Saline Valley Campground (Primitive)
00 reviewSaline Valley Campground (Primitive)
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is free, but visitors must pay the Death Valley National Park entrance fee or hold an Annual/Lifetime Pass.
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.gov
Provider760-786-3200Deva_Information@nps.gov
About this campground
Deep in the heart of Death Valley's wilderness lies Saline Valley Campground, a legendary primitive sanctuary where adventurers shed both their inhibitions and their clothes. This remote oasis demands commitment—a bone-rattling 35-mile journey from the nearest pavement tests both vehicle and spirit. Your high-clearance chariot (4WD strongly recommended) will navigate washboard roads and rocky passages as you descend from mountain passes to this desert refuge at 1,375 feet. Here, in one of America's most isolated campgrounds, natural hot springs bubble up from ancient earth, creating a clothing-optional community where freedom takes on new meaning beneath endless desert skies.
Saline Valley Campground (Primitive) is focused on primitive camping experiences. It accommodates campers who are prepared for a rugged, remote, and self-sufficient stay.
Weather and SeasonsSaline Valley basks in the reliable embrace of desert sunshine, where crystal-clear skies dominate the calendar and rain remains a rare visitor. This arid paradise maintains comfortable temperatures through much of the year, though summer can unleash the full fury of Death Valley's legendary heat. Winter brings a different challenge—while the valley floor remains accessible, the high mountain passes that guard this sanctuary can become impassable when snow blankets their 7,000-foot summits. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, when perfect weather combines with passable roads to create ideal conditions for your desert hot spring adventure.
ElevationYour journey to this 1,375-foot valley floor sanctuary is a dramatic descent through extremes. The adventure begins as you climb toward sky-scraping mountain passes that tower at 7,300 feet, where thin air and sweeping vistas remind you just how far you've traveled from civilization. From these lofty heights, you'll plunge nearly 6,000 feet down winding roads into the protected bowl of Saline Valley, where the desert's warm embrace replaces mountain chill. This elevation rollercoaster isn't just a drive—it's a transition between worlds, from alpine heights to desert depths.
Natural Features and ScenerySaline Valley unfolds as a hidden jewel within Death Valley's crown, where stark beauty meets unexpected luxury. Ringed by chocolate-hued mountains and painted badlands, this remote basin harbors a miraculous secret: natural hot springs that transform barren desert into an oasis of relaxation. Steam rises from crystal-clear pools as naked mountains stand sentinel over naked bathers, creating a landscape where human conventions dissolve into desert simplicity. Joshua trees dot the valley floor while distant peaks catch alpenglow at sunset, painting a scene of raw, untamed beauty that exists nowhere else in the National Park system.
Geological RegionNestled within Death Valley National Park's vast geological wonderland, Saline Valley showcases the dramatic forces that sculpted this legendary landscape. This isolated basin tells a story written in stone—ancient seabeds lifted into towering ranges, volcanic activity that gifted the valley its therapeutic hot springs, and erosion that carved dramatic canyons and washboard approaches. The surrounding mountains reveal layers of Earth's history in their exposed faces, while the valley floor holds secrets of prehistoric lakes and the minerals that give this place its saline name. It's a living geology textbook where tectonic drama meets desert tranquility.
Campsite details
Accessibility"Not ADA accessible." The campground does not support wheelchair access, and RVs and trailers are not recommended.
Sites SizeThe campground has 15 total sites, but no details are provided about their specific sizes.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at the sites have not been described in the provided materials.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 AM
Groups
Group sites are not mentioned, and no additional details are available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come-first-served.
Cancellation PolicyAll sites are first-come-first-serve; no reservations are accepted.
Activities you can enjoy
As a primitive camping site with hot springs, the primary activity is soaking in the natural hot springs. Activities requiring organized facilities are absent.
Winter Activities
The campground may be inaccessible during winter due to snow on the North and South passes leading to the site.Water Sports
There are no water sports activities available at this campground, except for soaking in the hot springs.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include challenging terrain that requires high-clearance vehicles, seasonal snow/ice at high passes, and general desert risks such as dehydration.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 29.1 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned for this campground, which is common for primitive camping areas.
Proximity to water featuresHot springs are the central attraction within the campground.
Campground Map
Driving directionsOfficial directions and information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/saline-valley-campground-primitive.htm.
Access requires navigating 35 miles from the nearest paved road. A high-clearance vehicle and all-terrain tires are necessary. Seasonal conditions like winter storms may necessitate 4-wheel drive due to passes at 7,300ft (North Pass) and 5,997ft (South Pass).Camper Reviews
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Saline Valley Campground (Primitive) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
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Review Summaries
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Seasonal Insights
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Accessibility Features
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Pet-Friendly Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025