Sunset Campground
4.1743 reviewsPO Box 579, Furnace Creek, CA, 92328, USA
Sunset 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
$18 per night for standard camping; $9 per night for Senior/Access Pass holders. Fees are paid using credit/debit cards at automated fee machines in the campground.
About this campground
Sprawling across the heart of Furnace Creek, Sunset Campground offers a uniquely authentic Death Valley experience where the stark beauty of the desert takes center stage. This expansive first-come, first-served haven welcomes travelers with its practical amenities—including flush toilets, drinking water, and convenient dump stations—while embracing the raw, unadorned character of the surrounding landscape. The open, gravel terrain creates an ideal basecamp for RV adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in one of America's most extreme and captivating environments, though the absence of individual fire pits and picnic tables means you'll want to bring your own outdoor setup.
Sunset Campground accommodates both car and tent camping, though its open layout primarily caters to RV users. It does not offer primitive or group camping options, nor are there cabins or luxury camping accommodations available.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Sunset Campground places you at a crossroads of ancient and modern worlds. Just across the way lies the Timbisha Shoshone village, home to the valley's original inhabitants who have called this seemingly inhospitable land home for over a thousand years. This proximity offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the deep cultural heritage woven into Death Valley's story, where human resilience and adaptation have flourished against all odds.
Weather and SeasonsTime your visit wisely—this desert sanctuary closes its gates during the scorching summer months when Death Valley earns its reputation as one of the hottest places on Earth. The magic happens from autumn through spring, when temperatures settle into a comfortable 49°F to 63°F range during peak camping weeks. Spring visitors should come prepared for the desert's spirited winds, which sweep across the valley floor like ancient whispers, adding drama to your outdoor adventure.
ElevationNestled on the legendary valley floor of Death Valley, the campground sits at one of the lowest elevations in North America. This unique position offers campers the extraordinary experience of sleeping below sea level, surrounded by towering mountain ranges that create nature's most dramatic amphitheater.
Natural Features and SceneryIn this land of extremes, beauty emerges from simplicity. The campground's minimalist desert canvas—painted in shades of sand and stone with only whispers of hardy vegetation—serves as your front-row seat to nature's most spectacular light shows. As the sun dips behind distant peaks, the sky erupts in colors that seem impossible anywhere else, while moonrises transform the barren landscape into an otherworldly silver dreamscape. The surrounding mountains stand as silent sentinels, their ancient faces telling stories of geological time.
Geological RegionWelcome to one of Earth's most remarkable geological showcases. Death Valley National Park's desert terrain tells a story written over millions of years—from ancient seas to volcanic eruptions, tectonic shifts to flash floods. The campground's gravel surface represents just the latest chapter in this ever-evolving landscape, where extreme conditions have sculpted a terrain so unique it attracts scientists and adventurers from around the globe. Here, among the sparse desert flora that defies logic by thriving in such aridity, you'll camp in a living geology textbook.
Campsite details
AccessibilityADA-compliant parking and access to one comfort station located on the west side of the campground at the end of 'D' roadway. Campsites are gravel-based, and roadways within the main campground are paved, except for overflow areas.
Sites SizeThe campground contains a total of 230 sites, described as large and suitable for RVs up to 60 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between sites is minimal due to the open, parking-lot-style layout of the campground.
Total Campsites230 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose pull-through sites near restrooms for convenience or east edge sites for a slightly better view.
Best CampsitesPull-through spots near restrooms and dump stations are popular due to convenience. Sites at the east edge offer some scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- No specific check-in time mentioned
- operates on a first-come-first-served basis.
Check-out
12 PM Noon.
Stay Limit
30 days maximum stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutLarge parking lot-style layout with marked gravel spaces. Overflow areas have gravel roadways.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from October 15 through April 15 due to extreme summer temperatures. Closed during summer months.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; first-come, first-served only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-served. Hundreds of sites available, rarely fills up.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served. The NPS reserves the right to reserve sites as needed for management purposes.
Amenities available
Potable water
Dump station
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Sunset Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring Death Valley National Park. While the campground itself does not offer structured activities, its proximity to popular attractions like Mesquite Sand Dunes, Dante's View, and Badwater Basin makes it a favored spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter Activities
The campground is closed during the summer months due to extreme heat, making winter and early spring the seasons for camping and exploring.Water Sports
Not applicable to this desert campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires not allowed at individual sites; only permitted at public group fire rings within the campground. Gas stoves are allowed.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWindy conditions, exposure to heat during warmer months, and potential wildlife encounters. Lack of shade and proximity to roads may pose additional challenges.
Active alertsSeasonal closures due to extreme summer heat. COVID-19 restrictions have limited access to nearby resort shower facilities.
Weather forecast
109
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Furnace Creek Visitor Center, nearby resorts with services; no specific emergency service details provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-October through mid-April.
Trash and recyclingSeasonal trash and recycling facilities are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features directly at the campground. Potable water available on-site, nearby resorts provide additional services.
Common complaintsLack of fire pits and picnic tables at sites, proximity to road resulting in noise, windy conditions leading to dust and sand accumulation, and limited shade.
HostSeasonal staff available at the campground.
Campground Map
PO Box 579, Furnace Creek, CA, 92328, USA
Driving directionsGravel road across from the Timbisha Shoshone village.
Paved roadways within the main campground except for overflow camping areas which are accessed by gravel roadways. Seasonal closures due to extreme heat conditions.Nearby places
Furnace Creek (less than 1 mile), Stovepipe Wells (approximately 30 minutes west)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as showers, ice, firewood, general camping essentials are available less than a mile away at Furnace Creek Ranch and other privately operated resorts.
Camper Reviews
4.2
43 reviews
Sunset Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Sunset Campground highlight its convenience and affordability but note its basic amenities and lack of vegetation. The open, parking-lot-style layout is a recurring critique, particularly among tent campers, but RV users appreciate the ample space and utility access.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews
What Campers Love
Commonly praised aspects include the large size of the sites, clean restrooms, access to potable water, and its accessibility as a base for exploring Death Valley attractions. Some users commend the...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the lack of shade, absence of picnic tables and fire rings, and the overall 'parking lot' aesthetic. Noise from generators and proximity to highways are additional...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving early to secure a pull-through site near restrooms, stocking up on supplies beforehand, and exploring nearby attractions like Mesquite Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin....
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter and early spring receive the most positive reviews due to cooler weather and clear skies. Summer is avoided because of extreme heat.
Based on 43 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This is actually a very nice campground. Large sites, flush toilets, potable water available, and you are in the middle of one of the most spectacular places in the country.' (Edward Kear)
2....
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Pull-through sites near restrooms are highly recommended for convenience. Sites on the east edge may offer a slight view, though privacy and vegetation are limited.
Based on 43 reviewsAccessibility Features
The paved roadways and ADA-compliant comfort station are appreciated by visitors with accessibility needs.
Based on 43 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on leashes, but owners must clean up after them. Some users noted compliance with leash rules was not strictly enforced.
Based on 43 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025