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Camp at Death Valley's Wildrose Campground

Inyo County, California

Description

Added by Cameron Gardner

Death Valley is the lowest, driest, and hottest area in North America. This campground offers easy access to several points of interest, wide open spaces, and beautiful scenery.

There is a ton to see here, exploring Death Valley is the perfect way to spend a weekend away. We decided to explore it with a group of friends on motorcycles but a car will do just fine too.

Death Valley is located in Eastern California's Mojave Desert. From LA, take highway 395 and meet up with the 178 in Ridgecrest, CA and enter on the eastern side of the park or enter on the western side of the park which is accessible via highway 127. Our first night way spent at Wildrose campground. This campground almost doesn't feel like it's in Death Valley because it doesn't really have that desert feel. It's surrounded by rolling hills. Regardless it was a nice night spent under the stars, the campsites are pretty spread out and have fire pits.

From Wildrose Campground it's about an hour drive to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes area. The sand dunes are an awesome place to take a break from driving and explore for a bit. Park at the parking lot (pin on map) and just explore - trails don't really exist in the sand. There is a gas station and convenience store down the road from the dunes. I recommend bringing a sled or old skateboard deck to slide down the huge dunes or you can also just run around and jump off into the soft sand. The sand can get very hot though, bring a pair of sandals just incase.

From the sand dunes to the main village area of Death Valley is another hour drive. The park is really big! Both of these hour long drives are really beautiful, there is literally nothing around it's just wide open spaces on your left and right. There really isn't much cell service in the park so be prepared if you happen to have car or motorcycle troubles. The main area has a little village with restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations and more. There's also a few campgrounds and other accommodations to choose from. We ended up staying at Texas Springs Campground.

There are plenty of amazing sunset locations to choose from, including:

  • Zabriskie Point
  • Badwater Basin
  • Artist's Palette
  • The Race Track (4 wheel drive required)
  • Devil's Golf Course
  • Natural Bridge

There's a ton to see and do here from the casual family camping trip to more extreme backpacking. You can see even more if you have a 4 wheel drive and a lot of time. Either way you will definitely enjoy it!

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Hiking
Adult Beverages
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Scenic
ADA Accessible

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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