Article Summary: Camping in Death Valley, Campgrounds in Death Valley, Death Valley Camping, Death Valley Campgrounds, Death Valley National Park Camping
Death Valley National Park is one of the largest parks in the country, and it can be challenging to decide where to stay. Camping in Death Valley National Park allows you great proximity to some of the park’s best attractions.
There are campgrounds all over the park in addition to lodges and campgrounds outside the park borders. Most campgrounds are only available on a first-come, first-served basis, and each has its own appeal.
Below, you’ll find a complete guide to camping in Death Valley National Park with every detail you need to know about booking, locations, prices, and more. That includes the campgrounds in Death Valley and everything else you need to know about Death Valley camping.
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Table of Contents
Death Valley Camping Regulations
The following list of regulations is from the park’s official website. Make sure you follow these regulations carefully during your visit.
- Campsites are limited to eight people and two vehicles. Large groups should reserve a group site at Furnace Creek Campground if the group exceeds eight people.
- The collection of vegetation resources for firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available for purchase at the Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells general stores or you may bring your own. All stoves must be gas-burning. Charcoal fires must be contained to the park-provided fire pits.
- Generators are allowed, where permitted, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. unless otherwise posted.
- Pets cannot be left unattended while camping in Death Valley National Park. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. There is a limit of four pets per campsite.
- Never feed or approach wildlife. Keep your campsite clean to avoid scavengers, such as coyotes and ravens, coming into your campsite and Death Valley campgrounds.
For more details about regulations in Death Valley campgrounds, click here.
Reserving a Campsite
The only campground that accepts reservations for camping in Death Valley National Park is Furnace Creek. Reservations are not needed in summer but can be made for stays from October 15 to April 15. Reservations are handled through Recreation.gov and can be made here. You can also call 877-444-6777 to make a reservation.
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance and must be made 4 days prior to your arrival.
Death Valley National Park Campgrounds
Below you’ll find a brief overview of each campground in Death Valley National Park.
Camping in Death Valley is one of the best ways to ensure close proximity to park attractions during your Death Valley itinerary.
Map of Campgrounds in Death Valley National Park
Emigrant Campground
Emigrant is the only campground in Death Valley that accommodates tents only. While this small campground only offers the basics in terms of amenities, it’s hard to beat its secluded location and free price. Emigrant Campground is also surrounded by stunning views due to its isolation, something you don’t always get while camping in Death Valley National Park.
Cost: Free
Facilities: Water, picnic tables, flush toilets
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served.
RVs?: No, Emigrant is a tents-only campground.
Season: Emigrant Campground is open year-round.
Sites: 10
Furnace Creek Campground
The Furnace Creek Campground is its own metropolis in the otherwise sparse Death Valley. Filled with campsites and campers, you won’t get the same isolation provided at Emigrant or the other more remote campgrounds in Death Valley. If you prefer to camp somewhere with all the amenities nearby, this is the best place for you to be camping in Death Valley National Park.
Cost: $22 per night for standard sites. $36 per night for sites with hook-ups.
Facilities: Water, picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets, dump station
Reservations Accepted?: Reservations are accepted from October 15 to April 15. Furnace Creek is first-come, first-served the rest of the year.
RVs?: Yes
Season: Furnace Creek Campground is open year-round.
Sites: 136; 18 have hook-ups
More Information: click here
Mahogany Flat Campground
The highest campground in Death Valley, Mahogany Flat is situated at a pretty 8,200 feet above sea level. The only way to reach this campground is a harrowing unpaved road that may require 4-wheel drive. The trailheads for Telescope Peak and Wildrose Peak are located nearby, making this a great base if you’re hoping to hike some of the best trails in Death Valley.
Cost: Free
Facilities: Picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served.
RVs?: Yes; must have high clearance and be shorter than 25 feet. 4-wheel drive may be necessary. No hook-ups.
Season: Late spring through fall
Sites: 10
Mesquite Spring Campground
Mesquite Spring is considered to be one of the prettiest campgrounds in Death Valley National Park. Its stunning, off-the-beaten-path location leads to gorgeous night skies and displays of wildflowers in the spring. Furthermore, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, one of the best things to do in Death Valley.
Cost: $14 per night
Facilities: Water, picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets, dump station
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served.
RVs?: Yes; no hook-ups
Season: Mesquite Spring Campground is open year-round.
Sites: 30
Stovepipe Wells Campground
Stovepipe Wells is another great option for campers in Death Valley who are hoping for more amenities. It’s only 30 minutes from Furnace Creek and has some amenities of its own, such as a restaurant and gas station. The campground is less expensive than Furnace Creek as well. The downside? No reservations are accepted.
Cost: $14 per night
Facilities: Water, picnic tables (at some sites), fire pits (at some sites), flush toilets, dump station
Reservations Accepted?: No, Stovepipe Wells is first-come, first-served.
RVs?: Yes; no hook-ups.
Season: Late fall through spring.
Sites: 190
Sunset Campground
Sunset Campground, located in Furnace Creek, is a great back-up if Furnace Creek Campground is full. However, it’s not the prettiest campground. There are hundreds of sites (270!) designated on gravel plots by white chalk. For this reason, the campground is especially attractive for RVs and trailers.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $14 per night
Facilities: Water, flush toilets, dump station
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served.
RVs?: Yes; no hook-ups.
