Is Homestake Campground (Primitive) first-come first-served or reservation?

Homestake Campground (Primitive) operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Homestake Campground (Primitive) before I book?

Yes! Homestake Campground (Primitive) has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Homestake Campground (Primitive)?

Homestake Campground (Primitive) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Homestake Campground (Primitive) have?

Homestake Campground (Primitive) has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Homestake Campground (Primitive)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Homestake Campground (Primitive). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Homestake Campground (Primitive)?

Homestake Campground (Primitive) offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Homestake Campground (Primitive)

3.92

26 reviews

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Top 11% in CASpring

This campground is currently closed

It's marked closed by the operator right now, so it isn't taking reservations. We keep the page up so you can still read reviews, photos, and details and plan for when it reopens.

Stargazing

Quick Facts

3,785 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,785 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Homestake Campground (Primitive)

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-786-3200Deva_Information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Homestake Campground (Primitive)

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Nearby places

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Weather at Homestake Campground (Primitive)

Best Time to Camp at Homestake Campground (Primitive)

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically ~60–85°F / 15–30°C) and cool nights (mid-30s to 50s°F / ~2–10°C), making long hikes to nearby features like Ubehebe Crater and Racetrack Playa comfortable. Wildflower displays after winter rains, active desert wildlife at dawn/dusk, and long daylight hours make hiking and geology-focused outings most rewarding. Crowds remain relatively light compared with low-elevation Death Valley hotspots, but be prepared for a remote, no‑f Peak months: March, April, May, October Avoid: June, July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Spring is best: mild temps, wildflowers after rains, and positive review signal=1.00.

Planning Tips

About Homestake Campground (Primitive)

Homestake Campground sits at 3,785 feet in Death Valley National Park, a 10-site primitive camp near Racetrack Playa and Teakettle Junction. Operated by the National Park Service, it offers fire rings and allows pets but no hookups, shade, or water. Spring brings the best weather for hiking to Ubehebe Crater and catching wildflower displays after winter rains.

Homestake Campground is a primitive campsite suitable for tent camping. It is highly remote and offers no services or modern facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically ~60–85°F / 15–30°C) and cool nights (mid-30s to 50s°F / ~2–10°C), making long hikes to nearby features like Ubehebe Crater and Racetrack Playa comfortable. Wildflower displays after winter rains, active desert wildlife at dawn/dusk, and long daylight hours make hiking and geology-focused outings most rewarding. Crowds remain relatively light compared with low-elevation Death Valley hotspots, but be prepared for a remote, no‑f Peak months: March, April, May, October Avoid: June, July, August

Elevation3785 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies open desert terrain where sparse vegetation and hard-packed earth stretch toward distant badlands and volcanic features. Racetrack Playa lies nearby, its ancient lakebed hosting the mysterious sailing stones that leave long trails across the cracked surface. Ubehebe Crater marks the landscape to the north, a massive depression left by explosive volcanic activity. The surrounding desert supports hardy shrubs adapted to extreme aridity. Night skies here are exceptionally dark, revealing the Milky Way in vivid detail.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or accommodations are available at this campground. Campers must bring their own equipment.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Null

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable since reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilityThe campground is not ADA accessible. Additionally, access is unsuitable for RVs, trailers, or vehicles without high clearance or 4WD.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious but primitive, with no specific sizing information available.

PrivacySites offer minimal privacy due to the open desert terrain and lack of vegetation.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesDrive 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.

Best Campsitesnull

Amenities available

Homestake Campground is a primitive campsite situated at an elevation of 3,785 feet, offering no modern services or facilities. It is highly remote, requiring high-clearance vehicles with all-terrain tires for access and is devoid of approved toilet facilities or potable water. Campers must pack in all their supplies and pack out all waste. The site is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis and is known for its proximity to Racetrack Playa and excellent stargazing opportunities. Reviews confirm the presence of a porta-potty, though its condition is frequently described as poor.

Fire rings

I manage this campground

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

26 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Homestake Campground (Primitive) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 26 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 26 reviews

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 26 reviews

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 26 reviews

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 26 reviews

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 26 reviews

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 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

There were no specific reviews addressing accessibility features, though the lack of ADA compliance and challenging access road were noted.

Based on 26 reviews

Pet-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 26 reviews

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Homestake Campground (Primitive)

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-786-3200Deva_Information@nps.gov

Go if

You want solitude and stargazing near Death Valley's backcountry geology and don't mind primitive conditions.

Skip if

You need shade, reliable restrooms, or can't handle rough roads that risk tire damage.

Nearby Campgrounds

PO Box 579, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA

Emigrant Campground sits in the Cottonwood Mountains foothills near Death Valley, operated by the National Park Service as a no-fee primitive site with flush toilets and potable water. The very small campground serves as a base for exploring Death Valley's geology and desert landscapes, offering dark skies and mountain access. Rocky ground and road noise are trade-offs for the free stay and basic amenities.

Campgrounds

Death Valley National Park

Homestake Campground (Primitive)

About Death Valley National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Homestake Campground (Primitive), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.

Directions

There are multiple entrances to the park. Click below to learn the best ways to travel to Death Valley.