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

Thorndike 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 Thorndike Campground (Primitive) before I book?

Yes! Thorndike Campground (Primitive) has 10 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 Thorndike Campground (Primitive)?

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

Are dogs allowed at Thorndike Campground (Primitive)?

Pets are not allowed at Thorndike Campground (Primitive). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Thorndike Campground (Primitive)?

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

Thorndike Campground (Primitive)

3.67

12 reviews

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

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.

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Thorndike Campground (Primitive)

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

Thorndike Campground (Primitive)

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

Weather at Thorndike Campground (Primitive)

Best Time to Camp at Thorndike Campground (Primitive)

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Thorndike because the high-elevation pine setting provides a cool, forested refuge from Death Valley floor heat, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and chilly nights in the 40s to low 50s°F. Trails and the primitive campground are usually snow-free and fully accessible, making hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and evening campfires enjoyable. Crowds are still light compared with lower-elevation park hotspots, but expect occasional summer Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Listed as best season; cool summer refuge with daytime highs in the 60s–80s°F.

Planning Tips

About Thorndike Campground (Primitive)

Thorndike Campground sits at 7,400 feet in Death Valley National Park's pine-forested high country, offering a cool summer escape from the scorching valley floor. This primitive National Park Service site provides vault toilets and fire rings for tent and RV camping, with no hookups or reservations. Summer daytime highs reach the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, dropping to the 40s and low 50s°F at night.

Thorndike Campground is a primitive camping site, primarily designed for tent camping and smaller RVs or vehicles with high clearance.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Thorndike because the high-elevation pine setting provides a cool, forested refuge from Death Valley floor heat, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and chilly nights in the 40s to low 50s°F. Trails and the primitive campground are usually snow-free and fully accessible, making hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and evening campfires enjoyable. Crowds are still light compared with lower-elevation park hotspots, but expect occasional summer Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: January, February

Elevation7400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine forest replaces the expected desert landscape at this elevation. The canopy provides shade and a surprising ecosystem shift from the arid valley thousands of feet below. The setting is peaceful and forested, though the campground's mountainous terrain means not all sites are flat.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or additional accommodations are available at Thorndike Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are listed for Thorndike Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site SizeThe size of campsites varies. Some users have mentioned that not all sites are flat, and certain sites may be better suited to tents rather than trucks or vans.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as more private compared to nearby Mahogany Flat Campground. However, some reviewers noted that the campground can get busy during weekends and holidays, reducing the sense of seclusion.

Recommended SitesNot all sites are flat. Some are better for tents than for trucks and vans.

Amenities available

Campers must provide their own water and pack out all trash. No camper services are available.

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Thorndike Campground offers a tranquil camping experience with opportunities for campfires, stargazing, and nature observation due to its high elevation and secluded setting.

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 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

3.7

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Thorndike Campground (Primitive) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Thorndike Campground is praised for its serene environment, higher elevation (leading to cooler temperatures), and clean vault toilets. However, some users noted the inconvenience of the lack of water and occasional disturbances from noisy campers on busy weekends.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the cooler temperatures compared to the valley floor, the excellent cleanliness of the vault toilets, and the peaceful and scenic nature of the campground. One user stated, 'Best...

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative aspects included the lack of running water, the challenges of accessing the site without a high-clearance vehicle, occasional noisy groups, and the presence of many bugs during certain...

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site details are limited, but one user mentioned that not all sites are flat, and some are more suitable for tents than for trucks or vans.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite as spots are limited. Bring plenty of water, as there is no on-site source. Prepare for cold nighttime temperatures, even in spring. Avoid weekends and holidays for...

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground tends to be colder at night throughout the year, particularly in spring. Late spring may have snowy or icy conditions impacting access. Mid-week visits are recommended for a less...

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Each spot has an established fire pit as well.' 2. 'It gets COLD at night - be prepared.' 3. 'A bit more private compared to the Mahogany campsite a bit higher up... Very clean drop toilet.' 4....

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews were found.

Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pets or pet-related experiences were identified.

Based on 12 reviews

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Thorndike 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 a cool summer refuge in Death Valley's backcountry and don't need hookups or reservations.

Skip if

You need electric or water hookups, or you're sensitive to bugs and weekend group noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.

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, 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

Thorndike Campground (Primitive)

About Death Valley National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Thorndike 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.