Camping in Death Valley

 

Seasons

Summer: May - September

• There are only a few campgrounds open in the summer months due to the extreme temperatures (midnight temperatures can still be over 100 degrees!) so most visitors find these sleeping conditions unfavorable.
• Due to the limited number of campgrounds open it can be very busy over HOLIDAY weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day), and campgrounds may fill. The higher elevation campgrounds can be full on most weekends throughout the summer.
• Open campgrounds are ALL first-come, first-serve, and they are not staffed. You will need to travel to the campground to find an empty spot, and then you can pay your campground fee at the automated, self-help kiosk with a credit or debit card.
• Due to excessive summer heat, it is recommended to stay in developed campgrounds only. Travel on primitive, unpaved roads increases the risk of vehicle breakdowns, exposure to elements, poor cell service and lack of water.
• To escape Death Valley’s famous summer heat, consider our higher elevation campgrounds for more pleasant overnight options: Mesquite Spring, Emigrant or Wildrose.

Winter/Spring: October - April

• Furnace Creek Campground takes reservations and fills during the busy season. Reservations are only available for Furnace Creek Campground October 15th - April 15th; all others are first-come, first-served. Sites can be booked through recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance.
• The popular campgrounds (Furnace Creek and Texas Springs) are typically full on weekends and holidays.
• The largest campground, Sunset, almost always has sites available, even in peak season.

• You can arrive anytime and pay at the first-come, first-serve campgrounds with an automated machine (credit or debit card needed).

 

Camping/Campground Rules

Number of People/Vehicles:

• Campsites are limited to no more than eight people and two vehicles or one recreational vehicle plus secondary vehicle per site.
• Larger groups wishing to camp together can reserve group sites at the Furnace Creek Campground.

Campfires:

All vegetation in the park is protected. Firewood is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells General Stores or you can bring your own supply.

• Ash-producing fires (wood, charcoal, etc.) may only be made in National Park Service metal fire pits.
• All stoves and grills must be gas burning with an on/off switch.
• Fires are prohibited in the summer months or other periods of high fire danger at Mahogany Flat, Thorndike, and Wildrose Campgrounds.

Camping Limits:

• Furnace Creek Campground has a limit of 14 days per calendar year.
• The rest of Death Valley National Park has a 30-day per calendar year camping limit.

Generator Hours:

• From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless otherwise posted.
• Generators are prohibited in Texas Springs Campground.

Pets:

Pets must never be left unattended. There is a maximum limit of 4 pets per campsite and pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Pet owners are responsible for cleanup and cleanup supplies.

Check-out Time:

Check-out time for all park campgrounds is 12 pm.

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Length Restrictions:

• Mahogany Flats Campground, Thorndike Campground, and Wildrose Campground have a length restriction of 25 feet in total length.

• Emigrant Campground is a tent-only campground, no RVs permitted.

• Texas Springs Campground and Mesquite Springs Campground can accommodate up to 35ft in total length.

• Furnace Creek Campground has sites that can accommodate up to 100ft in total length. See recreation.gov for campsite specific details. Not all sites can accommodate that length.

• Sunset Campground and Stovepipe Wells Campground do not have RV length restrictions

Wildlife:

Coyotes and ravens are scavengers - keep your campsite clean! Do NOT feed or disturb wildlife.

 

Backcountry Camping

Interested in dispersed or backcountry camping? It is permitted in some places within the park - find out more about the Backcountry Camping Rules. Death Valley is a large, remote place without cell phone service in most areas. Backcountry camping is a great option for those who prepare properly and follow Leave No Trace principles.

 

Plan your fun and safe adventure!

Backcountry & Wilderness Access Map