Best Tent Camping near Shoshone, CA

Desert landscapes surrounding Shoshone, California provide several primitive tent camping options within reach of Death Valley National Park. Mahogany Flat Primitive Campground sits at over 8,000 feet elevation in Death Valley, offering tent-only sites with vault toilets but no drinking water. Thorndike Primitive Campground, also in Death Valley, provides similar basic amenities for tent campers. Across the Nevada border, Mack's Canyon Dispersed camping area offers free primitive tent sites with more seclusion but fewer facilities.

Most tent campsites in this region require preparation for minimal services. Mahogany Flat's access road demands high-clearance vehicles, with 4WD recommended during poor weather conditions. Tent pads are typically ungraded dirt surfaces with limited shade. Water is not available at most primitive sites, requiring campers to bring all supplies. Fire restrictions are common throughout the area, particularly during summer months when wildfire risk is high. Temperature extremes are significant, with Mahogany Flat experiencing temperatures as low as 12°F in winter while valley locations can exceed 110°F in summer.

The elevation difference creates distinct tent camping experiences across the region. One camper at Mahogany Flat noted that despite the challenging access road, the campground offered "cozy" sites with "gorgeous views down to the valley." At Mack's Canyon, visitors report temperature differences of 20-30 degrees cooler than Las Vegas, making it popular for summer tent camping. Stargazing opportunities are exceptional throughout the area due to minimal light pollution. Tent campers at higher elevations should prepare for significant wind, as several reviewers mentioned items blowing away during the night. Backcountry tent camping requires strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles, as most areas lack trash collection services.

Best Tent Sites Near Shoshone, California (11)

    1. Pahrump Land in the middle of Mojave Desert

    2 Reviews
    Pahrump, NV
    29 miles
    +1 (725) 208-7900

    $10 / night

    "This Mojave Desert escape is perfect for your overlanding basecamp or just relaxing with all the space you need.  Check them out and share some pics from your stay!"

    2. Mack's Canyon Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 441-2518

    $50 / night

    "Most of the campsites are accessible with a 2 wheel drive vehicle you can only get so far. The views are amazing and it’s just far enough away to see the Milky Way at night."

    "As we SUV camp (and not 4x4) we didn't head a long way in, but discovered numerous locations that were easy to get to, but still secluded.

    Very few cars, and a nice getaway."

    3. Carpenter Canyon

    5 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    38 miles

    "Ripped one of the side steps off the truck😬 High clearance is a must. Didn’t see a single person the whole way in and the scenery is very dull until you get into the canyon."

    "12 Mile Drive in.  Moderatley difficult trail without 4WD.  Small spring/pond nearby."

    4. The Wild Mustang

    1 Review
    Pahrump, NV
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 487-7203

    $20 - $40 / night

    "It had amazing views and total privacy. You really feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, in the best way.

    The host was kind and responsive."

    5. Mahogany Flat Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park

    4 Reviews
    Darwin, CA
    46 miles
    +1 (760) 786-3200

    "The trail up to this campground is very rough. there was signs after the kilns for 4x4 only. However, we did see a little car mob up this road, like they had done it before."

    "This camp spot is nearly perfect.  Very remote, epic views, solitude. Only thing I was surprised to see were so many other campers at this spot.  Was busy for middle of the week.  "

    6. Sandy Valley Road

    2 Reviews
    Blue Diamond, NV
    40 miles

    "34 foot rv no problem getting here and turning around."

    7. Suite Spot LV

    1 Review
    Mount Charleston, NV
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 581-1692

    $220 - $400 / night

    8. DeathValley Camp

    1 Review
    Amargosa Valley, NV
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 550-0712

    $25 - $120 / night

    "The campsites are located next to the vines and includes a composting toilet& picnic table."

    9. Mack's Canyon Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Mount Charleston, NV
    45 miles

    10. Thorndike Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park

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

    "Surrounded by desert in the middle of nowhere, this place is heaven!! We came here to get away from everyone and exactly that we did. We can’t wait to come back."

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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Shoshone, CA

364 Reviews of 11 Shoshone Campgrounds



Guide to Shoshone

Tent camping near Shoshone, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscape while enjoying various amenities and activities.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Experience the comfort of modern conveniences at Suite Spot LV, which features electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables for a more enjoyable stay.
  • Enjoy the well-maintained facilities at DeathValley Camp, where you can find drinking water, toilets, and trash disposal, making your camping experience hassle-free.
  • For those seeking a more rustic experience, Mahogany Flat Primitive Campground offers a remote setting with basic amenities like toilets, perfect for a true escape into nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Explore the breathtaking views and hiking opportunities around Carpenter Canyon, where you can enjoy a secluded camping experience with a beautiful stream nearby.
  • Engage in overlanding adventures from Pahrump Land in the middle of Mojave Desert, which serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the Mojave Desert.
  • Discover the stunning night skies and hiking trails at Mack's Canyon Dispersed, where you can find numerous dispersed camping spots with incredible views.

Tent campers should check out these features

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Shoshone, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shoshone, CA is Pahrump Land in the middle of Mojave Desert with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Shoshone, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Shoshone, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.