Emigrant Campground

3.70

107 reviews

PO Box 579, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA

Stargazing

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Emigrant Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Emigrant Campground is a free campsite. Visitors are required to pay the park entry fee but there is no cost for camping.

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-786-3200deva_information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

3.70

Mixed Reviews

Based on 107 reviews

115 Google reviews

Most mentioned

water

Some mention

noise

"The campground is praised for its affordability (free), excellent location for stargazing, and clean flush toilets. However, users highlight the hard, rocky ground, lack of shade, and proximity to the highway as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 579, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA

Emigrant Campground

PO Box 579, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA

Driving directions40 minutes from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Turn left from the visitor center onto CA190 and drive west past Stovepipe Wells. Emigrant Campground is located 10 miles southwest of Stovepipe Wells.

Located right off CA 190 with a gravel surface that can be rough and rocky. Accessible year-round with no seasonal closures.

Nearby places

Stovepipe Wells (10 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Furnace Creek Visitor Center (40 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as firewood, ice, showers, and internet are available at the privately operated Stovepipe Wells Resort, approximately 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Emigrant Campground

Experience Death Valley's dramatic seasonal personality at Emigrant Campground. Summer nights bring surprisingly warm temperatures that invite midnight stargazing sessions, while winter transforms the desert into a comfortable outdoor paradise with crisp mornings averaging 42°F and pleasant afternoons reaching 57°F. The ever-present desert breeze carries stories across the arid landscape, where low humidity creates crystal-clear atmospheric conditions perfect for photography and astronomical observation. Pack layers for cool evenings and prepare for the occasional gusty winds that sculpt this timeless terrain.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Extreme heat in summer; reviewers note summer is less popular despite fewer crowds.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Not highlighted; milder than summer but less praised than winter/spring.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Early spring is praised for mild temps and excellent skies.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Winter is praised as one of the best times for mild temps and clear skies.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Emigrant Campground

Escape to Emigrant Campground, where the raw beauty of Death Valley unfolds beneath endless desert skies. This intimate, tent-only sanctuary welcomes adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience without the crowds. Perched at 2,100 feet with sweeping views of the majestic Cottonwood Mountains, this free, first-come, first-served hideaway offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's profound silence. Here, primitive camping takes on new meaning as you fall asleep to the whisper of desert winds and wake to painted sunrises over ancient peaks.

Emigrant Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served, tent-only campground with no additional fee. It is ideal for visitors seeking a simple and remote camping experience with minimal facilities.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Death Valley's dramatic seasonal personality at Emigrant Campground. Summer nights bring surprisingly warm temperatures that invite midnight stargazing sessions, while winter transforms the desert into a comfortable outdoor paradise with crisp mornings averaging 42°F and pleasant afternoons reaching 57°F. The ever-present desert breeze carries stories across the arid landscape, where low humidity creates crystal-clear atmospheric conditions perfect for photography and astronomical observation. Pack layers for cool evenings and prepare for the occasional gusty winds that sculpt this timeless terrain.

ElevationRising 2,100 feet above the valley floor, Emigrant Campground occupies a sweet spot in Death Valley's vertical landscape. This moderate elevation creates a unique microclimate where desert extremes soften into manageable conditions, especially during nighttime hours. From this vantage point, the vast expanse of the desert unfolds like an ancient manuscript, revealing layers of geological history while providing relief from the intense heat that characterizes lower elevations. The position offers photographers and nature lovers unparalleled panoramic views that stretch from rugged peaks to distant valleys.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape that defies imagination at Emigrant Campground. Rocky outcroppings and weathered terrain create a natural amphitheater where the Cottonwood Mountains perform their daily light show. This remote outpost delivers solitude seekers exactly what they crave—uninterrupted views across miles of pristine desert wilderness. When darkness falls, the campground transforms into one of North America's premier stargazing destinations, where the Milky Way blazes across the sky with breathtaking clarity. The nearby Panamint Range stands sentinel, its ancient peaks catching first light and holding last color each day.

Geological RegionNestled within the geological wonderland of Death Valley National Park, Emigrant Campground offers front-row seats to millions of years of Earth's history. The surrounding Cottonwood Mountains, part of the greater Panamint Range, showcase nature's artistic prowess through layers of exposed rock, dramatic fault lines, and wind-carved formations. This desert theater presents an ever-changing display of colors and textures, from sun-bleached limestone to volcanic remnants that speak of violent prehistoric eruptions. The expansive skies above serve as a vast canvas where weather patterns and celestial events unfold with theatrical grandeur, making this remote corner of the Mojave Desert a treasure trove for geology enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours.

Check-out

12 PM Noon.

Stay Limit

30 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per campsite.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 10 primitive tent sites with picnic tables and trash receptacles.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityThe campground’s gravel surface is described as rough and rocky, and the flush toilet building is accessible via a dirt path with two steps at the entrance.

Site SizeSites are small, tent-only, and suitable for single tents or small setups.

PrivacySites offer minimal privacy as the campground is small and open, typical of desert environments.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a site as the campground fills quickly. Use longer tent stakes for better stability due to the hard, rocky ground. Consider sites closer to restrooms for convenience.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Emigrant Campground are limited due to its minimalistic design. The main draw is the stunning desert landscape and the exceptional night sky views for stargazing.

HikingWhile there are no dedicated hiking trails originating from the campground, its proximity to Death Valley attractions makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby trails and natural landmarks.

Wildlife viewingThe remote desert location provides opportunities for spotting wildlife, but care must be taken to store food securely due to scavengers like coyotes and ravens.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHard and rocky ground that makes staking tents difficult. High winds may affect tent stability. Wildlife such as coyotes and ravens are scavengers, requiring visitors to properly store food and trash.

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

Fire PolicyGas-burning stoves are permitted. Fires and charcoal grills are prohibited.

Emergency ServicesStovepipe Wells Ranger Station (10 miles). Additional emergency services can be accessed at Furnace Creek.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling collection are available year-round. Visitors are instructed to dispose of waste in the provided receptacles.

Water FeaturesNo nearby lakes or rivers; potable water is available on-site.

Weather at Emigrant Campground

Reviews

3.7

107 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Emigrant Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is praised for its affordability (free), excellent location for stargazing, and clean flush toilets. However, users highlight the hard, rocky ground, lack of shade, and proximity to the highway as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 107 reviews

What Campers Love

"Free! With picnic tables and flush toilets!" "The most beautiful night sky ever!" "Great base for exploring Death Valley." Many reviewers appreciate the desert solitude and the convenience of flush...

Based on 107 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from the highway, hard and rocky ground making tent setup challenging, no fire pits, and high winds were common issues mentioned by users.

Based on 107 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site. Bring extra-long tent stakes due to the rocky ground. Avoid arriving late at night as the campground fills up quickly.

Based on 107 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and early spring are praised as the best times for camping due to mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer camping is less popular due to extreme heat, though the campground may be less...

Based on 107 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It's a great pitstop to grab some water, take a bathroom break, and check your brakes before heading down into Death Valley." "Beware of high winds!! I don't recommend tenting." "Nice little...

Based on 107 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are first-come, first-served and fill up quickly, especially during peak times like mornings and early evenings. Some reviewers recommend avoiding the spots closest to the highway due to noise.

Based on 107 reviews