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Death Valley Stargazing Camp

91%

· Valley Wells, Inyo, California

80 acres hosted by Scott L.

4 motorhome/tent pitches

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

PLEASE NOTE: You MUST approach the property from the south through the ghost town of Ballarat. If you try to approach from the north on Indian Ranch Road, you very well may come across some section of road that have been washed out. PLEASE APPROACH FROM THE SOUTH! The easiest way to get here is to navigate to Ballarat first, and then turn north on Indian Ranch Road. Google often thinks the road in between Ballarat and our location is closed, but we assure you it's not, and hasn't been for years. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE IN THE AREA. Pitch your tent or pull up your RV or camper van on Death Valley's front porch just outside of Surprise Canyon in Panamint Valley. Near the ghost town of Ballarat, Death Valley Stargazing Camp is one of only four private parcels in all of Panamint Valley -- and lies just west of the Death Valley National Park boundary. This pristine valley is untouched, and offers panoramic views of amazing sunsets, sunrises, and of course dark, dark skies! The property features 4 campsites with privacy amongst the 80 acres. All sites have several hundred feet in between them, and include a picnic bench, fire ring, and shared porta-potties across from the Green Alien Mailbox (800 - 1200 feet away depending on your campsite -- or as we call them, Starsites). And did we mention the views?? Whether you're visiting Death Valley, or just passing through the desert -- these campsites are serene, scenic, and include a stargazing wonderland! Site #1: Recessed from the road, this is the biggest site and has ample room for any type of vehicle, as well as lots of vehicles. Vehicles can pull through. Site #2: Closer to the road and also fairly big. Some vehicles can pull through but some will have to back out. Large trailers could be a problem. Site #3: Along side the road and the smallest of the three sites (although all sites are surrounded by nothing). All vehicles will have to back out of this site. Large trailers could be a problem. SIte #4: Across from the mailbox on the west side of the road. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR LARGE TRAILERS OR ANY HEAVY VEHICLES WHICH COULD GET STUCK IN THE SAND! Cars should proceed with caution and stay on the road as there are areas of loose sand near this site. Walk to it first to check conditions if you are unsure. Come join us in the middle of nowhere with dark skies and easy access to Death Valley, the Trona Pinnacles, Darwin Falls, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and countless canyons with mining ruins and adventures!

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Cave

Desert

Canyon

Mountainous

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91%

536 Ratings · 202 reviews

Emily P.recommends

April 15, 2024

Site 3

Star Camp & Endless Views

Scott was a responsive host, and the land was vast and great for stargazing. Our campsite was clean and had a great firepit and picnic table. We had great views of the surrounding area and enjoyed this spot, as it felt very private. We were at site 3, which felt close to the road, but not many people were driving down the road, so it did not bother us. We would probably try out site 1 if we came back in the future. Prepare for changes in the weather forecast. We were not expecting high winds or rain, and we got it all! Very Adventurous trip. Death Valley was amazing, and we loved visiting Artist's Palette, Natural Bridge, Badwater Basin (which still had water/bring water shoes or hiking sandals to avoid cuts), Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and more! Be prepared for LOTS/HOURS OF DRIVING. For sunrise at Artists Palette, the drive was 2 hours and 15 minutes from the camp site. I recommend saving the google map area and preloading sites to visit ahead of time. Please note many roads are washed out from recent storms and we could not visit Ubehebe Crater, Racetrack, Charcoal Kilns, Salt Creek (Pupfish), Darwin Falls, or Surprise Canyon. Furnace Creek Visitor Center will have the most up to date closures. We could have visited Surprise canyon with a very high clearance vehicle. We drove a Rav4. Prepare to pack all of your water in and haul your trash out. We could have camped closer w/ more amenities but would have compromised on privacy & the natural beauty all around.

Stu S.recommends

April 12, 2024

Site 4

What a great place to stargaze. All red light help. Beautiful spot.

Travis H.recommends

April 10, 2024

Site 1

Awesome spot! Lots to explore around the area! Spots are big and open with good distance between them and the night sky is beyond beautiful!

Michael P.

April 6, 2024

Site 1

The site wasn’t the easiest to locate. You have to drive around 10 miles down a dirt track. It might be doable in a car but a 30FT RV proved rather difficult took nearly an hour to drive the 10 miles. Site wise it’s quiet and peaceful. Facilities are portable toilets.

Jordan S.recommends

February 3, 2024

Site 1

Campsite was clean, well described, and easy to find with the provided instructions. Phenomenal view of the sky ;)

Grey M.recommends

January 24, 2024

Site 3

One of The Most Amazing Views!

Amazing view! I would definitely recommend an all wheel drive due to the road conditions. It can get bumpy but it’s well worth the travel.

Location

Valley Wells, Inyo, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Newe Sogobia (Western Shoshone) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Scott L.Joined in April 2019

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