15 Death Valley Campsites For The Perfect Desert Camping Trip

If you like camping and enjoy nothing better than a night out amidst nature, then Death Valley is the perfect location. Death Valley has one of the most awesome ecosystems with diverse geographical features. Death Valley National Park is one of the largest in the United States and a favorite destination for campers. There are many Death Valley campsites where you can have an enjoyable camping holiday.

Why choose Death Valley campsites for camping?

Death Valley sounds like a scary place! It is known for having the hottest temperatures ever. It is also the driest national park in the United States. The amazing natural diversity of the place is what attracts visitors to this place. People who love camping will definitely enjoy an experience camping at Death Valley campsites.

While it is not a suitable place to camp in summer, winter is the best time to camp in Death Valley. Plan a trip to the Death Valley campsites in winter and enjoy an amazing experience enjoying views of the valleys, peaks, and salt flats.

Camping at Death Valley campsites – planning your trip

If you are planning camping at Death Valley campsites, then it is important to plan your trip properly. As mentioned above, camping during summer is not possible thanks to the unimaginable heat. Winter and even spring months are the best time to camp in Death Valley.

October to April is the best time to plan camping at Death Valley campsites. In case you are keen on camping in summer, then there are three Death Valley campsites that are at a higher altitude. These Death Valley campsites (Wildrose, Mahogany, and Thorndike) are cooler even during the summer months.

If your preference is camping in Death Valley, then there are 12 Death Valley campgrounds to choose from. Of these twelve, nine Death Valley campsites are managed by the National Park Service and three by private operators.

Apart from camping in the Death Valley campsites, you can also consider camping near Death Valley at the various sites near the park.

The best Death Valley campsites in Death Valley

Let’s first take a look at the twelve Death Valley campsites located within the National park. These are the ideal choices for camping.

1) Furnace Creek Campground

This campground is located at the main entry point of Death Valley. There are more than 136 Death Valley campsites located in Furnace Creek Campground. 18 of them have hookups for RVs. The camp is a large one and the bigger sites are meant for RVs. There are smaller roads meant for the tents. All facilities like flush toilets, potable water, picnic sites, and firepits are available. This is the only one of the NPS-managed Death Valley campsites that allow reservations in advance from October 15^th to April 15^th. Reservations are open 6 months in advance here. $22 is the campsite fee to be paid. If you want a hookup site for your RV, the cost is $36. Visit the website Recreation.gov to make a reservation in advance. There is a limit in this campground of 14 days of camping per calendar year.

2) Sunset Campground

Sunset Campground is among the Death Valley campsites that is located in the Furnace Creek area. Its central location makes it a popular campground since it offers easy access to many of the Death Valley attractions. There are 270 different campsites here. There aren't any RV hookups but there is a dump station available. Flush toilets and potable water is available. Firepits are also available but there are no picnic tables. $14 is the fee to be paid to camp here. There is no reservation and all sites are open from fall to spring. Since there is no shade here, make sure you get a portable shade.

3) The Oasis at Death Valley

The Oasis is among the private Death Valley campsites (known as Fiddler’s Campground) that ensures you can get a luxury experience. It has provisions for 35 RVs with a hookup facility. Located in the Furnace Creek area, the charge per night is $24. You get access to hot showers, a pool, and outdoor games. There are trees on the campsite that offers shade to keep you comfortable. There is a common picnic area for guests with a community fire pit. Restaurants and a golf course are nearby for those who want such facilities. It is recommended that you make an advance reservation before visiting. This Death Valley campsite is open throughout the year.

4) Texas Springs Campground

There are four Death Valley campsites located in Furnace Creek and this is one of them. The campground is close to many attractions. There are 92 campsites available. Of these 26 are meant for tent only. It is a well-equipped campsite with all amenities such as flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. While RVs are permitted, generators are not allowed. The fee is $16 per night. There are no reservations available for this campsite. It is open from late fall to the end of spring. Being at a higher location, the campsite offers greater privacy.

5) Stovepipe Wells Campground

This is one of the large Death Valley campsites with 190 campsites, of which 28 are meant only for tents. The fee charged is $14 per night. RVs of a maximum of 30’ are permitted but hook-ups are not available. There is no reservation and campsites are allotted on a first-come-first-serve basis. General stores, a full-fledged hotel, and a gas station are located in the vicinity making this one of the convenient Death Valley campsites to stay. Not all campsite has picnic tables and firepits. A dump station for RV’s is available. Potable water is also available.

