great flat area for setting up the tent. Low cell signal, but consistently available.
Traveler
The coordinates ended at a t-way. It was not clear where to go or how to get there. Turning left, the off loading was smooth abd accessible but not places to pull off to camp.
One area sat further back from the road, and it looked like there were long-term campers. The road was rough to get to the area and not accessible. There was very little cleared land visible.
Guide
The camp sites are nestled in a high bush growth.
Ranger
Sites H6 H5 and H3 are best. You can reserve through recreation dot gov. Roads are cleaned up from the 2022 storm but not like before. Terrain is not recognizable from older satellite images. Beautiful night sky.
Ranger
South of Jubilee Pass Rd on Badwater Rd. No camping allowed for the first mile. There are basically some short driveway width areas where you can just pull off. I drove a few miles. It is sandy in places. I decided to turn back into Death Valley and camp somewhere else at a little higher elevation. I may go back and explore the area some day. It looks interesting on Google Earth.
Traveler
When you pull up to the campsite, you will immediately be intimidated by the steep and windy road up the cliff to access the campsites. It's actually quite wide, smooth, and easy to drive up without any issues (27ft travel trailer). Don't let that deter you.
Stayed here in January, so the 10 degree difference from Vegas wasn't necessarily a good thing. Probably a huge plus in the summer. At the top of the hill there are a few boondocking spots that are featured in most of the pictures. About a mile back I found a hilltop spot along one of the side roads with great views. However, it was VERY windy exposed at the top of a hill like that, with winds rushing down the main mountain.
Other reviewers mentioned the rehab camp, which I visited while exploring the back roads one day. It's not ideal to have that nearby, but didn't have any issues throughout my stay. There are employee cars and companies providing services driving back there all day, but it's not a big deal.
Couple miles away is the visitor center for the mountains, along with a resort with a restaurant. Only services are back down the mountain towards Vegas so come completely filled up when you make the trip up the mountain. Also a ski hill if you wind around the mountain, but probably 20-30 miles away.
Did see a few burros grazing around the area, but didn't make it to my campsite. There is a cool slot canyon at the entrance. You can either park at the lot by the road and walk about 1/2 mile, or drive back down the single track to park closer.
Traveler
This is next door to an active gun range. You will hear gunfire. If that makes you uncomfortable, you should not plan on staying here.
Just outside of the facility is a massive flat area for camping and parking. It is on BLM land, however, if you plan on staying here I recommend giving security a heads up. Knowing this is BLM land they should not give you a hard time, but if they do, remind them of your right to stay on public lands, or give them the info to call the local Blm office.
** There are no services nearby! The nearest gas station is 25 minutes away.**
The location is about 7 mi from highway 160. It's about 25 minutes to Pahrump, and about 40 minutes to the outskirts of Vegas.
The entrance and exit off of the paved road is easy with very little obstacles to maneuver. There are existing fire pits too. There are a ton of off-roading trails in the area, and I hear this area is incredible for spotting reptiles and desert tortoises.
From the main camping area there is a road that heads slightly East to an additional area with another set of secluded spots. These more secluded spots are not for big motorhomes IMO, though a truck and trailer should be okay to get out there.
I stayed here for a few days in January and was impressed with the peace and quiet (I was the only one here) and sweeping Mountain views.
GuideAfter 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.
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.
Ranger
This place has all the amenities one could ever need. The bath house was literally the cleanest I have ever seen. The laundry room was just as clean. The spaces are pretty close together, but everyone we met, Staff included, were super friendly and chatty. The pool and hot tub were fantastic and well maintained, there was plenty of activity areas (corn hole, shuffle board etc) and a coy pond with GIANT fish.
Only stayed for two nights for laundry and showers and a break from boondocking…lots of permanent and semi-permanent residents, many with off road vehicles (mostly side by sides) as there appeared to be an off road area and big event going on right near the RV park.
I don’t believe that they have an age limit on RV’s, but the staff at the gate will check your rig to make sure it’s not a hooptie. They cringed a bit at our old Toyota Motorhome, but after looking at it and seeing that it had been restored completely on the inside (we haven’t painted the exterior yet) and had no leaks, they let us stay. Would definitely stay here again.
TravelerGreat views for sunrise and sunset. Dispersed camping with plenty of space between sites. Rock fire rings but expect no facilities. We only stayed one night but would stay here again! Cell service was excellent.
Guide
We got in late, but had no problem finding it and setting up. We just stayed for one night, but it was great. It’s right by Sawmill Trail head if you are going there.
Traveler
Campground is nothing special, but the hot springs are…. Great for a day or two.
TravelerI often stop here when I’m near Vegas. It’s mostly quiet except for holiday weekends. Places to hike and wonderful views. No amenities, pack it in and Pack it out.
Traveler
Spent one full day and night here after spending about a week in the park. Absolutely amazing spots close to town but far enough at the same time. Minimal cover from the wind is the only drawback. 3 bars 5g with ATT and booster, pulling 300mbps with redzone wireless.
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.
RangerThis is my third night of 5. Every night has been very quiet. There are campers around but you barely hear them or see them during the day. At night you could sometimes catch a light. T-Mobile cell service for the phone calls is great for data it's. Almost done existent. I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
ScoutFor an rv like 3 spots not even spots just turn arounds at start of shitty road other than that do not go unless you have dirt bike..etc stayed maybe 1 hr barely cooler than vegas went
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
This is a private property with 24h surveillance. You’re not welcome here. We got spooked out by some stranger.
Traveler
Was so nice to get out of Vegas and have trees around! We enjoyed a relatively cool day and just enjoyed the nature.
Keep in mind that as other have mentioned, many people leave trash, ride ATVs, play music, etc.
You can not have fires, only propane, fuel stoves with a shut off.
T-Mobile has no signal here.
Guide
Good customer service, large spaces. It's a little older and a little behind on their maintenance, but we enjoyed our stay.
Scout
If wheeler pass camp is flooded, try coming to this hidden spot. Looks like other people already began camping here since there was multiple fire pit put together. This area gives you a great view and has some flat grounds if you plan on sleeping in a tent. Car camping is also a very viable option. I wouldn’t take an RV up here though. Anything bigger than a truck might be a problem.
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.
ScoutLakeside Casino& RV Resort расположен в районе, который обеспечивает живописные виды и возможности для отдыха на свежем воздухе .В казино предлагается широкий выбор игровых автоматов и столов для покера, блэкджека, рулетки и других популярных игр. RV Resort предусмотрены удобныеплощадки для автодомов (RV), предлагающие необходимые удобства для комфортного проживания, такие как электричество, водоснабжение и канализация. Могу так же посоветовать сайт https://vbalkhashe.kz/odnazhdy-v-kazahstane/igry-s-ballonom-populjarnost-i-rasprostr.html, здесь можно так же найти много интересных азартных игр,что могут вам помочь приятно провести время
ScoutThanks for the information!
Camping near Shoshone, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.
Camping near Shoshone, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while being close to unique attractions. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone in this beautiful desert landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Shoshone, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Shoshone, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 74 campgrounds and RV parks near Shoshone, CA and 24 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Shoshone, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shoshone, CA is Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain) with a 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shoshone, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Shoshone, CA.
What parks are near Shoshone, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Shoshone, CA that allow camping, notably Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park.
Keep Exploring
