Notable Campgrounds
- Best for winter camping: Furnace Creek Campground is open all year long and allows reservations from mid-fall through mid-spring.
- Best for a quiet experience: With only 23 campsites, Wildrose Campground offers a quiet alternative to busier campgrounds.
- Best for families: Near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Stovepipe Wells Campground offers creature comforts such as flush toilets and a dump station.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Most campgrounds are closed during the summer months due to extreme heat. Those that are open are made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If you want to camp on a summer holiday weekend, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day, it's wise to arrive a couple of days early to secure your spot.
- Sunset Campground and Stovepipe Wells Campground are your best bets if visiting during a busy period.
- Furnace Creek Campground is available for reservation from October 15 through April 15 and operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the rest of the year.
When to Go
The best time to visit Death Valley is either in spring or fall, when the temperatures are warm but not unbearable. Springtime in particular is pleasant and often gets wildflowers. Summer can get crowds, especially on three-day weekends, despite the fact that temperatures in the valley often hover well above 110°F. Winters are considerably cooler, and the park sometimes get snow at high elevations.
Know Before You Go
- The temperatures in Death Valley can get incredibly hot. It's wise to drink at least one gallon of water per day and avoid hiking in low elevations when the weather is hot.
- Always stay on paved roads, particularly in summer, so that you can be easily reached by emergency vehicles. Driving off of designated roads is illegal.
- Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, scorpions, and poisonous spiders, all of which live in this desert.
- Cell service is limited throughout much of the park, though Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells generally get some coverage.Download offline maps before you head out.
Death Valley National Park RV Camping
Spread out over millions of acres on the California-Nevada border, this massive national park is a fantastic place for an RV getaway, especially in the cooler months of the year. Death Valley offers a mix of developed in-park campgrounds as well as private campgrounds and Hipcamps. Developed options include Furnace Creek Campground, which has hookups at 18 sites, as well as Texas Springs Campground, Sunset Campground, Stovepipe Wells Campground, Wildrose Campground, and Mesquite Spring Campground. Most shut down during the summer months due to extreme temperatures, but all are available on a first-come, first-served basis, except for Furnace Creek, which offers reservations from mid-October through mid-April. Just note that Furnace Creek sites well in advance, and many people snap up reservations as soon as they become available. Fortunately, there are plenty of reservable sites at RV parks in the area, many of which are available on Hipcamp with picnic tables, toilet access, hot showers, and full RV hookups.
Nearby Attractions
Embark on a unique camping adventure amidst the otherworldly landscape of Trona Pinnacles. Set up camp near the towering Tufa formations, explore the ancient fossil beds, and stargaze under clear night skies.
Death Valley National Park
Take in magnificent desert scenery in the hottest, driest place in North America.
Encompassing over 3 million acres of the Mojave Desert, massive Death Valley National Park offers adventurous campers the chance to explore one of the hottest places on earth. This geologically rich area features a mix of peaks, canyons, and Sahara-esque sand dunes and is a great place to hike, rock climb, mountain bike, and camp. The park's remote location, coupled with its generally clear skies, make it an excellent spot for stargazing, and it's common to spot celestial wonders in the Death Valley night sky, even with the naked eye.
Encompassing over 3 million acres of the Mojave Desert, massive Death Valley National Park offers adventurous campers the chance to explore one of the hottest places on earth. This geologically rich area features a mix of peaks, canyons, and Sahara-esque sand dunes and is a great place to hike, rock climb, mountain bike, and camp. The park's remote location, coupled with its generally clear skies, make it an excellent spot for stargazing, and it's common to spot celestial wonders in the Death Valley night sky, even with the naked eye.
Activities in the park
9 campgrounds in Death Valley National Park
This tents only, year round campground is awaiting your need for seclusion, with only 10 spots for the picking! No dump station or fire pit (no fire allowed) but water, flush toilets (that’s right, flush toilets at a 10 site campground) and tables are there to make up for it. At 2,100 feet above sea level, you’ll be privy to some jaw dropping vi Read more...
At 7400’ elevation, with a camping season that runs March through November, Thorndike campground is not for everyone. Accessible to high clearance vehicles only, (4-wheel drive may be necessary), Thorndike offers six sites, no fees, picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets and all the rustic truth of roughing amidst in the desert’s surreal beauty. Read more...
On a ridgeline of the Panamint range awaits Mahogany Flat, one of the only Death Valley campgrounds where you’ll appreciate the shady reach of trees. And not just any kind of tree, but the sweet smelling breezes stirred up in a Juniper forest. Take in jaw dropping views of the Death Valley basin and plenty of hiking, backpacking and mountaineering Read more...
In the asperous hills above the Furnace Creek area, Texas Spring provides 92 options that include both tent and RV camping and enviable views of the valley. You can expect spots situated right under the open sky, beside slopes of rock that gleam gold beneath a noontime sun, as well as water, flush toilets, picnic tables, a dump station and fire pi Read more...
Saying the words Wildrose Canyon elicits a sense of the mythical, perhaps even the magical, camping experience. Its namesake, Wildrose Campground, resides in this poetically named canyon, near the impressive Panamint Range, near the southwestern edge of Death Valley National Park. These 23 campsites are coveted and they position you near some seri Read more...
