Is Mesquite Spring Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mesquite Spring Campground 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 Mesquite Spring Campground before I book?

Yes! Mesquite Spring Campground 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 Mesquite Spring Campground?

Mesquite Spring Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mesquite Spring Campground have?

Mesquite Spring Campground has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mesquite Spring Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mesquite Spring Campground. 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 Mesquite Spring Campground?

Mesquite Spring Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Mesquite Spring Campground

4.15

40 reviews

Top 11% in CAFall

Peace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Death Valley National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Mesquite Spring Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid 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

Mesquite Spring Campground

36.9633, -117.3678

Weather at Mesquite Spring Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mesquite Spring Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable desert conditions—daytime highs typically sit between the low 70s and low 90s°F with cool nights in the 40s–60s°F—making long hikes through Grapevine Canyon and biking on sandy roads much more enjoyable. Spring wildflower remnants and clear, dark skies make dawn and dusk wildlife viewing and stargazing excellent, while crowds remain lower than at Death Valley’s lower-elevation hotspots (weekends are busier). Autumn also reduces heat-related hazards and allows use Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: June, July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall offers the most comfortable temps (70s–90s days, 40s–60s nights) and is the most favored season.

Planning Tips

About Mesquite Spring Campground

Mesquite Spring Campground sits at 1,800 feet in Death Valley National Park, offering 40 tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. The remote location delivers superb stargazing and spacious sites, though shade is limited and wind exposure is common. Operated by the National Park Service with a 30-day stay limit.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable desert conditions—daytime highs typically sit between the low 70s and low 90s°F with cool nights in the 40s–60s°F—making long hikes through Grapevine Canyon and biking on sandy roads much more enjoyable. Spring wildflower remnants and clear, dark skies make dawn and dusk wildlife viewing and stargazing excellent, while crowds remain lower than at Death Valley’s lower-elevation hotspots (weekends are busier). Autumn also reduces heat-related hazards and allows use Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: June, July, August

Elevation1800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the base of Grapevine Canyon, surrounded by ancient mountain ranges that expose layers of volcanic and sedimentary rock. Ubehebe Crater sits a short drive away, its colorful walls marking where volcanic forces once tore through the desert floor. At night, the Milky Way stretches overhead with zero light pollution. The terrain is dry and largely shadeless, with occasional mesquite trees breaking the open landscape. Wind sweeps through regularly, carrying sand across the gravel sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityThe campground roads are paved, and there is ADA access to one comfort station in the center of the campground.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious and can accommodate a variety of setups, including RVs and tents.

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 SitesStake 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 CampsitesSites 24 and 25 get frequent recommendations from campers for their privacy and RV-friendly layout. Arriving early improves your odds of snagging one of the more secluded spots, as the campground fills on a first-come basis.

Amenities available

Mesquite Spring Campground is a first-come, first-served campground in Death Valley National Park. Located at an elevation of 1,800 feet and 2 miles off Scotty's Castle Road, it features 40 campsites. Each campsite is equipped with a fire grate and picnic table. Potable drinking water is available year-round, along with a dump station and flush toilets. However, there are no shower facilities, electricity, or cell phone reception. The campground is serviced by an automated fee station and allows payment via credit or debit cards. Trash and recycling collection are available year-round. Campers have noted that the bathrooms are clean and functional, and the camp host is friendly and helpful.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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.

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

From Booking Sources

4.2

40 reviews

Satisfactory

Mesquite Spring Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 40 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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

Accessibility 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 40 reviews

Pet-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 40 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want dark-sky stargazing and spacious desert sites with modern conveniences in a tranquil, remote setting.

Skip if

You need shade, wind protection, or prefer campgrounds with enforced quiet hours.

Campgrounds

Death Valley National Park

Mesquite Spring Campground

About Death Valley National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Mesquite Spring Campground, 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.