Emigrant Campground
4.1432 reviewsPO Box 579, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA
Emigrant Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Emigrant Campground is a free campsite. Visitors are required to pay the park entry fee but there is no cost for camping.
About this campground
Escape to Emigrant Campground, where the raw beauty of Death Valley unfolds beneath endless desert skies. This intimate, tent-only sanctuary welcomes adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience without the crowds. Perched at 2,100 feet with sweeping views of the majestic Cottonwood Mountains, this free, first-come, first-served hideaway offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's profound silence. Here, primitive camping takes on new meaning as you fall asleep to the whisper of desert winds and wake to painted sunrises over ancient peaks.
Emigrant Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served, tent-only campground with no additional fee. It is ideal for visitors seeking a simple and remote camping experience with minimal facilities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Death Valley's dramatic seasonal personality at Emigrant Campground. Summer nights bring surprisingly warm temperatures that invite midnight stargazing sessions, while winter transforms the desert into a comfortable outdoor paradise with crisp mornings averaging 42°F and pleasant afternoons reaching 57°F. The ever-present desert breeze carries stories across the arid landscape, where low humidity creates crystal-clear atmospheric conditions perfect for photography and astronomical observation. Pack layers for cool evenings and prepare for the occasional gusty winds that sculpt this timeless terrain.
ElevationRising 2,100 feet above the valley floor, Emigrant Campground occupies a sweet spot in Death Valley's vertical landscape. This moderate elevation creates a unique microclimate where desert extremes soften into manageable conditions, especially during nighttime hours. From this vantage point, the vast expanse of the desert unfolds like an ancient manuscript, revealing layers of geological history while providing relief from the intense heat that characterizes lower elevations. The position offers photographers and nature lovers unparalleled panoramic views that stretch from rugged peaks to distant valleys.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape that defies imagination at Emigrant Campground. Rocky outcroppings and weathered terrain create a natural amphitheater where the Cottonwood Mountains perform their daily light show. This remote outpost delivers solitude seekers exactly what they crave—uninterrupted views across miles of pristine desert wilderness. When darkness falls, the campground transforms into one of North America's premier stargazing destinations, where the Milky Way blazes across the sky with breathtaking clarity. The nearby Panamint Range stands sentinel, its ancient peaks catching first light and holding last color each day.
Geological RegionNestled within the geological wonderland of Death Valley National Park, Emigrant Campground offers front-row seats to millions of years of Earth's history. The surrounding Cottonwood Mountains, part of the greater Panamint Range, showcase nature's artistic prowess through layers of exposed rock, dramatic fault lines, and wind-carved formations. This desert theater presents an ever-changing display of colors and textures, from sun-bleached limestone to volcanic remnants that speak of violent prehistoric eruptions. The expansive skies above serve as a vast canvas where weather patterns and celestial events unfold with theatrical grandeur, making this remote corner of the Mojave Desert a treasure trove for geology enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground’s gravel surface is described as rough and rocky, and the flush toilet building is accessible via a dirt path with two steps at the entrance.
Sites SizeSites are small, tent-only, and suitable for single tents or small setups.
Sites PrivacySites offer minimal privacy as the campground is small and open, typical of desert environments.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure a site as the campground fills quickly. Use longer tent stakes for better stability due to the hard, rocky ground. Consider sites closer to restrooms for convenience.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Check-out
12 PM Noon.
Stay Limit
30 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per campsite.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 10 primitive tent sites with picnic tables and trash receptacles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Emigrant Campground are limited due to its minimalistic design. The main draw is the stunning desert landscape and the exceptional night sky views for stargazing.
Hiking
While there are no dedicated hiking trails originating from the campground, its proximity to Death Valley attractions makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby trails and natural landmarks.Wildlife viewing
The remote desert location provides opportunities for spotting wildlife, but care must be taken to store food securely due to scavengers like coyotes and ravens.Winter Activities
The higher elevation and milder temperatures at night during the winter season make it possible to camp, but no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not suitable for this campground due to its desert location.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Gas-burning stoves are permitted. Fires and charcoal grills are prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsHard and rocky ground that makes staking tents difficult. High winds may affect tent stability. Wildlife such as coyotes and ravens are scavengers, requiring visitors to properly store food and trash.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station (10 miles). Additional emergency services can be accessed at Furnace Creek.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling collection are available year-round. Visitors are instructed to dispose of waste in the provided receptacles.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby lakes or rivers; potable water is available on-site.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include difficulty in securing a campsite due to high demand, noise from the nearby road, and challenging tent setup due to rocky ground. Some users report issues with individuals leaving items to 'reserve' spots.
Campground Map
PO Box 579, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA
Driving directions40 minutes from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Turn left from the visitor center onto CA190 and drive west past Stovepipe Wells. Emigrant Campground is located 10 miles southwest of Stovepipe Wells.
Located right off CA 190 with a gravel surface that can be rough and rocky. Accessible year-round with no seasonal closures.Nearby places
Stovepipe Wells (10 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Furnace Creek Visitor Center (40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as firewood, ice, showers, and internet are available at the privately operated Stovepipe Wells Resort, approximately 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.1
32 reviews
Emigrant Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its affordability (free), excellent location for stargazing, and clean flush toilets. However, users highlight the hard, rocky ground, lack of shade, and proximity to the highway as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
"Free! With picnic tables and flush toilets!" "The most beautiful night sky ever!" "Great base for exploring Death Valley." Many reviewers appreciate the desert solitude and the convenience of flush...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Noise from the highway, hard and rocky ground making tent setup challenging, no fire pits, and high winds were common issues mentioned by users.
Based on 32 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site. Bring extra-long tent stakes due to the rocky ground. Avoid arriving late at night as the campground fills up quickly.
Based on 32 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter and early spring are praised as the best times for camping due to mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer camping is less popular due to extreme heat, though the campground may be less...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"It's a great pitstop to grab some water, take a bathroom break, and check your brakes before heading down into Death Valley." "Beware of high winds!! I don't recommend tenting." "Nice little...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are first-come, first-served and fill up quickly, especially during peak times like mornings and early evenings. Some reviewers recommend avoiding the spots closest to the highway due to noise.
Based on 32 reviewsAccessibility Features
The rough, rocky terrain and two steps at the toilet building entrance pose accessibility challenges for wheelchair users.
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and attended at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Based on 32 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025