Mesquite Spring Campground
4.3819 reviewsMesquite Spring Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
The fee for camping at Mesquite Spring Campground is paid at the automated fee machine located at the entrance. Interagency Senior/Access Pass holders have a reduced rate of $10 per night, while the standard rate is $20 per night.
About this campground
Nestled at 1,800 feet in the rugged beauty of Death Valley's northern reaches, Mesquite Spring Campground offers 40 first-come, first-served sites where adventurers can stake their claim to a piece of desert paradise. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table for sunset dinners and a fire grate for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern flush toilets provide comfort in this remote setting, while an automated pay station keeps check-in simple and efficient. Though you won't find hook-ups here, what you will discover is an unbeatable basecamp for exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley, with the magnificent Ubehebe Crater just a short drive away.
Mesquite Spring Campground provides options for tent camping and RV camping, accommodating a range of visitors' preferences. It is a limited development campground with no reservations required.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints with extremes at Mesquite Spring, where crystalline skies stretch endlessly above and the desert air remains refreshingly dry. Wind occasionally sweeps through the campground, carrying whispers of sand that dance across the landscape. While summer transforms this region into a furnace—testing even the most devoted desert enthusiasts—the magic truly unfolds during fall and winter months. These cooler seasons invite comfortable exploration, turning the harsh desert into a welcoming playground where days are warm and pleasant, perfect for adventure.
ElevationPerched at 1,800 feet above sea level, Mesquite Spring offers a welcome respite from Death Valley's infamous heat. This strategic elevation gifts campers with noticeably cooler evenings—a precious commodity in one of Earth's hottest places. As the sun dips behind distant peaks, temperatures drop to comfortable levels, allowing for restful nights and energizing mornings that set the stage for full days of desert exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryMesquite Spring sits cradled within a natural amphitheater of ancient desert mountains, their weathered faces telling stories millions of years in the making. This serene desert sanctuary rewards those seeking solitude and connection with raw, untamed nature. When darkness falls, the campground transforms into a premier stargazing theater—the Milky Way splashes across the sky in brilliant detail, unhindered by light pollution. Just minutes away, the dramatic Ubehebe Crater awaits, its colorful walls and massive depression offering a glimpse into the violent volcanic forces that once shaped this extraordinary landscape.
Geological RegionTucked beneath the dramatic slopes of Grapevine Canyon in Death Valley National Park, Mesquite Spring occupies a fascinating geological crossroads. Here, ancient mountain ranges rise like sentinels from the desert floor, their layers revealing eons of Earth's history. The surrounding terrain showcases Death Valley's remarkable geological diversity—from volcanic remnants to sedimentary formations, each rock formation serving as a chapter in the park's epic geological narrative.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground roads are paved, and there is ADA access to one comfort station in the center of the campground.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious and can accommodate a variety of setups, including RVs and tents.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as relatively private, with some offering more seclusion than others. For example, sites 24 and 25 are noted to provide good privacy and are RV-specific.
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Stake and weight tents well to prevent wind damage," as one camper advised. Sites near the edge of the desert are quieter and better for stargazing.
Best CampsitesCampers recommend sites 24 and 25 for RVs, offering privacy and scenic desert views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-out
Check-out time: 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 layoutSites are gravel and paved, accessible through paved roadways. One ADA comfort station is centrally located.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Occupy your site first, then pay using the automated fee machine.
Cancellation PolicyThe campground does not accept reservations, so no cancellation policy applies.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mesquite Spring Campground offers a range of activities suited for nature enthusiasts. Visitors frequently mention its excellent stargazing opportunities due to the remote location and clear desert skies. The nearby Ubehebe Crater is a popular destination, and wildlife viewing is also highlighted as a key activity.
Hiking
The campground is close to Ubehebe Crater, a well-known hiking destination. Visitors frequently recommend exploring this area, which is just a short drive from the campground.Biking
Biking is recommended on the road to Ubehebe Crater, a 20-mile round trip. Off-road biking may require a full-suspension mountain bike due to loose and rocky terrain.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as coyotes, long-tailed pocket mice, and various birds are commonly observed. Some campers reported sightings of unique fauna like blue herons.Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible due to the campground's year-round availability. Cooler months are recommended due to the extreme summer heat.Water Sports
No water sports are available, as there are no lakes or rivers in the vicinity.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in provided metal fire grates. No gathering wood or trash burning allowed.
- Quiet hours: 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsCampers reported sightings of scorpions and black widows in bathrooms. The campground is also exposed to strong winds and blowing sand.
Active alertsAccess via Grapevine Canyon on Nevada Highway 267 is currently closed.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.6 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
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are available year-round at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresDrinking water and a dishwashing station are available on-site. No natural water features exist within the immediate vicinity.
Common complaintsSome campers mentioned lack of shade and privacy, and exposure to wind. One camper stated, "At 10:00 p.m., shut up and turn off your damn lights."
HostThe campground host is reported to be friendly and helpful during cooler months when they are on-site.
Campground Map
Driving directionsOff of CA190 at the junction for Scotty’s Castle road, travel north thirty-three (33) miles and turn left onto the campground access road. Travel two (2) miles on campground access road to the Mesquite Campground entrance. Note: Access is closed until further notice if traveling from Nevada through Grapevine Canyon on Nevada Highway 267.
The campground is accessible via paved roadways and gravel sites. However, access via Grapevine Canyon using Nevada Highway 267 is closed until further notice.Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.4
19 reviews
Mesquite Spring Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mesquite Spring Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its spacious sites, clean facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors highlight the excellent stargazing opportunities and proximity to Ubehebe Crater. Windy conditions and high temperatures during certain times of the year are mentioned as potential drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently noted include the clean bathrooms, friendly camp host, and the spacious, private campsites. Stargazing is described as superb, and the remote location offers a tranquil...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some common complaints include the lack of shade, no cell service, and strong winds at times. The absence of showers is noted by a few reviewers, though it is generally understood given the remote...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure the best spots, such as sites 24 and 25. Bringing a solar shower or relying on RV facilities for bathing is advised. Visitors also suggest staking down...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons, with cooler temperatures and optimal conditions for hiking and stargazing. Summer months can be extremely hot, while winter nights may be cold, though...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Highly recommend! Such a great time. Amazing fire pit, and we even had a charcoal grill at the site, which was unexpected!" - Kari Jones. "By far, this is my favorite campground in Death Valley NP....
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 25 is especially praised for its privacy and location on the edge of the desert. Sites 24 and 25 are noted as 'RV only' and well-suited for camper vans.
Based on 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
The paved roadways and ADA-accessible comfort station are appreciated for their accessibility. However, no additional accessibility features or reviews from visitors with disabilities are noted.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed if leashed and attended. No specific reviews addressed pet-related experiences, but the campground's pet policy is clear and accommodating.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025