Explore
/
United States
/
California
/
The Racetrack Playa

The best camping near The Racetrack Playa, CA

Discover the enigmatic beauty of Death Valley's Racetrack Playa.

Popular ways to camp

Camper favorites near The Racetrack Playa

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Snag sold-out campsites.

Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.

See the best spots in one place.

Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.

Book with confidence.

Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Angelica

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

The lake view was amazing. Nacho responds fast to messages and makes sure everything it’s okay. Thank you so much. It was my first time camping and it went smoothly.

skanda

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

2 nights at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Amazing views, Nacho was very helpful and let us change sites at the last minute. Restroom and shower clean and well maintained!

Taelor

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was very good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 and it had a great view of the lake and mountains along with a picnic table, fire pit and electrical stations on for sides of the tent for charging. It was practically snowing late at night but we were able to plug in our heater so our tent was nice and cozy when we were in there. It was so enjoyable in fact, we originally only booked 2 nights but ended up staying a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one public restroom but to our surprise we never had to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot there was a heater and the toilet paper was always stocked. For the price you really cannot beat the experience and I would definitely recommend to stay here if you’re considering it!

Taelor

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was extremely good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 which has a lake/Mountain View, picnic table, fire pit and two electric stations for charging on both sides of the tent. Even though it was borderline snowing late at night, we were able to use our heater so our tent was very warm and cozy the whole trip. So much so, we originally only booked two nights but ended up booking a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one shared restroom but surprisingly we never had an issue with having to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot and the toilet paper was always stocked. This was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it if you’re considering staying here!

Adam

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Great location with easy access to Death Valley and Mt Whitney! Beautiful in the morning. Limited restrooms (only 1) and tent sites are a bit small but otherwise great place to crash for a couple nights. Firewood for $10/bundle cash only but there’s a gas station 2 mins away with firewood + bathroom if needed.

Edgar

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Really enjoyed our stay at this campsite. It was our first camping trip ever so we only stayed the one night but definitely going back. Clean area, organized sites, clean bathroom, great views, and very easy to get to.

Grace

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

We loved it here! There was a bathroom with running water a short walk away and the views with the lake and mountains were beautiful.

Lily

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

I loved camping at Nacho's land. Very welcoming host, gorgeous views, and great location. The pond had fun activities to do when we returned to the campground!

Valerie

November 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This was such a great spot for us to find when we changed our route last minute! It was a bit wet/chilly out so we didn’t use many of the amenities but the views were GREAT. We met Nacho on the way in and he even let us switch sites so we weren’t right next to anyone. I highly recommend this easy site!

Jonathan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Super chilll spot to tent camp. Lots of nice amenities! Would definitely come back 👍🏼

Torry

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This place is a true hidden gem, but sadly probably not for long— the secret is out. The reviews mentioned the kindness and genuineness of Nacho. He exactly the right person for a place like this. The lake was absolutely clean, each site has its own power and water, and hiking trails galore near by. No doubt me and my son will be back. Lake Olancha Oasis was exactly the blessing my son and I needed. Thanks again Nacho and Staff!

Beautiful open skies that allowed us to use Starlink WiFi

Guru Das

September 2025

21 ft campervan

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

We arrived at 9 PM at the campground and were pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by a helpful gentleman who pointed us to our spot. The spot had 100 A/50A/30A hookups, water hookup and also a full restroom (shared) nearby. The lake was serene in the morning. Conveniently located near the highway.

Omer

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Very good spot, great views and quiet. Would definitely visit again. It allows access to the various hiking areas in the eastern sierras

Jewel

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Amazing place! Has a ton of amenities free to enjoy. Super clean and has some of the most beautiful views of the mountains especially at sunset. No mosquitos in site even with the lake being 20ft away from us. Nacho is absolutely the best, super helpful and understanding. Hate to recommend since it’s a hidden gem but too good not to give praises when they are due. But I do recommend this spot

Arthur

August 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Haiwee Flats

Great isolated site. Host was immediately available for help when needed to find the exact site. Good spot to get to great fishing, and dirtbiking.

Forest

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Nice little campground on a nice pond. Was actually impressed with how organized and clean it is. The sunrise over the mountains on the west side Death Valley is beautiful.

Jordann

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Quaint little lakeside spot in the desert. Tent sites are small but cozy, with beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the water. Simple, peaceful, and perfect if you want a quiet nature escape.

