Homestake Campground (Primitive)
4.1813 reviewsnull
Homestake Campground (Primitive)
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is free; however, a Death Valley entrance fee or Annual/Lifetime Pass is required.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-786-3200Deva_Information@nps.gov
About this campground
Deep in the heart of Death Valley National Park, Homestake Campground awaits the most adventurous souls willing to venture into true wilderness. Perched at 3,785 feet, this remote outpost demands respect and preparation—your high-clearance 4WD vehicle will be tested on the journey here, and once you arrive, you'll find yourself in one of the most isolated camping experiences in North America. With no facilities, no water, and no neighbors for miles, this primitive site offers something increasingly rare: complete solitude beneath some of the darkest, most star-filled skies on the continent. Just beyond your tent lies the enigmatic Racetrack Playa, where mysterious sailing stones have puzzled visitors and scientists for generations.
Homestake Campground is a primitive campsite suitable for tent camping. It is highly remote and offers no services or modern facilities.
Historical SignificanceThis remote corner of Death Valley holds secrets that have captivated explorers and scientists for decades. The nearby Racetrack Playa serves as nature's most perplexing gallery, where rocks weighing hundreds of pounds mysteriously glide across the ancient lakebed, leaving trails that have sparked countless theories and scientific studies. At Teakettle Junction, a whimsical tradition lives on as travelers hang kettles from a signpost, creating an ever-changing art installation that speaks to the human need to leave a mark, even in the most desolate places.
Weather and SeasonsThe desert here plays by its own rules, painting each day with dramatic temperature swings that can catch the unprepared off guard. Winter nights plunge toward freezing, transforming the landscape into a crystalline wonderland under brilliant stars, while summer unleashes the full fury of Death Valley's legendary heat. Rain is a stranger in these parts, blessing the land with mere drops throughout the year. The result? Nearly endless blue skies by day and cosmic displays by night, making every season a photographer's dream—if you can handle the extremes.
ElevationAt 3,785 feet above sea level, Homestake occupies a unique position in Death Valley's varied topography. This elevation brings a double-edged sword of climate challenges: the thin desert air amplifies the sun's intensity during the day, demanding sun protection and plenty of water, while nights can turn surprisingly cold as heat rapidly escapes into the clear atmosphere. The elevation provides just enough relief from the valley floor's extreme temperatures while still delivering the authentic high desert experience.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a landscape that seems borrowed from another planet—where ancient forces have sculpted a masterpiece of minimalism. The terrain around Homestake is a study in desert resilience, with hardy shrubs and twisted Joshua trees standing sentinel over hard-packed earth and weathered stone. Your view stretches endlessly across this primordial canvas toward the mysterious Racetrack Playa, where nature performs its slow-motion magic show. Not far away, Ubehebe Crater yawns open like a portal to Earth's violent past. This is a place where silence is so complete you can hear your own heartbeat, and where the Milky Way blazes across the night sky with an intensity that reminds you why our ancestors saw gods in the stars.
Geological RegionHomestake Campground sits within one of Earth's most extreme geological theaters—Death Valley National Park. Here, the planet's raw power is on full display through weathered badlands, ancient lake beds, and volcanic remnants. The hard-packed desert floor tells a story millions of years in the making, while nearby Racetrack Playa showcases one of geology's most intriguing mysteries with its sailing stones. Ubehebe Crater adds another chapter to this geological storybook, its massive depression a reminder of the explosive forces that shaped this landscape. This is terrain that humbles even the most prepared adventurers, where every rock formation and distant peak speaks to the incredible forces that continue to shape our planet.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is not ADA accessible. Additionally, access is unsuitable for RVs, trailers, or vehicles without high clearance or 4WD.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious but primitive, with no specific sizing information available.
Sites PrivacySites offer minimal privacy due to the open desert terrain and lack of vegetation.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesDrive cautiously on Racetrack Road and Lippincott Pass; carry spare tires, repair kits, and sufficient water. Stargazing is best on clear nights when the campground is less crowded.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
The campground does not have designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPrimitive layout with dispersed sites and no designated loops. Sites are drive-up only and lack tables or chairs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable since reservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only and typically less crowded due to the remote location and challenging access.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are allowed, as all sites are first-come-first-serve.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Homestake Campground offers a rugged outdoor experience with limited activities focused on the natural surroundings. Key highlights include stargazing, exploring nearby Racetrack Playa and Teakettle Junction, and hiking in the surrounding areas.
Hiking
Nearby attractions like Ubehebe Peak offer hiking opportunities. However, there are no formally maintained trails within the campground.Wildlife viewing
The remote location offers potential for wildlife viewing, though no specific species are highlighted.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically highlighted, but the site remains accessible during this season, with considerations for freezing temperatures.Water Sports
No water sports are available due to the lack of water bodies.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Charcoal-producing fires are allowed only in NPS metal fire pits. Gas-burning stoves and grills permitted.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsDirt roads to the site are infamous for damaging tires; travelers should carry spares and a repair kit. Wildlife hazards include scavengers like coyotes and ravens. Lack of water and shade presents risks of dehydration and sun exposure.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
53
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available. Campers must pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresNo natural water sources are available. Racetrack Playa is nearby but does not provide potable water.
Common complaintsRoad conditions are rough and prone to tire damage. Porta-potty facilities are often in poor condition. Lack of shade and amenities is also a frequent concern.
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Campground Map
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Driving directionsOff of CA190 at the junction for Scotty’s Castle road, travel north thirty-eight (38) miles toward Ubehebe Crater. Just before the parking area for the crater, turn right onto unpaved Racetrack Road. Travel 20 miles on this high-clearance 4WD road and take a right at Teakettle Junction. Travel 9.5 miles and just past the Racetrack playa arrive at the campground.
Accessible only via unpaved roads suitable for high-clearance, 4WD vehicles. Lippincott Pass is particularly challenging and should only be attempted by experienced drivers. Racetrack Road is notoriously rough and prone to tire damage; travelers are advised to carry spare tires and repair kits.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Homestake Campground (Primitive) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors consistently praise the remote and rugged nature of Homestake Campground, with its solitude, stunning night skies, and proximity to Racetrack Playa. However, the porta-potty condition and lack of services are frequent criticisms.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the campground's remoteness, solitude, and incredible stargazing opportunities. Its location near Racetrack Playa and Teakettle Junction is considered a highlight. Several reviews...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues raised by users include the poor condition of the porta-potty, lack of water and shade, and the challenging access road, which is described as rough and damaging to tires. Noise from...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water and a portable toilet. High-clearance vehicles with spare tires are essential due to the rough access road. Several reviewers...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
In winter months, campers highlighted freezing temperatures at night but appreciated the lack of wind. Spring and fall appear to be busier seasons, with reviews noting increased campsite occupancy....
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Primitive camping in an excellent location. Far away from any cities, this location offers excellent stargazing. We saw the Milky Way." - Steve Tjiang. "Campground has fire pits and a port-a-potty....
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground appears to have around 5-10 sites. One user noted, 'I had the camp site farthest from the toilet and it was a short walk under the full moon.' Another mentioned that the campground was...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There were no specific reviews addressing accessibility features, though the lack of ADA compliance and challenging access road were noted.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, with a maximum of four per site. They must be leashed and attended at all times. No issues or highlights specific to pets were mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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