Wildrose Campground
4.5124 reviewsPO Box 579, Death Valley, CA, 92328, USA
Wildrose 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
Wildrose Campground is free; visitors are encouraged to pay the park entry fee to support the park.
About this campground
Perched at 4,100 feet in the rugged Panamint Mountains, Wildrose Campground offers adventurous souls a genuine wilderness escape in Death Valley National Park. This first-come, first-served haven features rustic dirt and gravel sites nestled among aromatic mesquite bushes and dramatic rolling hills. While the campground embraces its primitive nature—there's no running water here—it rewards visitors with an authentic desert camping experience far from the crowds. Generators hum to life between 7am and 7pm, but as darkness falls, the true magic begins. Be prepared for nature's wild side: fierce winds often sweep across these exposed sites, adding to the raw, untamed character of this high-desert retreat.
Wildrose Campground is a primitive, fee-free campground suitable for both tent and RV camping. It emphasizes a back-to-basics, rugged camping experience.
Historical SignificanceWildrose serves as your gateway to fascinating chapters of Death Valley's human story. Just up the road, the remarkably preserved charcoal kilns stand as 25-foot-tall beehive monuments to the area's 1870s mining boom, when these stone furnaces transformed pinyon pines into fuel for distant silver smelters. The campground also marks the starting point for intrepid hikers bound for Telescope Peak, the park's highest summit, where ancient bristlecone pines have witnessed centuries of desert drama unfold below.
Weather and SeasonsEscape the infamous Death Valley heat at Wildrose, where elevation works its cooling magic. As one seasoned ranger notes, 'This campground will be much cooler than the valley floor during the day'—a blessing when summer temperatures soar below. But don't let the daytime relief fool you; desert nights at this elevation can be surprisingly cold, with temperatures plummeting after sunset. The notorious Panamint winds frequently whip through camp during daylight hours, turning tent setup into an adventure of its own. Pack layers and secure your gear—Mother Nature runs the show up here.
ElevationAt 4,100 feet (1,250 meters) above sea level, Wildrose Campground occupies a sweet spot in the Panamint Mountains—high enough to escape the valley's crushing heat, yet accessible enough for most vehicles. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where desert meets mountain, offering cooler temperatures and clearer air than the scorching basin below, while still maintaining that quintessential Death Valley character.
Natural Features and SceneryWildrose reveals a softer side of Death Valley's harsh reputation, where fragrant mesquite bushes perfume the air and weathered rocks tell geological tales millions of years in the making. The surrounding Panamint landscape rolls and tumbles in earthen waves, painted in subtle desert hues that shift with the changing light. But the true spectacle begins after dark—with minimal light pollution and crystal-clear desert air, the night sky erupts in a breathtaking display of stars that has captivated visitors and earned rave reviews from stargazers. This is where the Milky Way puts on its finest show, reminding us why dark skies are among our most precious natural resources.
Geological RegionWildrose Campground sits within the ancient Panamint Mountains, a dramatic range that forms Death Valley's western wall. This geological wonderland showcases millions of years of Earth's history through its rolling hills, exposed rock formations, and hardy desert vegetation. The Panamints tell a story of tectonic forces, volcanic activity, and erosion that shaped this landscape into the rugged paradise campers experience today. Here, mesquite-dotted slopes and rocky outcrops create a terrain that's both challenging and beautiful—a true slice of Basin and Range geology at its finest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe area has a flat dirt/gravel surface, making it relatively accessible. However, there are no designated ADA sites, and wheelchair access is not formally supported.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as basic, being dirt and gravel with rocky ground. Some reviews note that the ground is hard, making tent stakes difficult to penetrate.
Sites PrivacySites are described as exposed and mostly impersonal. Some campsites are located on a hill, providing a bit more isolation and are less visible from below.
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early for best site selection; upper sites provide privacy but are harder to locate.
Best CampsitesSome reviews recommend sites higher on the hill for better views and quieter surroundings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Anytime as it operates first-come, first-served.
Check-out
12 PM Noon
Stay Limit
Stay limited to 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
8people per site.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPrimitive layout with 23 sites scattered across dirt and gravel terrain.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; reviews suggest arriving early during busy weekends or holidays.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Wildrose Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, particularly those that take advantage of its remote location and clear night skies. The area is cooler than the valley floor and is a good base for exploring nearby hikes and scenic sites.
Hiking
The area serves as a base for hiking activities, including Wildrose Peak, which is well-regarded. Trails nearby offer scenic views and a chance to explore the unique terrain.Biking
Emigrant Canyon Road is a popular route for biking, although some parts of the road can be rough.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as burros, snakes, and even rattlesnakes have been observed by visitors. The area is also excellent for stargazing, with frequent mentions of seeing the Milky Way.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but no specific winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports opportunities are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires only permitted in designated pits. Open flames prohibited from June 15 to September 15.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh winds can make camping challenging. Wildlife hazards include rattlesnakes and burros. "Watch out for rattlesnakes; nearest hospital is almost 2 hours away."
Active alertsNone specified.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Nearest hospital is approximately 2 hours away; users caution about rattlesnakes and emergencies requiring medical attention.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available year-round. Users are advised to keep food and garbage sealed in vehicles or animal-resistant containers to prevent wildlife encounters.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features nearby. Closest potable water is ~22 miles away at Emigrant Rest Area.
Common complaintsHigh winds and rocky ground are frequent complaints, with users often employing unconventional methods like water jugs to secure tents. Vault toilets are functional but not always clean.
HostNo staff or campground hosts on-site.
Campground Map
PO Box 579, Death Valley, CA, 92328, USA
Driving directionsLocated high in the Panamint Mountains on Emigrant Canyon Road. From CA190 take Emigrant Canyon Road. Be sure to check road conditions prior to your trip.
Emigrant Canyon Road provides access to the campground, but it is recommended to check road conditions prior to your trip. The Wildrose Road route is unpaved, presenting challenges for low-clearance vehicles.Nearby places
Stovepipe Wells (~30 miles). Furnace Creek (~40 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest potable water is at Emigrant Rest Area (~22 miles). No camp store or other amenities available on-site.
Camper Reviews
4.5
24 reviews
Wildrose Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Wildrose Campground frequently highlight its rugged beauty and suitability for stargazing. The lack of water and the presence of strong winds are common themes in feedback. While some users appreciate the quiet, remote setting, others describe the campground as a 'utilitarian base camp' rather than a pleasant destination.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the breathtaking night skies, cooler temperatures compared to the valley floor, and the remote, quiet setting. Many also appreciate the fee-free nature of the campground and its...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of water, strong winds, rocky and hard ground, and the small size of the sites. Some visitors found the vault toilets unusable due to flies.
Based on 24 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site, especially on weekends and holidays. Secure tents and equipment against strong winds. Bring sufficient water (the closest source is 22 miles away at Emigrant Rest...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews note extreme daytime heat, but also cooler nights compared to lower elevations. Winter reviews highlight the campground's accessibility year-round but recommend preparedness for cold...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The sky was absolutely clear and the night was as dark as it could get to notice the Milky Way through the naked eyes.' - Darshan Ganapathi
2. 'Temps are way cooler up here. Perfect weather for...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #8 is noted for its proximity to the road. Sites located on the hill offer more privacy but are less visible from the main area.
Based on 24 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address experiences from campers with disabilities, but the flat gravel surface is noted to make navigation slightly easier.
Based on 24 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No specific feedback from pet owners was provided beyond this.
Based on 24 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025