Sunset Campground, near Furnace Creek, California, is a straightforward spot for those looking to experience the rugged beauty of [Death Valley National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/near/death-valley-national-park). This campground offers a no-frills environment with a flat gravel lot, making it RV-friendly and a convenient place to park for the night.

While it may not win any beauty contests, visitors appreciate its central location and the clean restroom facilities. Many campers have noted that it’s a great place to catch stunning sunsets and enjoy the surrounding mountain views. As one reviewer put it, “It’s perfect for a dirt lot,” highlighting the campground's functional nature amidst the park's breathtaking scenery.

For those eager to explore, Sunset Campground is just a stone's throw from Furnace Creek, where you can find a general store and dining options. The campground is also close to various attractions within the park, making it a practical base for your adventures. Just keep in mind that the ground can be quite hard, so if you're planning to pitch a tent, be prepared for a challenge with those stakes!

Open seasonally starting October 15th at noon. First come, first served, large campground that rarely fills. This location has little to no vegetation and is comprised of desert gravels. Car and tent camping is permitted however each site DOES NOT offer a firegrate or picnic table. Campfires are not allowed in Sunset except at a few designated public areas within the campground. Fee is paid at the pay station in the campground.

Sunset Campground — Death Valley National Park

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Amargosa Valley, NV has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Amargosa Valley

The Best Camping Near Amargosa Valley, Nevada

This is a paved parking lot in the middle of death valley. There are no trees, views or firepits. This is exclusively for RV'ers that want to drive up on flat pavement and want to stay inside the vehicle. 

If you have an RV and don't plan on looking out the windows 

We had only reserved two days at Furnace Creek and wanted to stay in the area another day. Since Furnace Creek was full (and it was too late for no-show campsites) we decided to stay at Sunset, which is right across the road.

There is no shade, just sand and pavement. The winds kicked up a sandstorm and with no cover it was intense. 

We were there in March, so it could have been a lot worse. Strongly do not recommend this campsite, especially if you go when it is warmer. 

Such a disappointment after Furnace Creek

As the others said, this is a really simple campground that almost looks like a large parking lot. That said, being right next to Furnace Creek you can take advantage of the store to buy some snacks. Another great thing is that it is really close to Zabriskie's Point, so you can hop over there for Sunrise very easily. In general it was exactly what my sister and I were looking for.

Central and Simple

Hot hot hot. There's a reason you don't go in the off season... Ridiculously hot! But sites, bathrooms & sinks are super clean...sterile clean. Downside; sites are close & there really isn't any privacy, but then again you're in the desert, not some coniferous forest

Sterile 

Camped here for a few days and it's such a unique place. Very hot during the summer, can get very windy at night and cold. Come prepared with lots of water and 3 season clothing/sun block and lip balm. The wind will scorch!

Great National Park

Our four-day visit to Death Valley National Park happened to line up with their rare Superbloom, so we had to beat the crowds to get a campsite. Unfortunately, this landed us in Sunset Campground, one of the NPS’s worst campgrounds, in one of the most beautiful parks.

Sunset Campground -- much more of a parking lot than a campground -- is everything we don’t want in a campground: sites are cramped, scenery is nonexistent, and there was nothing to stop the insane wind from destroying our tent that had lasted us every day of our six-month trip thus far.

We don’t blame Death Valley - we loved this park! Home to the lowest, driest, hottest place in the country, Death Valley is surprisingly full of life and gorgeous scenery. We loved hiking, chasing the wildflowers, watching the sunsets each night, following the scenic drives, and lounging on the porch of the fancy Furnace Creek Inn.

For two nights, we suffered through Sunset Campground, but for our third and fourth night, we purchased a backcountry permit, which allowed us to park and camp along the park’s dirt roads, at least one mile from any paved roads. These were the nights we’ll remember fondly throughout our time in Death Valley. Take our advice and skip right over Sunset Campground.

You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: [Switchback Kids (Death Valley)](http://switchbackkids.com/death-valley/)

Worst campground in one of the most beautiful national parks!

Only thing saving this place from being 1 start were the nice bathrooms and wash stations.

I appreciate it being a first come but it's one of the most minimalist campgrounds I've ever stayed at. No fire rings, no picnic tables and nothing in between your neighbors.

Over flow for furnace Creek

The reviews are correct- this place is a parking lot. Spots are right next to each other and outlined like an actual parking lot. Room for a car and maybe two tents. Or one tent and a table. However, nice bathrooms. Water. Communal fire pits. Not a single bush or tree among the spots. Walkable to the Ranch and the Visitors center across the street. Texas is a nicer campground with some greenery and easy access to hills to wander around in. Those spots are still very close together. But in spite of all of this I wasn’t unhappy at Sunset. We were only in camp for breakfast and then again at evening. The point was so see the park- not chill at the campground. If you were going to spend more of the day at the campground Texas looks better. But so comforting to arrive without a reservation and know that Sunset is waiting for you. 

