The best desert camping near Darwin

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You’ll find over 260 desert campsites around Darwin, where wide-open skies and rocky outcrops set the scene. Expect a mix of sand, scrub, and raw mountain views—this is classic high desert. Most sites average $46 a night, but you can score a spot for as little as $15. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly policies are common, so you won’t have to rough it unless you want to. Climbing, hiking, and swimming are local standbys, especially when temperatures drop in the evening. For real-world feedback, check out Death Valley Stargazing Camp (202 reviews), Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground (142 reviews), or the quieter Cartago Springs (7 reviews). You’ll trade city noise for coyote calls and some of the darkest night skies you’ll see in California. Bring extra water, prep for sun, and don’t underestimate how cold desert nights can get.

96% (184) 41 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Darwin

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

1. Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

95%
(236)
23mi from Darwin · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$39
 / night
Haiwee Flats

2. Haiwee Flats

83%
(3)
22mi from Darwin · 1 site
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.
Pets
from 
$25
 / night
Boulder Creek RV Resort on Hwy 395

3. Boulder Creek RV Resort on Hwy 395

32mi from Darwin · 95 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy panoramic views of the Eastern Sierras from this great campground located on Hwy 395 at the Boulder Creek RV Resort in Lone Pine, California. Experience being immersed in nature's wonder while still maintaining some comforts of home by enjoying the amenities of the RV park with a pool and hot tub (open seasonally mid March to mid October), hot showers, clean restrooms, laundry facilities (paid) and a communal Club House with living room and kitchen available for guest use. Take a relaxing stop on your road trip of a lifetime along California's eastern border, whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat under star filled skies or a convenient home base for exploring iconic destinations like Mt. Whitney, Alabama Hills and Death Valley National Park. With four unique cabins and over 100 camp sites to choose from offering full hook-ups, pull-through sites, tent sites and park amenities for the whole family to enjoy including an outdoor pool, hot tub, well stocked market and playground. All RV sites offer full hook-ups with 30/50 amps electrical, water, sewer and free WiFi. Every campsite has a picnic table and fire ring and is dog friendly for up to 2 dogs per site. The Boulder Creek RV Resort Market sells propane, firewood, ice and other camp supplies. There is a dump station on site for RVs. Tent sites are located near the restrooms, showers, pool and hot tub. Campers can use the communal Club House large kitchen and living room with TV, where fresh coffee and muffins are served daily each morning. Tent sites have some trees for shade and potable water available. We're surrounded by the magnificent eastern Sierras and just a skipping stone way from majestic Mt. Whitney. Every day you'll awaken to a picture perfect view and every night you'll fall asleep beneath a vast black blanket peppered with sparkling stars. In an area where hiking and horseback riding trails are abundant, mountain lakes are fresh and crisp, and the scenery is unlike any other, guests are transported into another glimpse of unique California nature and embrace spectacular sunrises and sunsets on the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Viewing wildlife from the campground is not uncommon as elk, deer, birds and other migratory species travel through the open and vast land.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$50
 / night
Sequoia National Forest

4. Sequoia National Forest

98%
(271)
National forest 53mi from Darwin · 905 sites
Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Inyo National Forest

5. Inyo National Forest

96%
(453)
National forest 43mi from Darwin · 2001 sites
Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
TINY in the Eastern Sierra's

6. TINY in the Eastern Sierra's

100%
(2)
32mi from Darwin · 1 site
THINK TINY, THINK ADVENTURE Modern TINY (16') Home on Wheels was inspired and built with a desire for minimalism, clean lines and efficiency of space. It has all the modern amenities you need in the midst of Nature. Space is sufficient but limited. Tiny is located inside "Lone Pine Mobile Oasis" RV PARK, on the west side of HWY 395, and Lubken Canyon. There is Hwy noise and there are neighbors. Semi's do drive the Hwy during the night. Please preview location before booking. We do have WIFI! The space Our home is only 16' long (8'x16') but has a well-equipped kitchenette, full bath with a shower and a conventional toilet. The kitchenette has the basics and then some... a coffee maker, a portable induction cook top, pots and pans, cooking utensils, basic spices and condiments. It also has a Britta water pitcher/ filter for your convenience! The living / sleeping space is a twin size sofa / daybed with a pull out trundle. The foam mattress size is 38" x 75" for both beds. The top mattress is 8" thick with a weight capacity of 400 lbs and the trundle is 6" thick with a weight capacity of 250 lbs. This may not have enough support or may be uncomfortable for some. The dining space has a movable coffee table /bench /shoe rack/ storage with locking brakes and a lift up dining table / office desk. The bench also stores the 2nd comforter for the bottom bed. TINY is well insulated with Rockwool in all walls, ceiling and floor, has a built in mini split -AC/Heater with remote control, dual pane windows and doors, tinted glass and black out shades for your comfort and enjoyment. TINY only has 50 amps of power and the on demand water heater requires 50 amps. Only 2 lights are able to be used while taking a hot shower. THE BREAKER MAY SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NEED TO BE RESET. (This has not happened in over a year but, just in case) CAUTION: Things appear smaller than they feel like inside! Driving up you may think, "OMG, it's so small", but after you step inside, you will hopefully feel, "WOW, it feels bigger than it looks". The 395 highway may be too close and light sleepers may feel it is still too noisy. Please do not book and leave a bad review if this would bother you.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$129
 / night
Golden Cactus Wild West Town

