Is Stovepipe Wells Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Stovepipe Wells 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 Stovepipe Wells Campground before I book?

Yes! Stovepipe Wells Campground has 8 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.

What is the best time to visit Stovepipe Wells Campground?

Stovepipe Wells Campground is open Open seasonally from October 15 to April 15. Closed during summer (April 15 to October 31) due to extreme heat.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Stovepipe Wells Campground?

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

How many campsites does Stovepipe Wells Campground have?

Stovepipe Wells Campground has 190 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Stovepipe Wells Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Stovepipe Wells 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 Stovepipe Wells Campground?

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

Stovepipe Wells Campground

3.94

137 reviews

PO Box 579, Death Valley, CA, 92328, USA

Top 2% in CAWinter

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. Typical season: Open seasonally from October 15 to April 15. Closed during summer (April 15 to October 31) due to extreme heat..

Stargazing

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

190 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

190 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Stovepipe Wells Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

760-786-3200deva_information@nps.gov

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Campground Map

PO Box 579, Death Valley, CA, 92328, USA

Stovepipe Wells Campground

PO Box 579, Death Valley, CA, 92328, USA

Nearby places

Furnace Creek (24 miles, ~30 minutes), Beatty, NV (~45 miles, ~1 hour), Las Vegas, NV (~120 miles, ~2 hours)

Weather at Stovepipe Wells Campground

Best Time to Camp at Stovepipe Wells Campground

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in CA

“Winter is the most praised season” — cooler temps, fewer crowds; positive review signal.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open seasonally from October 15 to April 15. Closed during summer (April 15 to October 31) due to extreme heat.

About Stovepipe Wells Campground

Stovepipe Wells Campground sits in Death Valley National Park near Mosaic Canyon and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Operated by the National Park Service, this very large facility serves as a base camp for exploring one of the hottest, most dramatic desert landscapes in North America. Visitors hike dunes, explore canyons, and access a general store and nearby hotel amenities without leaving the area.

Stovepipe Wells Campground provides a mix of camping options, primarily suited for tent and RV campers. However, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.

ElevationAt sea level in one of the lowest points in North America, Stovepipe Wells offers a unique camping experience in the heart of the Mojave Desert. This remarkable elevation creates the characteristic arid conditions that define Death Valley—crystal-clear skies, minimal humidity, and the dramatic temperature swings that paint the landscape in ever-changing light. Summer's intense heat gives way to surprisingly cool winter nights, creating a dynamic environment that showcases the desert's many moods.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at sea level with direct views of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where wind shapes the golden sand into ridges and curves that shift constantly. Rugged mountain ranges frame the horizon in rust and gold tones. After dark, the sky fills with stars. The location puts you within a short drive of Mosaic Canyon, where polished marble walls and narrow passages carved by ancient flash floods create a striking contrast to the open desert floor.

Lodging & AccommodationsAdditional accommodations such as a hotel are located nearby, offering pool and shower facilities for camping guests.

Programs & ActivitiesThe visitor center offers interpretive programs about the natural and cultural history of Death Valley.

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

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityThe campground offers flat, dirt/gravel surfaces that are ADA-friendly but not exclusively reserved for ADA use. Restrooms include an ADA stall.

Site Size190 total sites, including 28 tent-only sites. Sites are mostly located on a gravel lot.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited as sites are closely spaced in an open, gravel area. Tent sites offer slightly more seclusion near the edges.

Total Campsites190 campsites

Recommended SitesTent sites at the back are recommended for privacy and access to fire grates and tables. For sunrise views, Site 14 is ideal.

Best CampsitesSite 14 gets mentioned in reviews for unobstructed sunrise views. The tent-only sites at the back of the campground offer fire grates and picnic tables, plus slightly more separation from the RV parking lot aesthetic.

Amenities available

Stovepipe Wells Campground offers basic amenities suitable for both tent and RV camping. The campground provides access to potable water (seasonal), flush toilets (seasonal), and a dump station (seasonal). Fire rings and picnic tables are available at the 28 designated tent-only sites. Guests can purchase firewood, ice, and other essentials year-round from the nearby general store. Notably, showers are not available on-site, although they can be accessed for a fee at the nearby hotel pool area.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Stovepipe Wells Campground

The campground serves as a base for exploring Death Valley with nearby activities such as hiking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. Cultural and educational experiences are also accessible at the visitor center.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Dunes, rust/gold mountains and clear night skies provide excellent photo subjects and light.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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

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From Booking Sources

3.9

137 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

Stovepipe Wells Campground receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights its convenient location for exploring Death Valley and availability of essential amenities. However, many users express dissatisfaction with the lack of privacy, sparse shade, and the 'parking lot' aesthetic.

Review Summaries

Based on 137 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the proximity to Mosaic Canyon, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and other attractions. The general store and nearby hotel amenities are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects.

Based on 137 reviews

Common Concerns

Major complaints include the lack of shade, noisy generators, crowded conditions, and limited restrooms. Some reviewers note the campground's basic facilities, likening it to a gravel parking lot.

Based on 137 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Tent sites at the back are noted for having fire rings and picnic tables, offering a slightly better experience than the main gravel area.

Based on 137 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend staying during the off-season for a quieter experience and bringing their own shade structures.

Based on 137 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is the most praised season for camping due to cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer camping is not possible due to extreme heat.

Based on 137 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The beauty of camping here? It provides you a great view of the stars in the night sky." - Doerte Sennecke-Chow. "It's essentially a parking lot, so if you're tent camping, it won't be a very soft...

Based on 137 reviews

Accessibility Features

Flat terrain is noted as ADA-friendly. Restrooms include an ADA stall, but surfaces are gravel/dirt, which may be challenging for some.

Based on 137 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be confined or on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Some visitors note that the campground is pet-friendly in general.

Based on 137 reviews

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Stovepipe Wells Campground

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

263,000+ 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 central Death Valley access with basic amenities and don't mind an exposed, high-activity campground.

Skip if

You need shade, quiet, or more restroom capacity for the site density.

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.

Furnace Creek Campground

P.O. Box 579, Death Valley, CA, USA, 92328

Furnace Creek Campground sits at the heart of Death Valley National Park, operated by the National Park Service with full hookups and flush toilets during the winter peak season. This large campground serves as base camp for exploring Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and the park's colorful slot canyons when desert temperatures turn mild. Reviewers praise the central location and clean facilities, though sites are tightly spaced and generator hours are limited.

$30.00 - $60.00 / night

PO Box 579, Furnace Creek, CA, 92328, USA

Sunset Campground sits in Death Valley National Park near Furnace Creek, operated by the National Park Service. This very large campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, serving as a convenient base for exploring the park's dramatic desert landscapes. Reviewers appreciate the spacious sites and clean facilities, though wind and road noise are common.

Campgrounds

Death Valley National Park

Stovepipe Wells Campground

About Death Valley National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Stovepipe Wells 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.