A parking lot but a guaranteed spot 

Came here for four days without reservations for Furnace Creek.  This campground is a no frills flat parking lot with bathrooms and dish washing stations, trash dumpsters, and a decent dump and water filling station.  If you are self contained or even in a tent, it is doable.  However, no trees, lots of neighbors with generators.  I give it three stars for:  with the Senior Access Pass, $7.  The dump station/water filling was clean and easy, and the location cannot be beat (except by the Furnace Creek CG which I would always prefer to stay in, if we make reservations way in advance).  Texas Springs up the road is a good more traditional camping facility, no reservations, but smaller rigs and tents are the norm there.  You could fit our 35 foot fifth wheel up there in some of the sites if you are lucky.  Cell service, as in most National Parks is iffy at best, for a fee you can get Wifi across the road at the Ranch/Oasis.  There is golfing and restaurants and a small grocery store.  Location of this campground is right across from the Furnace Creek Visitors Center.  Easy walking, biking and hanging out.

Easy camping, parking lot feel, great location

Chilly at night— 30s— but enjoyable. Probably the best time of year to go because less people. The weather got to be high 70s and low 80s during the day too. The sand dunes are out of this world and so are the salt flats. The drive through is spectacular. Not enough good things to say. 

March Camping

It’s literally lines painted on the ground and that’s your spots, the camping ones were even more cramped… nothing happening here but an affordable place with neighbors on top of you… if it’s busy, which it will always be… it could have potential to be a Neat place if you have a group of people but still that’s a long stretch.

  

Here are my star ratings based on my lifestyle and what I like. I'm also a mother, dog mama, and a wife so it's not just me it's my crew and i. 1 star- AUTOMATIC relocate... the property is no longer there, trashed or/and I could never have my children there and I wouldn't ever think about staying no matter what OR its not something us campers are on this is more of an airbnb. 2 star- Not really my jam, and would NEVER go to again... It probably more of desert life and not really my style for sure...Being from Vegas I can't stand being in the desert and I love the Trees and the Green more than anything. 3 star- Would stay there again in a pinch, but not really my style, the reason its not is because not enough family things to do, the scenery, or the location... but I would go again and feel safe having my kiddos here but only if I needed to in a pinch. 4 star- a really good rating for sure, maybe needed some improvements, minor things like being on top of each other, not a lot of privacy, but honestly little cosmetic things that aren't anything to sweat and would be back again for sure. 5 star- MY FAVORITE... love the location, safety, the surroundings, big camp spots available to fit toys for my kids to play, hammocks to hang, our big family tent, cases of firewood, our suburban or RV, etcccccc..... I would not only come back but would live if I could!!! Anyway thanks for reading and enjoy every moment like it's your last! CHEERS!

Not really my jam

Literally painted lanes on a gravel area. Nothing special except the killer sunsets! You are at the mercy of the hot sun so please be prepared and over pack water, sunblock and anything to keep you shaded! It’s as can be even in November.

  

Here are my star ratings based on my lifestyle and what I like. I'm also a mother, dog mama, and a wife so it's not just me it's my crew and i. 1 star- AUTOMATIC relocate... the property is no longer there, trashed or/and I could never have my children there and I wouldn't ever think about staying no matter what. 2 star- Not really my jam, and would NEVER go to again... It probably more of desert life and not really my style for sure...Being from Vegas I can't stand being in the desert and I love the Trees and the Green more than anything. 3 star- Would stay there again in a pinch, but not really my style, the reason its not is because not enough family things to do, the scenery, or the location... but I would go again and feel safe having my kiddos here but only if I needed to in a pinch. 4 star- a really good rating for sure, maybe needed some improvements, minor things like being on top of each other, not a lot of privacy, but honestly little cosmetic things that aren't anything to sweat and would be back again for sure. 5 star- MY FAVORITE... love the location, safety, the surroundings, big camp spots available to fit toys for my kids to play, hammocks to hang, our big family tent, cases of firewood, our suburban or RV, etcccccc..... I would not only come back but would live if I could!!! Anyway thanks for reading and enjoy every moment like it's your last! CHEERS!

Stunning sunsets

This place has it all, great views, stunning sunsets, grills, fire rings, hook ups, tables, clean bathrooms. Even in November, it was hot so bring a lot of water!! Group sites with tables and a shared fire pits! Dump stations all over this place. Make sure you get gas before you get to the park the gas is very expensive!!!! There is a private air port as well. Lots of cool day use areas to pull off as well.

