Shoshone serves as a base camp for exploring desert surroundings with temperatures reaching over 100°F in summer months and dropping to freezing during winter nights. Located at 1,570 feet elevation, the area features sparse vegetation dominated by creosote bush and desert holly. Camping options range from basic sites with limited amenities to full-service RV parks within driving distance of Death Valley National Park.
What to do
Explore pupfish habitats: At Shoshone RV Park, visitors can view the endangered pupfish in habitat restoration areas. "I did walk the nature trail and see the endangered pupfish in the habitat restoration area and enjoyed the winter birds (phainopepla, verdin, marsh wren, and of course ravens)," notes Caroline P.
Soak in hot springs: Natural hot springs in the area provide relief from desert exploration. "There is a warm spring fed warm water pool. Green grass, decent toilets and showers," states Evan about facilities at Shoshone RV Park.
Night sky viewing: The remote desert location offers excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. "We stayed in a 22 foot RV at one of the hookup sites... The whole camp was super quiet while we were there with not many other campers. Weather was great this time of year," shares Sarah M. about her Shoshone camping experience.
Visit local museums: The Shoshone Museum documents the area's mining and cultural history. "The Shoshone Museum is worth a visit as well," recommends one camper staying at Shoshone RV Park.
What campers like
Desert oasis environment: SKP Pair-a-Dice RV Park provides a contrasting experience to typical desert camping. "I stayed in the Boondocking section... They have 18 FCFS sites with no hookups or amenities. Members get their first night free and additional nights are seven dollars," explains Kathy B.
Proximity to attractions: Easy access to both Death Valley and nearby towns makes the location strategic. "Shoshone is a quiet little place just south of the south entrance to Death Valley. The campground is small, and a little dusty, but it's only an hour drive to Badwater from the south entrance and also an hour to Furnace Creek," notes Joel R.
Local dining options: Regional restaurants offer distinctive food experiences. "There is a great pizza cafe and brewer just a few miles south in Tecopa that I can recommend," shares Bosn E. about dining options when staying near Shoshone.
Shade coverage: Trees provide crucial protection from desert sun. "Gravel roads when you enter into this RV park as well as gravel spots, full hook ups, showers and bathrooms, a nice little grass area with barbecue grill and picnic tables nice little dog area nearby," describes Brittney C. about Pahrump RV Park.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Communications can be unreliable in many camping areas. "This place is nice but cell reception in the park is really spotty and weak. It seemed to be better in the South end of the park," warns Paul O. about connectivity challenges.
Weather extremes: Prepare for significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. "It was a great option for me coming off of a week of true Boondocking. Nice hot shower, laundry, dumped my tanks and on my way," reports a camper about facilities that provide relief from harsh conditions.
Reservation requirements: Some parks require membership for access. "This is a co-op park owned by Escapees and Escapees members. You must belong to Escapees RV club to use any of their services," explains Laura M. about SKP Pair-a-Dice RV Park.
Limited tent camping: Despite listings, some parks primarily accommodate RVs. "THIS IS A PSA for anyone trying to find tent reservations on their website. You won't find it despite the description saying it has them available. I called and spoke to a representative who assured me they do not offer tent sites, RV only," warns Timothy P. about Lakeside Casino & RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Choose properties with recreation options: Wine Ridge RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities. "VERY ATTRACTIVE SETTING. 2 SWIMMING P00LS, PICKLEBALL COURTS, MOUNTAIN VIEWS. WELL KEPT AND MANAGED," notes Robert in his review.
Look for parks with organized activities: Some resorts provide structured entertainment. "It's a well kept, gated community which includes cabins, cottages, pools, pickle-ball courts and organized community events like bingo, free waffle breakfast a few days per week," Jessica M. shares about Wine Ridge RV Resort.
Consider glamping cottages: For families wanting comfort near Shoshone, California, cottage accommodations offer more space. "We spent a month at this lovely campground. The amenities are awesome with a small lake in the middle of the park. Our dog loved walking around the lake and spending time in the dog run," writes Wesley M. about his stay at Lakeside Casino & RV Resort.
Pack for temperature changes: Desert conditions require preparation for both hot days and cool nights. "We stayed here for one night on our way to a campsite inside Death Valley NP... Weather was great this time of year," notes Sarah M. about seasonal conditions.
Tips from RVers
Use designated parking during check-in: Larger facilities have specific procedures for registration. "They have appropriate parking when you come to check in so you're not trying to find a place to park," notes Brittney C. about Nevada Treasure RV Resort.
Test utilities before setup: Confirm all hookups work properly upon arrival. "Although the back section looks nice with the palm trees, sites are very close together. The sprinkler system will leave hard water spots all over your stuff," cautions SMCadventures4u about their experience at Pahrump Station RV Park.
Consider rig inspection requirements: Some parks enforce appearance standards. "You can not make reservations, and they need to inspect your rig before they will let you in for the 10 year rule and to make sure it looks nice," explains one reviewer about park policies.
Use caution on tight turns: Navigating narrow campground roads requires planning. "Would not recommend pulling a trailer around this site, there are two extremely tight turns," advises T.K. about navigation challenges.