7. Golden Cactus Wild West Town

100%
(1)
35mi from Darwin · 1 site · Tent, RV
Golden Cactus Wild West Town is a great place to rest and relax, surrounded by beautiful views in every direction. You can explore the 1800s gold rush town itself or hike into No Name Canyon, where you’ll find a small river. There are also many dirt roads behind the property, perfect for dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles. The property is located just ¾ mile north of the Pearsonville Shell gas station and only 10 minutes from the nearest town. A public restroom is available next to the picnic area, where you can also enjoy a barbecue if you wish. For RVs, we currently offer a 30-amp power outlet if you’d like to hook something up. Please note there are no gray or black water dumping facilities available. If you’re camping outdoors, feel free to set up your tent in the designated area, which also have access to a power outlet.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$33
 / night
Camp with the Horses! Robison Ranch

8. Camp with the Horses! Robison Ranch

100%
(4)
40mi from Darwin · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Olancha Resort

9. Olancha Resort

22mi from Darwin · 131 sites
Nestled on 65 acres of stunning landscape, Olancha Resort stands out as a unique destination with unparalleled views of majestic mountain ranges and enchanting starry skies. To the east, you'll find the renowned Death Valley and the Whites Mountain Range, while the High Sierras, featuring the impressive Olancha Peak at 12,132 feet, rise majestically to the west. Recognized as the Gateway to Death Valley and just minutes away from Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,494 feet, our resort offers an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. On-site, guests can indulge in delicious meals at Olancha Café, which serves grass-fed beef and bison, or explore our general store stocked with exotic beers, ice cream, and unique gifts. For relaxation, enjoy our well-water swimming pool, along with convenient public restrooms, showers, and a laundromat. We also provide RV spots with 30/50 amp full hookups, as well as comfortable motel rooms, including suites and family accommodations, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors. Experience the beauty and adventure that Olancha Resort has to offer!

You’ll find over 260 desert campsites around Darwin, where wide-open skies and rocky outcrops set the scene. Expect a mix of sand, scrub, and raw mountain views—this is classic high desert. Most sites average $46 a night, but you can score a spot for as little as $15. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly policies are common, so you won’t have to rough it unless you want to. Climbing, hiking, and swimming are local standbys, especially when temperatures drop in the evening. For real-world feedback, check out Death Valley Stargazing Camp (202 reviews), Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground (142 reviews), or the quieter Cartago Springs (7 reviews). You’ll trade city noise for coyote calls and some of the darkest night skies you’ll see in California. Bring extra water, prep for sun, and don’t underestimate how cold desert nights can get.

96% (184) 41 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Darwin

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

1. Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

95%
(236)
23mi from Darwin · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$39
 / night
Haiwee Flats

2. Haiwee Flats

83%
(3)
22mi from Darwin · 1 site
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.
Pets
from 
$25
 / night
Boulder Creek RV Resort on Hwy 395

3. Boulder Creek RV Resort on Hwy 395

32mi from Darwin · 95 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy panoramic views of the Eastern Sierras from this great campground located on Hwy 395 at the Boulder Creek RV Resort in Lone Pine, California. Experience being immersed in nature's wonder while still maintaining some comforts of home by enjoying the amenities of the RV park with a pool and hot tub (open seasonally mid March to mid October), hot showers, clean restrooms, laundry facilities (paid) and a communal Club House with living room and kitchen available for guest use. Take a relaxing stop on your road trip of a lifetime along California's eastern border, whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat under star filled skies or a convenient home base for exploring iconic destinations like Mt. Whitney, Alabama Hills and Death Valley National Park. With four unique cabins and over 100 camp sites to choose from offering full hook-ups, pull-through sites, tent sites and park amenities for the whole family to enjoy including an outdoor pool, hot tub, well stocked market and playground. All RV sites offer full hook-ups with 30/50 amps electrical, water, sewer and free WiFi. Every campsite has a picnic table and fire ring and is dog friendly for up to 2 dogs per site. The Boulder Creek RV Resort Market sells propane, firewood, ice and other camp supplies. There is a dump station on site for RVs. Tent sites are located near the restrooms, showers, pool and hot tub. Campers can use the communal Club House large kitchen and living room with TV, where fresh coffee and muffins are served daily each morning. Tent sites have some trees for shade and potable water available. We're surrounded by the magnificent eastern Sierras and just a skipping stone way from majestic Mt. Whitney. Every day you'll awaken to a picture perfect view and every night you'll fall asleep beneath a vast black blanket peppered with sparkling stars. In an area where hiking and horseback riding trails are abundant, mountain lakes are fresh and crisp, and the scenery is unlike any other, guests are transported into another glimpse of unique California nature and embrace spectacular sunrises and sunsets on the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Viewing wildlife from the campground is not uncommon as elk, deer, birds and other migratory species travel through the open and vast land.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$50
 / night
Sequoia National Forest

