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Dispersed Camping

Bonnie Clair Lakebed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bonnie Clair Lakebed, near Death Valley, Nevada, is a unique spot for those seeking solitude and stunning night skies. This area is perfect for tent and RV camping, offering a peaceful retreat where you can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle.

Visitors rave about the tranquility here, often finding themselves completely alone in this expansive lakebed. One camper described it as “really beautiful, peaceful, isolated,” making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to escape the crowds. The clear, dark skies provide an incredible view of the stars, especially on moonless nights, which is a highlight for many.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, campers appreciate the freedom to have fires and the ability to bring their pets along. Just remember to pack your own water and firewood, as these aren’t provided. As one reviewer noted, “Bring water, and wood if you want a fire and you should be good.”

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the area is remote enough to feel like a hidden gem, yet accessible for a quick getaway. Just be cautious of the weather, as the clay lakebed can get tricky if it rains. Whether you're stargazing or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, Bonnie Clair Lakebed offers a memorable camping experience in the heart of the desert.

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Location

Bonnie Clair Lakebed is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.17114563 N
117.1520067 W

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Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bonnie Clair Lakebed needs a permit.

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General Info


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2025

Fantastic for stars

I had the entire lakebed to myself. You can drive all over it and it's fantastic for stars gazing.

SiteBack middle
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bonnie Clair Lakebed by Jeremy P., June 28, 2025
  • Review photo of Bonnie Clair Lakebed by Jeremy P., June 28, 2025
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 29, 2024

Awesome, quiet spot

Went here on a Saturday and there was only one other car on the entire lakebed. Really beautiful, peaceful, isolated area.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Bonnie Clair Lakebed by Nikolas P., May 29, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2024

Great for 1 night stay!

Easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else was here so it was very peaceful. We had a great time as it’s not too hot here yet. This is such a unique area, I would come back next spring in a heartbeat!

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Bonnie Clair Lakebed by Julianne N., April 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Bonnie Clair Lakebed by Julianne N., April 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Bonnie Clair Lakebed by Julianne N., April 19, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 3, 2024

Incredibly Beautiful

The lakebed is out of the way enough that it seems to be often completely abandoned. It’s quiet and striking and I had a nice clear, still night to appreciate stars like I don’t often see them. Bring water, and wood if you want a fire and you should be good. There’s one little fire ring built up of stones. I imagine you have to watch for rain as the bed of the lake is clay and a turn in weather could spell for a messy exit at the least. I had decent Verizon service, but it didn’t reach the back of the lakebed.

Elevation 4020ft

There really should be a spot to enter elevation on these forms. This time of year it makes all the difference in the world.

SiteCenter of the lake
Month of VisitApril
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Bonnie Clair Lakebed by Dan , April 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Bonnie Clair Lakebed by Dan , April 3, 2024
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bonnie Clair located in Death Valley?

Bonnie Clair Lakebed is located in the northern part of Death Valley. The specific coordinates are approximately N37.17083, W117.15278. It's important to note that Google Maps may direct you incorrectly by sending you past the lake, so it's best to use these coordinates to find the proper turnoff to access the lakebed area.

What are the remnants of the Bonnie Clair ghost town?

The Bonnie Clair area was once a mining settlement, though the current lakebed camping area shows minimal visible remnants of the ghost town. The focus of the site today is primarily the striking, flat lakebed itself rather than historical structures. Visitors come for the isolation, natural beauty, and stargazing opportunities rather than ghost town exploration.

Is dispersed camping allowed at Bonnie Clair in Death Valley?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed at Bonnie Clair Lakebed. The area is open for free camping and often provides complete solitude, with visitors reporting having the entire lakebed to themselves. There's at least one established fire ring on site. Remember to bring all necessary supplies including water and firewood if you plan to have a campfire, as this is a remote, undeveloped area with no facilities.

What road conditions should I expect when driving to Bonnie Clair?

The road to Bonnie Clair Lakebed is accessible, with visitors reporting they could find it even in darkness. While specific road details aren't extensively described, the lakebed itself allows driving across its surface. The area is somewhat remote but appears to be reachable without specialized off-road vehicles. For navigation, avoid relying solely on Google Maps which may direct you incorrectly; instead use the coordinates N37.17083, W117.15278 to locate the proper turnoff.