Amargosa Valley sits at approximately 2,640 feet elevation on the Nevada-California border, creating a strategic base for Death Valley National Park exploration. The area's higher elevation provides a 15-20°F temperature advantage over Furnace Creek and other valley floor locations during summer months. Desert camping conditions here demand preparation with significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
What to do
Night sky photography: The minimal light pollution at Big Dune Recreation Area creates ideal conditions for astrophotography. "Exceptional privacy" with "very few neighbors or visitors" makes this a prime location for setting up long exposure shots, as noted by a camper.
Ghost town exploration: Rhyolite ghost town is accessible from Beatty, Nevada, about 45 minutes from Amargosa Valley. A visitor staying at Space Station RV Park & Market mentioned it's "convenient to Death Valley NP and the ghost town of Rhyolite" with the advantage of being "about 20 degrees cooler than Death Valley."
Sand dune recreation: For those with off-highway vehicles, Big Dune provides extensive play areas. One reviewer at Big Dune Recreation Area described it as "a LARGE sand dune with plenty of space to play on 4 wheelers and plenty of beautiful desert to set up tents or RV's," making it a popular destination for weekend recreation.
What campers like
Temperature differences: The elevation change between Amargosa Valley and Death Valley creates significant climate benefits. At DeathValley Camp, "The camp is 2,890 feet over Death Valley, offering lower temperatures at night, 15/20 degrees less than Furnace creek," according to a camper.
Desert wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe local fauna. At Space Station RV Park, campers report "Burros visited campground both nights we were there" and another noted seeing "some mule deer in the area were having dirt baths."
Affordability: Free and low-cost camping options abound. At Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park, one camper appreciated the concrete pads, noting: "Large space, you can park on the pads or the dirt. Very close to the park. Right off the highway and easy to find."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful driving. A Big Dune visitor warned the "access road is very bumpy. Washboard almost all the way," while another advised staying "on established roads if you don't have a 4x4 as there are soft/wet spots that might pose a problem."
Limited services: Most dispersed camping areas have zero facilities. A camper at Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side stated "No water, no restrooms and no cell service. Be careful if you tent camp off the pads. My tent got some holes from the tiny rocks, even with a good foot print."
Wind exposure: Several campers mentioned significant wind as a challenge. At Texas Springs Campground, a visitor cautioned: "the wind can howl through here and literally blow you camp away. If you are tenting it I would secure EVERYTHING if you are going out and about for the day."
First-come availability: Many campgrounds fill quickly. A Texas Springs camper reported: "Got there about 2 and there were just a few spots left, by 4 pm it was completely full."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: The resort near Furnace Creek Campground offers recreational relief from heat. A camper shared: "Here's the best deal, for 10$ per person you get a pool and shower pass for all day! The pool is awesome, spring fed warm water."
Educational opportunities: Death Valley offers unique learning experiences about desert ecosystems. One camper recommends visiting "the nearby Ash Meadow Wildlife Refuge. This place is a must see! The largest oasis in the Mohave Desert. There are miles of boardwalks that take you around some springs and a very nice Visitor Center. And it's free!"
Bring shade structures: There's minimal natural shade at most campgrounds. A camper at Texas Springs advised: "I suggest bringing a pop up for any extra shade, you will need it."
Tips from RVers
Strategic overnight stops: Amargosa Valley Rest Area offers convenient free parking without hookups. A visitor called it "Great for a quick stop and rest. Dirt lot and is free to park without hookups. Near the road so there is some noise, but it's free so hard to complain."
Ground selection: When choosing where to park, one visitor to Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side warned: "Some of them the surrounding dirt has washed away so it's a big drop from the pad to the ground, and some have begun to lean and are no longer level."
Full hookup options: Longstreet Inn Casino offers complete services. A reviewer noted: "Full hook up for $35/night, 30 [minutes] from Death Valley-easy drive. It's basically a parking lot but we'll maintained, WiFi, a store and casino, showers and bathrooms. And gas here is literally 1/2 the price you'll pay in Death Valley."