Gildardo

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Had a good time everything was clean very dog friendly good people.

Gabi

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

The campground was great, we stayed one night with our tent. Right next to a small lake where you can take a dip to refresh. Nacho was very responsive and flexible. Would definitely recommend this place.

Korrie

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

We tent camped here and wouldn’t have had it any other way. Nacho was such a great host. Great views, close to a gas station for a few things we forgot (or a good sub sandwich). We would have stayed longer if we could.

Top-rated campgrounds near The Racetrack Playa

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

95%

(224)

37mi from The Racetrack Playa · 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.

Aberdeen Resort

93%

(165)

43mi from The Racetrack Playa · 15 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land: Relax at Aberdeen Resort! Enjoy Goodale Creek at camp and the amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. We have 10 Overnight Sites with the rest of the park being long term. Explore the many OHV trails, hike from the Park or head up to the many trailheads in the area. Fish Goodale Creek or head across the 395 to the gorgeous Owens River. Unspoiled and wild, the Owens Valley is spectacular and serene.

TINY in the Eastern Sierra's

100%

(1)

28mi from The Racetrack Playa · 1 site · Lodging

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.

Cartago Springs

78%

(9)

35mi from The Racetrack Playa · 2 sites · RVs

Cartago Springs is right off of the 395 HWY, with beautiful panoramic views of the Sierra mountains with bright twinkling open skies at night. Just minutes from cotton wood creek and a short drive to the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney. Open land to park your trailer or RV. Star gaze and eat under the stars. Cartago wildlife area is a five minute walk down the road from the property. The Cartago Wildlife area is a protected wet land that homes many different birds and wild life, there are walking trails and a small pond to enjoy. The property sits near what was once the old Cartago dump. You can find beautiful colored glass, porcelains, neat items like silverware, car parts, old lighters, a pickers paradise. feel free to take any treasures you find home with you! If you like to ride, Olancha dunes is just down the road. Cactus Flats Road in Olancha will take you into the Coso Mountains where the trails are endless, the views are beautiful and the peace is surreal. Cartago Springs is a few miles north of the Mobile gas station, where they serve hot food a perfect convince for the traveler. Hope to see you soon!

Haiwee Flats

83%

(3)

41mi from The Racetrack Playa · 1 site · RV

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.

Diaz Lake Campground

29mi from The Racetrack Playa · 1 site

Nestled in a picturesque setting, Diaz Lake Campground stands out for its expansive 80-acre lake, which serves as a hub for fishing and various water sports. This unique feature makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both relaxation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy year-round shore fishing, making it a perfect spot for anglers of all skill levels. To fish in the lake, a valid fishing license is required, ensuring a responsible and enjoyable experience for everyone. The serene environment surrounding the lake enhances the overall camping experience, providing ample opportunities for nature walks and wildlife observation. In addition to fishing, the campground offers a range of recreational activities, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you're looking to paddleboard, kayak, or simply unwind by the water, Diaz Lake Campground promises a memorable getaway filled with natural beauty and outdoor fun.

The best camping near The Racetrack Playa, CA guide

Overview

About

Home to a "ghostly" national phenomenon, The Racetrack in Death Valley National Park had scientists stumped until recent years. The region gets its name from the tracks left behind by rocks that seemed to have moved in the night. With some tracks as long as 1,500 ft, the Racetrack is sure to amaze any traveler who makes this necessary stop while exploring the Death Valley region's many world-class camping opportunities. If you manage to catch the perfect conditions you can observe the rocks slide across this dry lakebed as the morning sun rises and melts the ice sheet that forms overnight. Modest winds can then push the rocks great distances resulting in a mind-bending illusion that looks as if the rocks have been "racing" around this beautiful vista.

When to go

The best time to visit the Racetrack Playa is during the cooler months from late fall to early spring. Summer temperatures can be extreme, making exploration less comfortable. Winter offers a chance to see the moving rocks' phenomenon, with the possibility of witnessing the rare event of stones gliding across the playa.

Know before you go

High-clearance, 4x4 vehicles with heavy-duty tires are recommended for the rough road to the Racetrack.
Prepare for no cell phone coverage; bring plenty of water and fuel.
Driving offroad is prohibited to protect the delicate desert environment.
Respect the area by not moving or removing the rocks.
Visit during daylight hours for safety and the best visibility of the moving rocks.

Be the first to review

Share your experience here to help other campers.