4. Sequoia National Forest

98%
(271)
National forest 53mi from Darwin · 905 sites
Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Inyo National Forest

5. Inyo National Forest

96%
(453)
National forest 43mi from Darwin · 2001 sites
Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
TINY in the Eastern Sierra's

6. TINY in the Eastern Sierra's

100%
(2)
32mi from Darwin · 1 site
THINK TINY, THINK ADVENTURE Modern TINY (16') Home on Wheels was inspired and built with a desire for minimalism, clean lines and efficiency of space. It has all the modern amenities you need in the midst of Nature. Space is sufficient but limited. Tiny is located inside "Lone Pine Mobile Oasis" RV PARK, on the west side of HWY 395, and Lubken Canyon. There is Hwy noise and there are neighbors. Semi's do drive the Hwy during the night. Please preview location before booking. We do have WIFI! The space Our home is only 16' long (8'x16') but has a well-equipped kitchenette, full bath with a shower and a conventional toilet. The kitchenette has the basics and then some... a coffee maker, a portable induction cook top, pots and pans, cooking utensils, basic spices and condiments. It also has a Britta water pitcher/ filter for your convenience! The living / sleeping space is a twin size sofa / daybed with a pull out trundle. The foam mattress size is 38" x 75" for both beds. The top mattress is 8" thick with a weight capacity of 400 lbs and the trundle is 6" thick with a weight capacity of 250 lbs. This may not have enough support or may be uncomfortable for some. The dining space has a movable coffee table /bench /shoe rack/ storage with locking brakes and a lift up dining table / office desk. The bench also stores the 2nd comforter for the bottom bed. TINY is well insulated with Rockwool in all walls, ceiling and floor, has a built in mini split -AC/Heater with remote control, dual pane windows and doors, tinted glass and black out shades for your comfort and enjoyment. TINY only has 50 amps of power and the on demand water heater requires 50 amps. Only 2 lights are able to be used while taking a hot shower. THE BREAKER MAY SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NEED TO BE RESET. (This has not happened in over a year but, just in case) CAUTION: Things appear smaller than they feel like inside! Driving up you may think, "OMG, it's so small", but after you step inside, you will hopefully feel, "WOW, it feels bigger than it looks". The 395 highway may be too close and light sleepers may feel it is still too noisy. Please do not book and leave a bad review if this would bother you.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$129
 / night
Golden Cactus Wild West Town

7. Golden Cactus Wild West Town

100%
(1)
35mi from Darwin · 1 site · Tent, RV
Golden Cactus Wild West Town is a great place to rest and relax, surrounded by beautiful views in every direction. You can explore the 1800s gold rush town itself or hike into No Name Canyon, where you’ll find a small river. There are also many dirt roads behind the property, perfect for dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles. The property is located just ¾ mile north of the Pearsonville Shell gas station and only 10 minutes from the nearest town. A public restroom is available next to the picnic area, where you can also enjoy a barbecue if you wish. For RVs, we currently offer a 30-amp power outlet if you’d like to hook something up. Please note there are no gray or black water dumping facilities available. If you’re camping outdoors, feel free to set up your tent in the designated area, which also have access to a power outlet.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$33
 / night
Camp with the Horses! Robison Ranch

8. Camp with the Horses! Robison Ranch

100%
(4)
40mi from Darwin · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Olancha Resort

9. Olancha Resort

22mi from Darwin · 131 sites
Nestled on 65 acres of stunning landscape, Olancha Resort stands out as a unique destination with unparalleled views of majestic mountain ranges and enchanting starry skies. To the east, you'll find the renowned Death Valley and the Whites Mountain Range, while the High Sierras, featuring the impressive Olancha Peak at 12,132 feet, rise majestically to the west. Recognized as the Gateway to Death Valley and just minutes away from Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,494 feet, our resort offers an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. On-site, guests can indulge in delicious meals at Olancha Café, which serves grass-fed beef and bison, or explore our general store stocked with exotic beers, ice cream, and unique gifts. For relaxation, enjoy our well-water swimming pool, along with convenient public restrooms, showers, and a laundromat. We also provide RV spots with 30/50 amp full hookups, as well as comfortable motel rooms, including suites and family accommodations, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors. Experience the beauty and adventure that Olancha Resort has to offer!

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