  

Here are my star ratings based on my lifestyle and what I like. I'm also a mother, dog mama, and a wife so it's not just me it's my crew and i. 1 star- AUTOMATIC relocate... the property is no longer there, trashed or/and I could never have my children there and I wouldn't ever think about staying no matter what. 2 star- Not really my jam, and would NEVER go to again... It probably more of desert life and not really my style for sure...Being from Vegas I can't stand being in the desert and I love the Trees and the Green more than anything. 3 star- Would stay there again in a pinch, but not really my style, the reason its not is because not enough family things to do, the scenery, or the location... but I would go again and feel safe having my kiddos here but only if I needed to in a pinch. 4 star- a really good rating for sure, maybe needed some improvements, minor things like being on top of each other, not a lot of privacy, but honestly little cosmetic things that aren't anything to sweat and would be back again for sure. 5 star- MY FAVORITE... love the location, safety, the surroundings, big camp spots available to fit toys for my kids to play, hammocks to hang, our big family tent, cases of firewood, our suburban or RV, etcccccc..... I would not only come back but would live if I could!!! Anyway thanks for reading and enjoy every moment like it's your last! CHEERS!

BEST THINGS DEATH VALLEY HAS FOR CAMPING

We stayed here on a Friday in late March only because Furnace Creek and Texas Springs were both full by 5 PM. It is just a big gravel lot with sites defined by paint stripes on the ground. Lots of big RVs, trailers, trucks,  but also many small tents  sandwiched in between. There was another loop in this lot for no-generator only but it was not open.  They really should have opened it and allow the tents to at least to stay so they do not have to be stuck in between big rigs. The lot did not fill on a Friday night and it is still a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and the mountains all around. Bathrooms were reasonably clean with flush toilets, no showers. Cell reception on AT&amp;T down to 3G. We would stay here again only if no other options are available. Texas Springs is much nicer just up the hill. A lot more natural setting and they have a separate tent only loop.

Overflow gravel lot next to Furnace Creek

Windy/hot  kind of cool

Nice campgrounds but the tent spots are really close together. 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. 

Good, but too close 

This campground never fills up, but is more oriented to RV type camping. While there are no hook ups, the ground is ROCK hard and impossible to get a tent stake into. If there is a wind, the tent is gone.

The sites are close to each other, but the plus side, as I said, you can ALWAYS get a site. 

Rock hard ground

The generators have the lower lot and convience of the restrooms. Upper lot on a slant, non generator. Both are all gravel, no tables.

It'll do in pinch

Sunset campground is one of three campgrounds in the Furnace Creek area. Furnace Creek campground has full hookups for RVs, can be reserved and is often full. Texas Springs campground is more tent friendly, can handle smaller RVs but does not have hookups, and is first come first served. Sunset campground is a large flat gravel lot, no hookups and no reservations. The advantage is that it's really big, with a lot of overflow capacity and so if you can't find a spot at the other two, there's likely an available spot here. It'll be close to other RVs and the campground itself isn't pretty, but it is surrounded by beautiful hills.  
  
We were here in late January, and the lot was probably a quarter full, so our views weren't blocked and we were able to find a spot immediately. Next time I would try Texas Springs first and if that's full (it was most nights while we were there) I'd go to Sunset. You drive in, select your spot and pay at one of the pay station.  
  
The location is central -- it's just across the street from the Ranch at Death Valley (which has a fancy general store and some restaurants, including an ice cream shop). Gas at the filling station was $1.50 a gallon more than at Stovepipe Wells. The campground is walking distance to the Death Valley visitor center. It's pretty central to most of the sights in the area.

Basic RV-friendly campground

Great to pull up late at night and park for the night. Toilets were clean. Generators didn't annoy us but I can imagine if it was busy it would be annoying. Well located in furnace creek. Would recommend heading up to Texas Springs if given the option - only slightly more expensive, much nicer setting and no generators allowed. 

Functional and Cheap 

Nothing to really right home about. But the rest of the park is what makes this. The generator free lot is filled with a bunch of fun people. The spots are just barely off level. 

It’s perfect for a dirt lot  

Not the nicest campground but not bad for $14. Some people were using tents but the ground is just rocks so wouldn't recommend it. It had 4 toilet blocks and water/ washing up station. It was quite empty when we stayed but suited are very close if full. 

Convenient and cheap

Plenty of room, first come first serve. Self pay kiosk accepts credit cards. No hook-ups , but flush toilets and water cleanup counter.  The ranch at Death Valley across the street if you care to go for dinner. Also ice cream and gift shop and small grocery section. Visit the 
museum on the property also.”

Great for stopover

Decent sized sites. Clean bathrooms. Across the road from furnace creek visitors center. Very helpful camp hosts. There are a few fire pits but not in campsites. Great location for trail hiking. 

Photos of Sunset Campground — Death Valley National Park

Real photos from real campers