Season: Late fall through spring
Sites: 270
More Information: click here
Texas Spring Campground
Also located in Furnace Creek, Texas Spring is the smallest of the three campgrounds in the area. It’s about one mile away from the main campground and visitor center, providing some peace and quiet in close proximity to amenities. Texas Spring is a great place for camping in Death Valley National Park if you want to be near amenities and some of Death Valley’s best attractions.
Cost: $16 per night
Facilities: Water, picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets, dump station
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served.
RVs?: Yes; no hook-ups.
Season: Late fall through spring
Sites: 92
Thorndike Campground
The smallest campground in Death Valley, Thorndike offers amazing opportunities for solitude. To access the campground, you’ll follow an unpaved road that may require 4-wheel drive. Like the nearby Mahogany Flats Campground, Thorndike is a great base for anyone hoping to climb Telescope or Wildrose peaks. These are two of the best hikes in Death Valley, especially if you’re looking for a strenuous summit climb.
Cost: Free
Facilities: Picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served.
RVs?: Yes; must have high clearance and be shorter than 25 feet. 4-wheel drive may be necessary. No hook-ups.
Season: Late spring through fall
Sites: 6
Wildrose Campground
Last but not least is Wildrose, another secluded campground on one of Death Valley’s more remote dirt roads. It’s located on the way to the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, one of the more interesting and unique things to see in Death Valley. While the campground is on a dirt road, a high clearance vehicle is usually sufficient to reach the campground.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: Free
Facilities: Water, picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served.
RVs?: Yes; must be shorter than 25 feet. No hook-ups.
Season: Year-round
Sites: 23
More Information: click here
Private Campgrounds in Death Valley National Park
There are three campgrounds in Death Valley that are not operated by the park’s official concessionaire. These campgrounds are listed below. They are great options for camping in Death Valley National Park. One of the biggest advantages is that many accept reservations.
Fiddlers’ Campground (at The Oasis at Death Valley)
Official Website: click here
Phone Number: (800) 236-7916
Address: Highway 190, Death Valley, CA 92328
Panamint Springs Resort
Official Website: click here
Phone Number: 1 (775) 482-7680
Address: 40440 Highway 190, Panamint Springs, CA
Stovepipe Wells RV Park
Official Website: click here
Phone Number: (760) 786-7090
Address: 51880 Highway 190, Death Valley, CA 92328
RV Camping in Death Valley National Park
With the exception of Furnace Creek, there are no RV hook-ups in any of the campgrounds in Death Valley National Park.
The following Death Valley campgrounds accommodate RVs or truck/trailer combinations:
- Furnace Creek (has 18 sites with hook-ups)
- Mahogany Flat (must be shorter than 25 feet; high clearance is also required and 4-wheel drive may be necessary)
- Mesquite Spring
- Stovepipe Wells
- Sunset (the best for RVs, in my opinion)
- Texas Springs
- Thorndike (must be shorter than 25 feet; high clearance is also required and 4-wheel drive may be necessary)
- Wildrose (must be shorter than 25 feet)
Backcountry Camping in Death Valley National Park
The best source for backcountry camping information is the official website. I have summarized many of the logistics below, however, I still recommend reading the park’s official webpage.
Death Valley Camping in the Backcountry
Fees: Backcountry camping in Death Valley National Park is free.
Permits: Permits are not required, but can be filed voluntarily. It is recommended that you fill these out and provide a route plan and emergency contact information in case of an emergency.
Campfires: Fires are prohibited outside of designated fire pits in the campgrounds in Death Valley. There are no established campsites in the wilderness.
Pets: Pets are permitted only in developed areas and park roads. Pets are not allowed off roads, on trails, or in Death Valley wilderness areas.
Where is Backcountry Camping in Death Valley Allowed?
In Death Valley National Park, you may camp anywhere that is at least one mile from any paved road or “day-use road”. It is best to camp in previously disturbed areas so you do not damage the natural resources any further. Park your vehicle immediately adjacent to the roadway. Off-road driving is not allowed in Death Valley.
What to Pack for Camping in Death Valley National Park
The following list of items should be included in your pack.
- Detailed topographic maps and a good overview map
- Compass
- First Aid Kit
- High-calorie food
- Shelter
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Appropriate footwear
- Wool or synthetic clothing to layer (dry clothes to sleep in)
- Rain jacket and pants
- Lightweight camp shoes
- Water container and water filter
- Campstove and fuel
- Emergency signaling device
Lodging Inside Death Valley National Park
If the campgrounds in Death Valley National Park are full, consider staying at one of the lodges within the park.
The Ranch at Death Valley
Of the hotels in Furnace Creek, this is the significantly cheaper option. It’s an older hotel, but the location can’t be beaten.
Location: Furnace Creek
Phone Number: (800) 236-7916
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
The Inn at Death Valley
This 4-star hotel is much nicer than the Ranch, and therefore twice as expensive. Be prepared to shell out the cash for any luxury.
Location: Furnace Creek
Phone Number: (800) 236-7916
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Panamint Springs Resort
This place doesn’t have great reviews, but if you’re hoping to save money it may be your best option.
Location: Panamint Springs
Phone Number: 1 (775) 482-7680
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
The Inn at Casitas
The third property in Furnace Creek is also the newest.
Location: Furnace Creek
Phone Number: (800) 236-7916
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Stovepipe Wells
There’s a hotel, restaurant, and gift shop located in this small complex just a few minutes north of Furnace Creek.
Location: Stovepipe Wells
Phone Number: (406) 892-2525
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Where to Stay if Everything is Full
Here are the hotels I recommend outside of the park if everything above is full.
Pin My Guide to Camping in Death Valley National Park
