With a name like Death Valley, it is understandable why this Californian desert is not quite as alluring as something like Angel’s Landing in Utah, as an example. However, Death Valley is, in fact, an incredible destination for a unique camping experience. Since it is nothing but a vast desert landscape, you might be wondering, “where can I camp in Death Valley?”
Thanks to its sheer size and unique topography, Death Valley in California is ideal for a unique camping experience. Death Valley has no shortage of places to camp, with twelve campgrounds containing hundreds of campsites. Popular spots include Furnace Creek Campground and Texas Spring.
If you are up for a wild, unique, and secluded camping experience, then Death Valley in California is undoubtedly the place for you. The wide-open desert landscape and mountainous views make a camping experience unlike any other – wait until you see the incredible campgrounds! Discover why Death Valley should be your next camping destination.
Camping In Death Valley
With a National Park stretching out over 5,000 square miles, it is easy to see why Death Valley would have seemingly endless possibilities for camping. Indeed, second only to Alaska, the Death Valley National Park is one of the biggest in The United States. Its unique topography is the alluring factor for a camping adventure – much more than its name!
With twelve public and private campgrounds containing hundreds of campsites, outdoor enthusiasts will have no shortage of options for places to camp in the desert of Death Valley. The overall camping experience is unlike any other, especially because there is nothing but vast desert and mountainous views, making it a secluded camping experience.
Camping of all kinds is welcome and catered to in Death Valley. Whether you are looking to pitch a tent or arrive in your RV or camper van, you will undoubtedly have plenty of options that cater to your specific needs. Some campsites are more “luxurious” than others, offering showers, toilets, and picnic tables, among other amenities, while others remain more primitive.
A camping experience in Death Valley feels like you are in the kind of place that would be in a sci-fi movie. In fact, scenes from classic films like Spartacus and Star Wars were filmed here! Along with that exciting fact, campers will also get to experience the night sky light up with stars and views of the milky way – an experience of nature that is truly unrivaled.
Preparing To Camp In Death Valley
As is the case with choosing to camp in any destination, adequate planning and preparation are vital to ensure that you get the most out of your experience and, most importantly, to ensure that you have a safe experience. We will help you with some tips to consider when preparing to camp in Death Valley.
Firstly, one thing to bear in mind about Death Valley – and this is no exaggeration – is that it is one of the world’s hottest places. Indeed, record temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded here during the summer months, and temperatures do not drop even once the sun has gone down.
This, of course, means that planning when to visit Death Valley for camping is essential. While camping during the summer is possible, it is not recommended unless you can handle extreme, unrelenting heat. Many of the campgrounds are also closed during this time as a result. The best time to camp in Death Valley is during the Fall, Winter, and Spring months.
The majority of the campgrounds, except for Furnace Creek Campground, work on a “first come, first serve” basis – so try to arrive as early as possible to avoid disappointment, as the campgrounds can fill up fast during peak seasons. Furnace Creek Campground requires reservations to be made well in advance to secure your spot there.
Lastly, some of the campgrounds do have a small entry fee averaging roughly $20, so make sure to thoroughly research each campground you are considering for your camping trip to be as prepared as possible. Make sure to pick the campground that will best suit the kind of experience that you are looking for.
The Best Campsites In Death Valley
Alright, by now, you are undoubtedly bursting with excitement waiting to find out exactly where all of the exciting campsites in Death Valley actually are. While there are literally hundreds of possibilities – and we cannot mention them all – we will show you the best campsites in Death Valley that you cannot afford to pass by.
Texas Spring
Texas Spring is the first option on our list because it perfectly encompasses all that a Death Valley Camping experience has to offer. A quiet and secluded camping experience is what you can expect at Texas Spring while still having access to those “comfortable” amenities like restrooms and running water.
Several campsites within Texas Spring are specifically designated for tent camping, while others cater to RV and camper van style camping, so whichever camping experience you prefer, you will find it here. Each campsite is readily equipped with picnic tables and fire pits for campers to make use of.
An entrance fee of only $16 will grant you access to the desert landscape and mountainous views that make Death Valley so intriguing.
Mesquite Spring Campground
The Mesquite Spring Campground has got to be on your list of campsites to visit in Death Valley. Firstly, because it is free to visit and camp here, but secondly – and most importantly – because it is one of the most secluded and private camping experiences in Death Valley, offering breathtaking views of the nearby mountains.
Despite offering such a private and secluded experience, the Mesquite Spring Campground still gives campers access to amenities like barbeque pits, picnic tables, and everyone’s favorite – flush toilets. The Mesquite Spring Campground is open year-round and caters to tent, RV, and camper van camping. This campsite is not to be passed by!
Furnace Creek Campground
We have saved what we and many seasoned campers would consider being the best campsite in Death Valley, the Furnace Creek Campground. This is undoubtedly the most popular campsite in the area, and as a result, is the only campsite that requires a reservation. Indeed, Furnace Creek Campground is often booked up six months in advance.
Interestingly enough, Furnace Creek Campground is situated at roughly 190 feet below sea level, making it the lowest location in The United States. The views of Death Valley here are simply unmatched, and campers will have access to a whole host of activities, including the best hiking trails in Death Valley, bike paths, and exploring an abandoned borax mine.
All of the spacious campsites include access to flush toilets, water, picnic tables, and even fire pits for those nights with the family. It will cost you $22 dollars for standard camping and $36 for hook-up RVs.
Conclusion
There are so many more places to camp in Death Valley, including other classics like Sunset Campground and Stovepipe Wells Campground, to name a few. However, we are confident that the three campsites that we have covered will give you the best Death Valley camping experience. Do not pass by an opportunity to camp in the Californian desert!
