Eureka Dunes Campground (Primitive)

4.51

42 reviews

Featured in:Camping Near Death Valley National Park

Quick Facts

2,880 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,880 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Eureka Dunes Campground (Primitive)

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No additional camping fee is charged beyond the park entry fee or pass.

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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Provider

7607863200Deva_Information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.51

Top-Rated

Based on 42 reviews

48 Google reviews

"Visitors praise the campground's dramatic natural beauty, solitude, and remote location but note its lack of amenities and maintenance issues with the vault toilet."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Eureka Dunes Campground (Primitive)

37.1120, -117.6809

Driving directionsOff of CA190 at the junction for Scotty’s Castle road, travel north thirty-eight (38) miles and take a right on unpaved Big Pine road. Travel thirty-four (34) miles on Big Pine road and take a left on South Eureka Valley Road. Travel ten (10) miles south to Eureka Dune dry camp.

Road access is rough and mostly unpaved. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. RVs and trailers are not advisable due to uneven gravel surfaces and deep sand patches.

Nearby supplies

No specific information on nearest supply locations. Campers are advised to bring all essentials, including water and food.

Best Time to Camp at Eureka Dunes Campground (Primitive)

The desert here plays by its own rules. Late spring through summer transforms this landscape into a furnace, with temperatures that challenge even the most seasoned desert travelers. Winter brings blessed relief, with crisp, cool nights perfect for stargazing. But don't let the calm fool you—desert winds can rise without warning, turning peaceful evenings into tent-testing adventures. Wise campers always check wind forecasts before setting up camp in this exposed terrain.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Summer becomes a 'furnace'; visitors recommend avoiding summer due to extreme heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Cooler than summer; fewer cautions noted—fall viewed as favorable season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Spring highlighted as one of the most favorable seasons to visit; milder temps and views.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter recommended and more comfortable than summer per reviews.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round. Summer camping is not recommended due to extreme heat.

About Eureka Dunes Campground (Primitive)

Hidden in one of California's most remote desert valleys, Eureka Dunes Campground offers an otherworldly escape beneath the state's tallest sand dunes. This primitive camping sanctuary sits at the base of these magnificent golden giants, where rare Eureka dune grass sways in the desert breeze—a species that exists nowhere else on Earth. Far from civilization's reach, this is where adventurous souls come to experience the raw beauty of Death Valley's untamed wilderness.

Eureka Dunes Campground is a primitive camping site with minimal facilities. It is suited for those seeking a remote and rugged outdoor experience.

Historical SignificanceWhile human history may be sparse in this remote corner of Death Valley, nature has written her own compelling story here. This campground serves as guardian to some of Earth's rarest botanical treasures—endemic plant species that have evolved in splendid isolation, making this not just a camping destination but a living museum of desert adaptation and survival.

Weather and SeasonsThe desert here plays by its own rules. Late spring through summer transforms this landscape into a furnace, with temperatures that challenge even the most seasoned desert travelers. Winter brings blessed relief, with crisp, cool nights perfect for stargazing. But don't let the calm fool you—desert winds can rise without warning, turning peaceful evenings into tent-testing adventures. Wise campers always check wind forecasts before setting up camp in this exposed terrain.

ElevationPerched at 2,880 feet above sea level, the campground enjoys a privileged position that offers welcome relief from Death Valley's infamous heat. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where winter nights can bring surprising chill to the desert air, rewarding campers with crystalline skies and temperatures perfect for campfire gatherings.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunrise painting massive sand dunes in shades of gold and amber, their rippled surfaces stretching skyward like frozen waves. The campground serves as your front-row seat to this geological spectacle, where California's tallest dunes rise dramatically against a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks. This remote desert sanctuary harbors botanical mysteries—endemic plants that have adapted to thrive in this seemingly inhospitable environment, creating an ecosystem found nowhere else on the planet.

Geological RegionNestled within the secluded Eureka Valley section of Death Valley National Park, this campground occupies one of California's most remarkable geological theaters. Here, ancient forces have sculpted the state's loftiest sand dunes, creating a landscape that defies expectations. This isolated valley cradles a unique ecosystem where several plant species have evolved in complete isolation, making every visit a journey into a world apart from anywhere else in the American Southwest.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to eight people and two vehicles per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of seven primitive sites equipped with concrete picnic tables and metal fire rings. Sites are spread out for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations, all sites are first-come-first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is entirely walk-up, with no reservations available.

AccessibilityThe campground has uneven gravel surfaces and no ADA-accessible sites. RVs or trailers are not recommended due to the rough roads.

Site SizeSites are basic, with enough room for camping vehicles and tents.

PrivacyThe sites are somewhat dispersed, offering privacy to some extent. However, during weekends and busy times, the area can get crowded.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesKeep going down the dirt road until you see no more cars," advises a camper. Avoid weekends for less crowding.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Eureka Dunes Campground offers unique activities centered around its stunning natural environment. Visitors can explore the tallest sand dunes in California and witness endemic plant species.

HikingHiking on the dunes provides a unique experience, including 'singing sands.' One user described this as 'unlike anything I have ever experienced.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, with critter tracks visible in the sand. Coyotes and ravens are commonly seen.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include extreme heat, deep sand patches on roads, high winds, and wildlife like coyotes and ravens that may disturb campsites.

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.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated metal fire rings provided by the National Park Service. All stoves and grills must be gas-burning.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located at facilities within Death Valley National Park. Precise distances or locations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available. Campers are required to pack out their trash.

Water FeaturesNo water bodies are nearby. Campers must bring their own water.

Camp HostNo staff or campground hosts are present.

Weather at Eureka Dunes Campground (Primitive)

Reviews

4.5

42 reviews

Top-Rated

Eureka Dunes Campground (Primitive) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors praise the campground's dramatic natural beauty, solitude, and remote location but note its lack of amenities and maintenance issues with the vault toilet.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

The dunes are breathtaking, with some visitors describing them as 'like a scene from Aladdin.' Night skies offer spectacular stargazing opportunities.

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include lack of maintenance of the vault toilets, crowded conditions during weekends, and prohibited activities damaging the environment.

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all supplies, including water and trash bags. Avoid weekends if seeking solitude. Check wind forecasts to avoid gusty conditions.

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors recommend avoiding summer due to extreme heat. Winter and spring appear to be the most favorable seasons for camping.

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This area is stunning, like a landscape off an alien planet.' 2. 'Our 'secluded' spot quickly became buzzing with people.' 3. 'Hike on the singing sand was unlike anything I have ever...

Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The sites closer to the mountains offer more dramatic views and are less crowded according to user Chiara Delfino.

Based on 42 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews focused on accessibility, but uneven gravel surfaces and lack of ADA-compliant facilities are noted.

Based on 42 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. One review emphasizes the importance of cleaning up after pets.

Based on 42 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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