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Top Campgrounds and RV Parks in Death Valley National Park
Embark on a journey through the unparalleled landscapes of Death Valley, a sprawling expanse that showcases nature's extremes in a land of contrasts. The towering peaks, adorned with winter snow, stand in stark opposition to the searing heat that defines this below-sea-level basin. Occasional rainstorms, rare but impactful, transform the arid grounds into expansive canvases of vibrant wildflowers. Amidst the seemingly inhospitable conditions, hidden oases thrive, providing refuge for diverse life forms and offering respite for both wildlife and human explorers. Despite its foreboding name, Death Valley is a testament to the resilience of life. Spanning over 3.4 million acres, with a staggering 93% designated as wilderness, it claims the title of the largest U.S. National Park outside of Alaska. Within its vast boundaries, Death Valley harbors the continent's lowest point, expansive salt flats, rugged mountain ranges, meandering canyons, undulating sand dunes, and spring-fed oases. The park also preserves essential historic and cultural sites while serving as a sanctuary for endangered plant and animal species. Whether your visit is a fleeting encounter or a recurring pilgrimage, Death Valley invites exploration, promising something for everyone and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience through thoughtful planning.
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Furnace Creek Campground
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Situated in proximity to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, the Furnace Creek Campground stands as the sole NPS campground in the park that accommodates reservations and offers an array of site options, including those equipped with full RV hookups, dry RV sites, and spaces for tents. Reservations can be secured up to six months in advance, exclusively for camping dates between October 15th and April 15th; beyond this period, the campground operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. As the park's most sought-after campground, reservations are highly recommended to ensure availability. The Furnace Creek Campground serves as a hub for educational engagement, with the Visitor Center's enriching programs and exhibits just a short stroll away. Bird enthusiasts may find joy in spotting local and migratory species around the campground and along Airport Road, particularly during the cooler months. For those seeking more active pursuits, a one-mile bike path leads to an interpretive trail connecting the campground to the Harmony Borax Works, a historic borax refinery from the late 1800s. Additionally, the campground is conveniently within walking distance of the Furnace Creek Oasis and Ranch, a private resort.
Why You’ll Love Furnace Creek Campground
Fulfilling the diverse needs of campers, the Furnace Creek Campground near the Furnace Creek Visitor Center stands out as the only NPS campground in the park that offers reservation options. Boasting a variety of sites, including those tailored for full RV hookups, dry RV spaces, and tents, the campground caters to a wide range of preferences. Reservations, accepted up to six months in advance, are exclusive for camping dates from October 15th to April 15th, while the remainder of the year operates on a first-come-first-serve basis, emphasizing the popularity of this campground. Positioned as a gateway to educational opportunities, the campground places explorers of all ages in close proximity to the Visitor Center, where enlightening programs and exhibits await. Birdwatchers can indulge in their passion by spotting local and migratory birds in the campground vicinity and along Airport Road, particularly during the cooler months. Active visitors can embark on a one-mile bike path leading to an interpretive trail connecting the campground to the Harmony Borax Works, a fascinating relic of the late 1800s. The campground's strategic location also allows convenient access to the Furnace Creek Oasis and Ranch, a private resort that further enhances the camping experience.
Texas Springs Campground
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Operating seasonally from noon on October 15th through mid-April, the Texas Spring Campground offers a first-come-first-served camping experience situated in the rugged hills above Furnace Creek. A distinctive feature of this campground is the restriction of generators, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. Each site is equipped with a firegrate and picnic table, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Visitors can conveniently pay the camping fee at the pay station located at the front of the campground.
Why You’ll Love Texas Springs Campground
Perched in the undulating hills above the Furnace Creek region, Texas Spring Campground beckons with 92 camping options, catering to both tent and RV enthusiasts. The sites provide sweeping views of the valley, placing campers under the expansive open sky, adjacent to golden rock slopes illuminated by the midday sun. Amenities include water, flush toilets, picnic tables, a dump station, and fire pits, contributing to a well-appointed camping experience. Surrounding activities encompass biking, hiking, horseback riding, off-roading, climbing, and wildlife watching, ensuring a diverse range of recreational options for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sunset Campground
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Sunset Campground offers a total of 270 individual sites, each meticulously marked with white chalk for easy identification by row and number. While the campground is particularly well-suited for RVs and trailers, it also warmly welcomes tent campers. Despite the absence of hookups, the site provides a convenient dump station, and various restrooms and potable water stations are thoughtfully scattered throughout the campground for visitors' convenience. With its strategic location, Sunset Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring renowned Death Valley attractions. No reservations are accepted for this Death Valley National Park campsite, and payment is exclusively processed via credit card. Sunset Campground operates from October 15 to May 1, providing a prime opportunity to experience the wonders of Death Valley.
Why You’ll Love Sunset Campground
Whether you're an RV enthusiast or prefer the simplicity of tent camping, Sunset Campground's open layout and proximity to iconic Death Valley landmarks make it a desirable destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an immersive desert experience.
Stovepipe Wells Campground
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The Stovepipe Wells campground, available for seasonal camping from October 15th at noon, operates on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a straightforward and accessible camping experience. Located at sea level, this campground offers panoramic views of Death Valley and the mesmerizing Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Positioned in proximity to essential facilities like the Stovepipe Wells general store, ranger station, and a privately operated RV park, campers can conveniently settle their fees at the pay station situated at the campground's entrance.