One of the most centrally located campgrounds in Death Valley, Furnace Creek is seated in a cradle of astonishing ruggedness, surrounded by the weatherbeaten stretches of Death Valley mountains. If you’ve ever wondered what an abandoned borax mine looks like, you can find one nearby, as well as bike paths, hiking trails and a visitor’s center. Thi Read more...
Mesquite Spring is your chance to avoid crowds and recharge with some winter camping, minus the noise of RV engines (as many of the RV winter campers grab a spot at Stovepipe Wells first). Even if you miss winter, this year round spot is sure to stun you. Considered one of the prettiest campgrounds in Death Valley, with astounding spring wildflow Read more...
Imagine the curved ripple of velvety sand against a backdrop of serrated peaks. The nearby sand dunes make Stovepipe Wells a good spot to park your RV and stay awhile (as long as it’s between September 1st and Mother’s Day weekend). This flat 190 spot parking lot campground has water, flush toilets a dump station, a smattering of picnic table an Read more...
This large, flat parking lot campground is primarily for RV camping and sits within a mile’s reach of the Furnace Creek Ranch Resort and the Furnace Creek Hotel. There are 270 spots, a dump station, flush toilets and water available. With a season that runs October through May, Sunset is perfect for a pre-summer excursion when your bones ache from Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
The best time to visit Death Valley is either in spring or fall, when the temperatures are warm but not unbearable. Springtime in particular is pleasant and often gets wildflowers. Summer can get crowds, especially on three-day weekends, despite the fact that temperatures in the valley often hover well above 110°F. Winters are considerably cooler, and the park sometimes get snow at high elevations.
Know Before You Go
Death Valley National Park RV Camping
Spread out over millions of acres on the California-Nevada border, this massive national park is a fantastic place for an RV getaway, especially in the cooler months of the year. Death Valley offers a mix of developed in-park campgrounds as well as private campgrounds and Hipcamps. Developed options include Furnace Creek Campground, which has hookups at 18 sites, as well as Texas Springs Campground, Sunset Campground, Stovepipe Wells Campground, Wildrose Campground, and Mesquite Spring Campground. Most shut down during the summer months due to extreme temperatures, but all are available on a first-come, first-served basis, except for Furnace Creek, which offers reservations from mid-October through mid-April. Just note that Furnace Creek sites well in advance, and many people snap up reservations as soon as they become available. Fortunately, there are plenty of reservable sites at RV parks in the area, many of which are available on Hipcamp with picnic tables, toilet access, hot showers, and full RV hookups.
Nearby Attractions
Embark on a unique camping adventure amidst the otherworldly landscape of Trona Pinnacles. Set up camp near the towering Tufa formations, explore the ancient fossil beds, and stargaze under clear night skies.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp in an RV in Death Valley?
Yes, you can camp in an RV in Death Valley. There are several campgrounds within Death Valley National Park that can accommodate RVs, including Furnace Creek, Sunset, Texas Springs, Stovepipe Wells, and Mesquite Spring. Some campgrounds have limited or no hookups, so be prepared for dry camping. Additionally, private RV parks and resorts outside the park offer full hookups and amenities. Always check the campground's specific RV size restrictions and availability before planning your trip.
Is Death Valley good for camping?
Yes, Death Valley is a unique and fascinating destination for camping. The largest national park in the contiguous United States outside of Alaska, it offers a variety of landscapes, including salt flats, sand dunes, badlands, and canyons. There are several campgrounds within the park, ranging from developed campgrounds with amenities to more primitive, backcountry options. Keep in mind that summer temperatures can be extreme, with daytime highs often exceeding 120°F (49°C), so the best time to camp in Death Valley is during the cooler months, from October to April. For more information on camping options in Death Valley, you can visit Hipcamp.
What time of year is best to camp in Death Valley?
The best time of year to camp in Death Valley is during the cooler months, from late October to early April. During this period, daytime temperatures are typically between 60°F and 80°F, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and camping. Winter months may see occasional rain and snow at higher elevations, but overall, the weather is pleasant for exploring the park. Keep in mind that summer months in Death Valley can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching well over 100°F, making it less suitable for camping and outdoor activities.
Can I sleep in my car in Death Valley?
Yes, you can sleep in your car in Death Valley, but only in designated campgrounds. It is not allowed to sleep in your car outside of these designated areas or along the side of the road. There are several campgrounds within Death Valley National Park that allow car camping. Some of the popular campgrounds include Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Mesquite Spring. For more camping options in Death Valley, you can visit Hipcamp.
How much does it cost to camp at Death Valley?
Death Valley National Park has several campgrounds with varying fees. The cost for camping in developed campgrounds ranges from $14 to $36 per night, depending on the campground and amenities offered. Some campgrounds are free, such as Emigrant and Wildrose, but they offer limited facilities. Dispersed camping in backcountry areas is also free but requires a permit. For more information on Death Valley camping options, visit Hipcamp.
How do I get a campsite reservation at Death Valley National Park?
Securing a Death Valley National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Death Valley campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Death Valley National Park campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Death Valley National Park?
Most Death Valley National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Death Valley National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Death Valley campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —