Camping & Backpacking | Death Valley National Park, California
Please refer to this map for finding the locations described below. Expand to view map legend and additional detail.
Overview | Camping & Backpacking | Death Valley National Park, California
There are three kinds of campgrounds in Death Valley National Park:
Developed Campgrounds
Primitive Campgrounds
Privately Operated Campgrounds
In addition, there are some popular backpacking locations.
Reservations:
- Reservations for the Furnace Creek Campground are available for the camping season of October 15 to April 15 by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visiting recreation.gov.
- Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance, but can be made up to 6 months in advance.
- In recent years, recreation.gov reservations have booked Furnace Creek Campground to capacity most days.
- All other National Park campgrounds are first come/first served year round (no reservations), however the National Park Service reserves the right to reserve sites for management needs for all campgrounds.
More information on camping in Death Valley
Developed Campgrounds in Death Valley
Furnace Creek Campground
Sunset Campground
Texas Springs Campground
Stovepipe Wells Campground
Mesquite Spring Campground
Emigrant Campground
Wildrose Campground
Furnace Creek Campground:
- Location: Furnace Creek near the visitor center
- Amenities: Flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, fire grates, store, dump station
- Details: 183 sites (both tent and RV), including 30 sites with full hookups for RVs. The campground also has flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and a store.
Sunset Campground:
- Location: Furnace Creek area
- Amenities: Vault toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, dump station, and a store.
- Details: 250 sites, no hook-ups (tent camping). No water available
Texas Springs Campground:
- Location: Furnace Creek area on a plateau known for its stunning views of the Panamint Range.
- Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables
- Details: 12 sites, no hook-ups, tent camping only. No water available. Very little shade!
Stovepipe Wells Campground:
- Location: Stovepipe Wells Village area
- Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire grates
- Details: 100 sites (tent and RV), including 30 with full hookups for RVs.
Mesquite Spring Campground:
- Location: Near Grapevine Ranger Station
- Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, dumping station.
- Details: 33 sites – both tent and RV. No water available.
Emigrant Campground:
- Location: Emigrant Canyon area
- Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets
- Details: 12 sites – tent camping only, no water available
Wildrose Campground:
- Location: Near Charcoal Kilns
- Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets
- Details: 9 sites – tent camping only, open seasonally, depending on weather conditions.
Primitive Campgrounds in Death Valley
Mahogany Flat Campground
Thorndike Campground
Saline Valley Campground
Homestake Campground
Eureka Dunes
Dry Camp
Mahogany Flat Campground:
- Location: Beyond Charcoal Kilns
- Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings
- Details: Tent camping, no water, high-clearance 4×4 vehicles recommended
Thorndike Campground:
- Location: Near Mahogany Flat Campground
- Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings
- Details: Primitive tent camping, no water, high-clearance 4×4 vehicles recommended
Saline Valley Campground:
- Location: Saline Valley – Take Highway 168 towards Death Valley for 3 miles. Turn Right onto Death Valley Road. In 14 miles, you will reach Woucoba Saline Valley Road.
- Amenities: Clothing-optional hot spring area
- Details: Primitive tent camping, no water, no facilities, accessible to high-clearance 4×4 vehicles
Homestake Dry Camp:
- Location: Access from Saline Valley Road
- Amenities: None
- Details: Primitive tent camping, no water, no facilities, accessible to high-clearance 4×4 vehicles
Indian Creek Campground:
- Location: West of Panamint Springs
- Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings
- Details: Primitive tent camping, no water available, open seasonally
Eureka Dunes Dry Camp:
- Location: Eureka Dunes Dry Camp
- Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings
- Details: Primitive tent camping, no water, accessible to high-clearance 4×4 vehicles
Privately Operated Campgrounds in Death Valley
Backpacking in Death Valley
Death Valley Backpacking Overview:
Backpacking in Death Valley National Park offers a unique and rewarding experience for those who are prepared for the challenges of the desert environment. The stunning landscapes, solitude, and sense of adventure make it an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the park. However, due to the potential risks involved, proper preparation and safety precautions are essential for a successful backpacking trip in this rugged and extreme environment.
Important Death Valley Backcountry Resources:
• Backcountry & Wilderness Access Map
• Backcountry Wilderness Permits
Backpacking Locations
Death Valley National Park offers several backpacking locations that allow you to explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from sand dunes to canyons to mountain peaks.
A Few of the Many Notable Backpacking Locations in Death Valley National Park
Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop:
This 32-mile loop takes you through stunning canyons, across open desert, and past ancient petroglyphs. It’s a challenging but rewarding multi-day hike that offers a mix of desert scenery.
Telescope Peak:
Backpackers can hike to the summit of Telescope Peak, the highest point in Death Valley National Park. The hike is steep and demanding, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort. There are some excellent back country camping spots along the way.
Wildrose Peak:
Backpack to the summit of Wildrose Peak, which offers incredible views of the surrounding desert landscape. This is a challenging hike that requires a 4,000-foot elevation gain over about 8 miles round trip. There is a nice back country camping area below the summit of Wildrose Peak.
Colville Ridge:
This is the approach ridge from Scotty’s Well in the Hanaupah Canyon area to the Mahogany Flat Campground and Wildrose and Telescope Peaks. There are excellent backpacking sites along the ridge and views are spectacular.
Titus Canyon Route:
This 26-mile one-way route can be backpacked over multiple days. The trail takes you through Titus Canyon, offering views of colorful rock formations, narrows, and desert flora. No car/RV camping allowed on Titus Canyon Road.
Panamint Dunes:
Hike to the remote Panamint Dunes for a unique backpacking experience. The dunes are not heavily visited, providing solitude and an opportunity to explore the sand dunes and surrounding desert.
Fall Canyon to Striped Butte:
This challenging off-trail hike takes you from the Ballarat area to Striped Butte in the Panamint Range South of Panamint City and Sentinel Peak. Navigation skills and experience in desert backpacking are essential for this route.
Tin Mountain:
This is a shorter backpacking option, taking you to the summit of Tin Mountain from the Racetrack Valley Road area. The hike offers great views and the opportunity to explore the unique desert ecosystem.
