Stovepipe Wells Campground
3.9457 reviewsPO Box 579, Death Valley, CA, 92328, USA
Stovepipe Wells Campground
$9.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
Standard campsite fees are $18 per night. Senior and Access Pass holders receive a discounted rate of $9 per night. Fees are paid via automated fee machine using credit/debit cards.
About this campground
Discover the raw beauty of Death Valley at Stovepipe Wells Campground, where 190 sites await adventurous souls on a first-come, first-served basis. Nestled at the heart of one of America's most dramatic landscapes, this desert oasis offers 28 dedicated tent-only spots complete with fire grates and picnic tables for those seeking an authentic camping experience. With the convenience of an adjacent general store and ranger station just steps away, you'll enjoy the perfect balance of wilderness and accessibility. Wake up to breathtaking views of the iconic Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes stretching endlessly before you, their golden curves catching the first light of dawn.
Stovepipe Wells Campground provides a mix of camping options, primarily suited for tent and RV campers. However, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.
Historical SignificanceCamp where prospectors once dreamed of fortune and pioneers carved paths through impossible terrain. Stovepipe Wells sits within Death Valley National Park, a landscape steeped in tales of determination and discovery. This storied region bears witness to centuries of human ambition, from Native American tribes who first navigated these lands to the mining boom that brought waves of fortune-seekers. Today, the campground serves as your gateway to exploring the geological wonders and historical remnants that make Death Valley an American treasure.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Death Valley's gentler side during the campground's October 15 to April 15 season, when the desert transforms into a comfortable outdoor paradise. Winter nights bring crisp temperatures in the 30s—perfect for campfire gatherings—while daytime highs reach a pleasant 60°F, ideal for exploring the valley's wonders. The campground wisely closes during summer months when the desert unleashes its legendary heat, ensuring your visit coincides with the most enjoyable weather conditions for outdoor adventures.
ElevationAt sea level in one of the lowest points in North America, Stovepipe Wells offers a unique camping experience in the heart of the Mojave Desert. This remarkable elevation creates the characteristic arid conditions that define Death Valley—crystal-clear skies, minimal humidity, and the dramatic temperature swings that paint the landscape in ever-changing light. Summer's intense heat gives way to surprisingly cool winter nights, creating a dynamic environment that showcases the desert's many moods.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape that defies imagination, where the magnificent Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes rise like golden waves frozen in time just beyond your tent. By day, watch as shadows dance across rippling dunes and rugged mountain ranges frame the horizon. As darkness falls, prepare for one of nature's greatest shows—a canopy of stars so brilliant and numerous that the Milky Way appears close enough to touch. This sea-level perch offers unobstructed views of Death Valley's dramatic desert vistas, from sun-baked flatlands to distant peaks painted in shades of rust and gold.
Geological RegionSet your tent at the crossroads of geological wonder in Death Valley National Park, where millions of years of Earth's history lie exposed in spectacular fashion. From your sea-level basecamp, venture out to explore the nearby Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where wind-sculpted formations create an ever-changing landscape of curves and ridges. Just a short drive away, Mosaic Canyon beckons with its polished marble walls and narrow passages carved by ancient flash floods. This arid desert environment showcases nature's artistry at its most dramatic, offering camping amidst some of the planet's most extraordinary geological features.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers flat, dirt/gravel surfaces that are ADA-friendly but not exclusively reserved for ADA use. Restrooms include an ADA stall.
Sites Size190 total sites, including 28 tent-only sites. Sites are mostly located on a gravel lot.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited as sites are closely spaced in an open, gravel area. Tent sites offer slightly more seclusion near the edges.
Total Campsites190 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent sites at the back are recommended for privacy and access to fire grates and tables. For sunrise views, Site 14 is ideal.
Best CampsitesSome user reviews recommend Site 14 for unobstructed sunrise views. Tent-only sites at the back with fire grates and picnic tables are also commonly praised.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official check-in time due to first-come, first-served policy.
Check-out
12 PM Noon
Stay Limit
Stay limited to 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
8people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists mainly of a large gravel lot with painted lines for parking. Tent-only sites are located at the back with added features like fire grates and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from October 15 to April 15. Closed during summer (April 15 to October 31) due to extreme heat.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. No reservations accepted. Availability may vary during peak tourist season and holidays.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The campground serves as a base for exploring Death Valley with nearby activities such as hiking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. Cultural and educational experiences are also accessible at the visitor center.
Hiking
Centrally located near Mosaic Canyon and other popular trails, offering easy access to various hiking experiences.Wildlife viewing
Opportunities exist to observe native desert wildlife such as kit foxes.Cultural and Educational Programs
The visitor center offers interpretive programs about the natural and cultural history of Death Valley.Winter Activities
The campground remains open during the winter season when temperatures are milder, making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires permitted only in NPS-provided fire grates at tent-only sites. Charcoal grills prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential dangers include extreme summer heat, desert wildlife such as scorpions and snakes, and wind-blown sand during windy conditions.
Active alertsNone currently noted, but the campground closes seasonally due to extreme heat.
Weather forecast
110
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 21.4 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
Closest ranger station is adjacent to the campground. The nearest hospital and police station are located outside the park in Beatty, NV (~45 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesOctober 15 to April 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling collection is available year-round.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Mosaic Canyon. No natural water sources within the campground.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include lack of shade, limited restroom facilities (two stalls per gender for 190 sites), and noise from nearby generators and fighter jets.
HostSeasonal staff are available; hosts have been described as friendly and helpful in multiple reviews.
Campground Map
PO Box 579, Death Valley, CA, 92328, USA
Driving directionsLocated on CA190 just 24 miles (39 km) west of Furnace Creek.
Road access is via CA190, which is paved and suitable for all vehicle types. The campground is accessible year-round, except when closed seasonally from April 15 to October 31 due to extreme heat.Nearby places
Furnace Creek (24 miles, ~30 minutes), Beatty, NV (~45 miles, ~1 hour), Las Vegas, NV (~120 miles, ~2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at the adjacent Stovepipe Wells general store include groceries, fuel, and camping essentials. Additional provisions available in Furnace Creek and Beatty, NV.
Camper Reviews
3.9
57 reviews
Stovepipe Wells Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Stovepipe Wells Campground receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights its convenient location for exploring Death Valley and availability of essential amenities. However, many users express dissatisfaction with the lack of privacy, sparse shade, and the 'parking lot' aesthetic.
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests appreciate the proximity to Mosaic Canyon, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and other attractions. The general store and nearby hotel amenities are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects.
Based on 57 reviewsCommon Concerns
Major complaints include the lack of shade, noisy generators, crowded conditions, and limited restrooms. Some reviewers note the campground's basic facilities, likening it to a gravel parking lot.
Based on 57 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend staying during the off-season for a quieter experience and bringing their own shade structures.
Based on 57 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter is the most praised season for camping due to cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer camping is not possible due to extreme heat.
Based on 57 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The beauty of camping here? It provides you a great view of the stars in the night sky." - Doerte Sennecke-Chow. "It's essentially a parking lot, so if you're tent camping, it won't be a very soft...
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Tent sites at the back are noted for having fire rings and picnic tables, offering a slightly better experience than the main gravel area.
Based on 57 reviewsAccessibility Features
Flat terrain is noted as ADA-friendly. Restrooms include an ADA stall, but surfaces are gravel/dirt, which may be challenging for some.
Based on 57 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be confined or on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Some visitors note that the campground is pet-friendly in general.
Based on 57 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025