The best campgrounds near Darwin, California with climbing

In Darwin, climbers have over 1,000 camping options tailored for scaling crags and boulders across the high desert. Expect sites ranging from bare-bones spots at $15 to private retreats averaging $46 a night. You’ll find camps with showers, pet-friendly rules, and wood-fired pits for post-climb campfires. Look for sites near classic climbing haunts—like Death Valley Stargazing Camp (202 reviews)—where night skies stretch endlessly overhead. For something quieter, try Haiwee Flats or Dreamland. Between climbs, swap ropes for fishing, hiking, or horseback riding—plenty of camps sit near trailheads and watering holes. Darwin’s campsites put you close to the action, with just enough comfort to recharge before your next route.

92% (5)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Darwin, climbers have over 1,000 camping options tailored for scaling crags and boulders across the high desert. Expect sites ranging from bare-bones spots at $15 to private retreats averaging $46 a night. You’ll find camps with showers, pet-friendly rules, and wood-fired pits for post-climb campfires. Look for sites near classic climbing haunts—like Death Valley Stargazing Camp (202 reviews)—where night skies stretch endlessly overhead. For something quieter, try Haiwee Flats or Dreamland. Between climbs, swap ropes for fishing, hiking, or horseback riding—plenty of camps sit near trailheads and watering holes. Darwin’s campsites put you close to the action, with just enough comfort to recharge before your next route.

92% (5)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Robison Ranch

100%

(2)

40mi from Darwin · 1 site · Tent, RV · Inyokern, CA

Just off Highway 395, beneath the eastern Sierras, sits a former racehorse training facility with sweeping views of both the resident horses and surrounding mountains. The property features a horse courtyard and open, undeveloped land for camping—peaceful, quiet, and perfect for slowing down. Stargazing is encouraged, with dark skies that truly shine. An outhouse with a toilet and sink is available on-site for campers’ use.

2. Haiwee Flats

83%

(3)

22mi from Darwin · 1 site · RV · Olancha, CA

Come and enjoy a beautiful relaxing weekend at Haiwee flats, 360 views of mountains, pull in site with easy access to the highway. Also a few miles nearby is the Haiwee Reservoir, ..please respect signs. Lots of exploring and hiking nearby. Sageflats is a nearby road that can bring you closer to the mountains. Get lost enjoy yourself.

3. Death Valley National Park

92%

(245)

761 sites · Furnace Creek, California

Take in magnificent desert scenery in the hottest, driest place in North America.

Pets

Toilets

Picnic table

4. Sequoia National Forest

98%

(270)

905 sites · Ponderosa, California

Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Inyo National Forest

96%

(453)

2001 sites · Lone Pine, California

Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Darwin

Slightly off the beaten path, this FREE campground was quiet and at least 15 degrees cooler than Furnace Creek.

92%

(38)

Wildrose Campground

22mi from Darwin · 23 sites · in Death Valley National Park

100%

(19)

Emigrant Campground

26mi from Darwin · 10 sites · in Death Valley National Park

100%

(11)

Thorndike Campground

29mi from Darwin · 6 sites · in Death Valley National Park

Surprisingly cold night in early April - down into the 30's while the valley floor was probably in the 60's or higher.

100%

(17)

Mahogany Flat Campground

29mi from Darwin · 10 sites · in Death Valley National Park

100%

(17)

Kennedy Meadows Campground

34mi from Darwin · 38 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

The Mesquite Sand Dunes are only 5 minutes from the campground.

77%

(15)

Stovepipe Wells Campground

34mi from Darwin · 190 sites · in Death Valley National Park

Took my camera out and captured some truly amazing shots. Definitely planning on revisiting!

Horseshoe Meadows Equestrian Camp

35mi from Darwin · 10 sites · in Inyo National Forest

First-come, first-serve campsite. A great place to stay on your way to climb Mt. Whitney or Langley. The campground is at about 10,000ft elevation so it helps with acclimation. There are several trails to alpine lakes in the area.

83%

(3)

Horseshoe Meadows Campground

35mi from Darwin · 18 sites · in Inyo National Forest

Fish Creek Campground

38mi from Darwin · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

100%

(1)

Troy Meadow Campground

39mi from Darwin · 73 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

Site in the walk-in area as viewed from parking. Restrooms at parking, too!

99%

(38)

Lone Pine Campground

40mi from Darwin · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

94%

(18)

Whitney Portal Campground

42mi from Darwin · 1 site · in Inyo National Forest

Stories from the community

V

Virginia

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Robison Ranch

Robison Ranch was very peaceful and being around the horses was fun. The ranch hands were very friendly. The view of the mountains was awesome.

S

Sara

September 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Robison Ranch

Beautiful site for quiet, privacy, and stargazing! My first time on a real horse ranch. There were many possibilities for where on the ranch we could park the RV, we parked near a barn in the back and could hear the horses snorting, it was very relaxing. We dry camped but water and electric outlets were available. Host was very accommodating and made sure we were comfortable, which is much appreciated. Location was perfect, 5 minutes from the highway but it felt remote. Great spot!