Why You’ll Love Stovepipe Wells Campground
Tailored primarily for trailer, RV, or car camping, the individual sites are essentially designated parking spots. Although lacking full-hookup sites, the campground provides the basics, and campers should be aware that amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits are not guaranteed for each spot. With closely arranged sites offering limited privacy, tent campers should expect a level but rocky surface. Despite the simplicity of the camping setup, the Stovepipe Wells campground serves as a practical base for exploring the wonders of Death Valley, including its iconic landscapes and natural attractions.
Emigrant Campground
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The Emigrant Campground, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, exclusively caters to tent campers and offers a seamless camping experience without any additional fees. Positioned at an elevation of 2,100 feet along CA 190, this campground provides a distinctive vantage point overlooking the majestic Cottonwood Mountains, an integral part of the Panamint Range. Despite its modest capacity, boasting only 10 sites, this compact campground is conveniently located southwest of the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station.
Why You’ll Love Emigrant Campground
Emigrant Campground ensures campers have essential amenities, including a building with flush toilets positioned just 270 feet down a dirt trail outside the campground. Nestled near the outer fringes of the vast 3.3-million-acre Death Valley National Park, it serves as a strategic launchpad for exploration. The campground's location enables campers to witness the breathtaking diversity of the Death Valley landscape, offering awe-inspiring views of the surrounding terrain.
Wildrose Campground
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Nestled within the enchanting Wildrose Canyon, the aptly named Wildrose Campground beckons campers to its serene setting near the magnificent Panamint Range, located at the southwestern fringes of Death Valley National Park. Offering a mere 23 campsites, this highly sought-after destination places you in close proximity to a network of exhilarating hiking trails. While Wildrose Campground lacks amenities such as a dump station or flush toilets, it compensates with essential features like fire pits, tables, and a water supply, all set against a backdrop of picturesque views that could inspire countless tales.
Why You’ll Love Wildrose Campground
Just a short distance from Wildrose Campground lies the historic charcoal kilns, showcasing a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. Additionally, the nearby trailheads to Bennett and Telescope Peaks present avid hikers with some of the most spectacular vistas within the entire park. Depending on the season, these trails may be adorned with a blanket of snow, adding a touch of winter enchantment. Another noteworthy attraction in close proximity is Surprise Canyon, where a babbling creek adorned with small waterfalls winds through a surprisingly lush landscape, offering a refreshing contrast to the arid surroundings.
Mesquite Spring Campground
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Recognized as one of the most picturesque campgrounds in Death Valley, Mesquite Campground offers a total of 30 sites accommodating both tents and RVs. The mesmerizing landscape is adorned with vibrant spring wildflower displays, adding to the allure of this desert haven. Amenities provided include picnic tables, fire pits, water access, flush toilets, and a convenient dump station. For an unforgettable experience, park along the shoulder of Highway 190 and embark on a hike into the surreal panorama of gracefully undulating dunes, surrounded by the formidable beauty of the surrounding mountains. As the sun sets, casting its golden hues across the highest dune towering at 140 feet above sea level, you may find yourself losing track of time in this captivating desert oasis.
Why You’ll Love Mesquite Spring Campground
Mesquite Campground, situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet, operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is conveniently located 2 miles off Scotty's Castle Road, nestled below Grapevine Canyon. Serving as an excellent hub for adventures in the northern realms of Death Valley National Park, this campground is enveloped by the stark beauty of desert mountains and captivating geological features. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a fire grate and picnic table, while the absence of hook-ups ensures a more immersive natural experience. The required fee can be conveniently settled at the automated pay station situated at the campground's entrance.
In Summary
Within the basin below sea level, where unyielding drought and record-breaking summer heat characterize Death Valley, the extremes of this unique landscape are marked by striking contrasts. Towering peaks, dusted with winter snow, offer a scenic counterpoint to the relentless heat. Occasional rare rainstorms transform the arid terrain into expansive fields of vibrant wildflowers. Amidst the harsh conditions, lush oases provide havens for tiny fish and serve as sanctuaries for both wildlife and humans. Despite its ominous name, Death Valley teems with a remarkable diversity of life. Encompassing over 3.4 million acres, with 93% designated as wilderness, Death Valley stands as the largest U.S. National Park outside of Alaska. This expansive park safeguards the continent's lowest point, vast salt flats, rugged mountains, meandering canyons, undulating sand dunes, spring-fed oases, significant historic and cultural sites, and habitats for endangered plant and animal species. Whether your exploration is limited to a brief afternoon or you find yourself returning year after year, Death Valley caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring a visit that is both safe and enjoyable with careful planning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to camp in Death Valley National Park?
How much does it cost to camp in Death Valley National Park?
The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.
How much does it cost to RV park in Death Valley National Park?
Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.
How long can you stay at an RV Park in Death Valley National Park?
Staying at an RV Park for a long period of time will vary on the campground & RV Park you choose. View our post for more information.
Are there pet friendly RV Parks & Campgrounds in Death Valley National Park?
Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.