Campgrounds near Amargosa Valley feature varying elevations that significantly affect temperatures, with locations in Beatty running about 20 degrees cooler than sites within Death Valley itself. Most camping areas provide access to Death Valley National Park within a 45-60 minute drive, making them practical bases for day trips. The region includes a mix of basic tent sites, full-hookup RV parks, and luxury accommodations with distinctive amenities.
What to do
Explore ghost towns and history: Death Valley Junction contains the historic Amargosa Opera House, which offers tours of its "spooky beautiful" interior. According to one camper, "Highly recommend ripping up to death valley junction to take a tour of the spooky beautiful Amargosa Opera House."
Wildlife viewing with local burros: Beatty's wild burros frequently visit campgrounds in the area. At Space Station RV Park, "Burros visited campground both nights we were there" and another visitor noted, "Love the town and seeing the burros wander around freely."
Pupfish conservation areas: Several campgrounds offer access to endangered pupfish habitats. One visitor to Shoshone RV Park shared, "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)."
Hiking at China Ranch Date Farm: Located near Tecopa, this unique attraction combines hiking trails with culinary options. A camper recommended, "Quick drive over to tecopa where we spent most of our time (recommend the free hot springs, food from kit fox cafe, beer from death valley brewery, hikes and food at the China ranch date farm)."
What campers like
Swimming pools with natural spring water: The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers' Campground offers a unique natural spring-fed pool that remains pleasant even in extreme temperatures. One visitor explained, "With your nightly rental, guests enjoy the Ranch's natural spring-fed swimming pool, shower facility, coin-operated laundry which I did check out and is nice, and sports courts."
Free camping options with facilities: Free camping is available within Death Valley National Park at designated areas like Emigrant Campground. A camper noted, "This has working toilets that flush & are kept well. There are multiple trash cans that are changed out... While the ground is hard & filled with stones which make it hard to get a good stake in the ground, this is a good campsite due to location, it is free, & the amenities are quite nice."
Lakefront camping spots: Some RV parks feature lake access directly from campsites. At Lakeside Casino & RV Resort, "You can get lakefront RV spots which are so cool if you have a little canoe kayak anything and just jump on the lake and enjoy your day. Full RV hook ups complete shade because of all the trees."
Temperature differences by location: Choosing the right location makes a significant difference in camping comfort. According to one camper, "limited sites, each with a picnic table, access to water and flush toilet. Very nice spot and the higher elevation provides cooler temperature."
What you should know
Wi-Fi and cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across the region. At Shoshone RV Park, "The wifi works, but there is no cell phone coverage here." Another camper noted, "Cell reception in the park is really spotty and weak. It seemed to be better in the South end of the park."
Seasonal closures and restrictions: Water availability can change seasonally at free campgrounds. At Emigrant Campground, "Water is not potable year round, will be deemed not potable and/or shut off mid-May per convo with NPS employee. Fill at Stovepipe, Panamint, or elsewhere in summer."
Limited facilities at free sites: While free camping options exist, they come with trade-offs. One visitor observed, "No shade here and the road can be loud. Traffic fumes can also be a factor, depending on wind direction, for those who are sensitive when people using the rest stop leave their rigs idling."
Campsite competition: For free or popular sites, early arrival is essential. A camper advised, "It can fill up quickly in the afternoon or evening, so plan to arrive early and, if going out to play, leave something to indicate your site is occupied."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options beyond Death Valley: Nevada Treasure RV Resort offers numerous family-friendly amenities. A visitor described, "The pool is so tropical it has a lovely waterfall going into the pool nice hot tub, go inside of the bar and restaurant and enjoy game of bowling, nice gym, gift shop, ice cream for sale in the front, mini golf in the back."
Budget dining options: With high food prices at tourist locations, knowing where to find reasonable meals matters. One camper recommended, "Located between 2 casinos (old school, friendly great food at what it was before. Steak and eggs $7.00 New York strip."
Dog-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds provide designated pet areas. According to one review, "For all his dog lovers they have an amazing dog run for your animals" and another mentioned, "Our dog loved walking around the lake and spending time in the dog run."
Campground activities: Families can take advantage of on-site recreation. One visitor mentioned, "The Ranch's restaurants and the General Store for camping supplies, groceries, and souvenirs" while another noted access to "Tennis Court, Shuffleboard, Volleyball, Bocce Ball, and Basketball Court."
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Different campgrounds have varying policies about generator use. At Hilltop Campground, "Unlike Texas Springs campground up the hill, Fiddler's Campground allows gas generators. There's no need with all of the sunshine, an appropriately sized solar panel system will provide you with all the power you need."
Electrical power options: RVers should check what hookups are available. One visitor shared, "I was camped on the North end near the entrance and my solar panels were fully shaded the whole time I was there. Fortunately I was able to charge the house battery with 115V at the service post."
Site layout and access: Some campgrounds have challenging layouts for larger rigs. A camper warned, "Would not recommend pulling a trailer around this site, there are two extremely tight turns. All tent campers except for one pop up pull trailer that was about 10 feet long."
Luxury glamping close to Amargosa Valley: Premium RV resort offerings provide hotel-like amenities. One visitor described, "We spent a month at this lovely campground. The amenities are awesome with a small lake in the middle of the park... The convenience store and gas station on site are a plus as well. The sites are all FHU concrete pads with gravel parking."