6) Stovepipe Wells RV Park

This is one of the Death Valley campsites managed by a private organization. It is a small campsite that has only 40 sites. The charge is $40 per night. RVs and allowed with hook-ups. It is open throughout the year and it is recommended to make a reservation before visiting. Free Wi-Fi and a swimming pool are the amenities camper can enjoy at this private campsite. The location is convenient and is next to the Stovepipe Wells village, where a number of amenities are available, including a general store, a hotel, and a restaurant.

7) Mesquite Spring Campground

This is one of the Death Valley campsites located near the Scotty’s Castle visitor center to the northern part of the park. There are 40 sites at this campsite. The fee charged is $14 per night. RVs are permitted but hook-ups are not available. There is no reservation offered at this site. This is one of the Death Valley campsites located at a higher elevation and has a pleasant climate. This makes it suitable even for summer camping. All amenities are available here, including firepits and picnic tables. RVs can access the dump station in the campground. It must be noted that the location is such that there is no shade available.

8) Emigrant Campground

This campsite is one of the smaller Death Valley campsites that is offered free of charge. Only tents are allowed in this campsite and there is space for only ten tents. It is centrally located and close to various attractions. No reservation is possible. The campground is open throughout the year. It is well-equipped with flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. It is close by to the Stovepipe Wells area. It must be noted that the campground is essentially a large parking lot near the highway.

9) Panamint Springs RV Park

Panamint Springs is one of the private Death Valley campsites that is a part of the Panamint Resort. It has 54 sites and welcomes RVs, offering full hook-ups in 6 sites. 223 sites are meant for tents. The fee varies from $10 to $40 per night depending on the site. It is located at the western end of the park. There are 19 RV sites that are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, while the rest require a reservation in advance. Most of the campsites have a fire pit and a picnic table. The resort has a hotel, gas station, bar, restaurant, and general store.

10) Wildrose Campground

Wildrose is one of the Death Valley campsites that are convenient to stay in summer thanks to it higher elevation. This is one of the best Death Valley campsites to stay at if you are interested in hiking. There are 23 sites here with tents and RVs allowed. There is no reservation here. There is no fee charged and access to the campsites is free of charge. All facilities including picnic tables are available here. It must be noted that only RVs lesser than 25’ are allowed here. It is open throughout the year.

11) Mahogany Flat Campground

The Mahogany campsite is one of the Death Valley campsites present at a remote location. It is a small campsite and there is provision for only 10 sites. RVs without hook-ups can be brought but the maximum length is 25’. There is no reservation offered at this campsite. This is one of the Death Valley campsites open from late spring until fall. It must be noted that only vehicles with high clearance and 4WD can reach this campsite. This is because of it is located at the end of a dirt road. The site is comfortable thanks to the shade available. However, there is no potable water and you need to get your own water if you camp here.

12) Thorndike Campground

The Thorndike Campground is one of the Death Valley campsites suitable for a summer stay. Just like the Mahogany campsite, access is possible only if you have a high clearance vehicle. There are only 6 campsites available and there are no charges for use of these sites. There are no flush toilets here and only pit toilets are available. There is no potable water and you need to get your own water. Sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. While RVs can park here, there is no hookup, and only RVs less than 25’ are allowed. It is open from late spring to fall.

Campsites near Death Valley

If for any reason, you don’t want to stay in Death Valley, you can consider Death Valley campsites located near the park. These Death Valley campsites are located close by and ideal when you don’t get a reservation in any of the Death Valley campsites inside the park.

13) Death Valley RV Park

This is one of the Death Valley campsites located near the park and meant only for RVs. It is located to the northeast of the park. There are 39 different sites available with hook-ups. There are a number of amenities available, including free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool. hot tub, and laundry. It is 40 minutes away from Stovepipe wells making it a convenient location. You can use this park only if you reserve in advance. The fee varies depending on the site and amenities used.

14)Preferred RV Resort

This is one of the Death Valley campsites located to the east of the park. It is a fairly large campsite located near Death Valley and has 270 sites. The fee charged is $40 per night. It is a very convenient campsite near Death valley since it is fairly close to Furnace creek. There are a number of handy amenities available including free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, a spa, and an exercise room. The campsite is beautiful with many pine trees separating the campsites. Reservations are recommended.

15) Shoshone RV Park

This is one of the Death Valley campsites located near the park to the southern side. There are sites for tents as well as RVs. 25 RV sites are available with full hook-up. Pets are allowed inside the park. It is suggested to reserve a campsite before planning a visit here. The fee charged is $30 for tents and $45 for RVs. The amenities offered at this campsite include a community room, showers, a swimming pool, laundry, and a firepit.