Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Death Valley/Mesquite Spring
Overview
Mesquite Spring Campground offers a tranquil getaway situated in the northern reaches of Death Valley National Park. Unlike the more crowded campgrounds located in the center of the park, this location offers a serene desert experience for RVers looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet, it provides a slightly cooler climate than the low-lying furnace of the main valley, making it a seasonal favorite for those exploring the Mojave Desert’s unique topography and historical landmarks.
Location & Surroundings
The park is nestled near the Grapevine Mountains, surrounded by ancient volcanic landscapes and sparse desert vegetation. Its remote positioning means visitors are far from significant light pollution, offering some of the best stargazing opportunities in the entire National Park system. The drive to the campground involves navigating the scenic North Highway, where the vastness of the California desert truly comes to life against a backdrop of rugged peaks and shifting alluvial fans.
Amenities & Park Features
While Mesquite Spring is primarily a dry camping experience, it provides essential comforts for self-contained RVs. The park features flush toilets and potable water stations distributed throughout the camping loops. Each individual site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for evening gatherings under the stars. While there are no individual electrical or water hookups at the sites, a central dump station is available for guest convenience. RVers should note that sites vary in size, generally accommodating rigs up to 35 feet in length.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The campground serves as the perfect base for visiting the magnificent Ubehebe Crater, a massive volcanic crater located just a few miles away. Explorers can also venture toward the historic Scotty’s Castle area or prepare for the rugged journey through Titus Canyon if they have a secondary high-clearance vehicle. Hiking trails winding through the nearby washes offer a chance to spot local wildlife like roadrunners and coyotes amidst the stark desert beauty and colorful rock formations.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-sufficient travelers who prioritize peace and natural beauty over luxury resort amenities. It is a fantastic choice for photographers, amateur astronomers, and hikers who want to stay close to the park's northern landmarks. If you enjoy the simplicity of dry camping and want to experience the quiet majesty of the desert without the crowds found at Furnace Creek, Mesquite Spring is the perfect fit for your travel style.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Rebecca Tarvin
Went here in April, it was cool and windy at night. Got hot by 10am. The higher elevation shields you from the worst heat but I imagine that it gets pretty hot here mid summer. There is no natural shade.
Lee K
A night we will never forget. Barebones camping in the desert with a full moon and the coyotes and the wind 'howling all night. Glad we were in a hard sided camper and not a tent. The moon was so bright it lite up the desert for miles. Spectacular views and vista.
Christopher James
Of all the campgrounds we stayed in in Death Valley, this was our favorite. Off the grid, as the Scotty Castle road is closed and expects to be so for at least another year. This one had the best vibe too. Friendly campers, the camp host is nice, large sites and great views. It can be windy here, so if you're in a tent, make sure to stake it down well, and weight it, or it may end up miles away. There are flush toilets and water spigots. Also a dump station. For showering, use a solar shower or that in your rig, as there are none here. The stars are excellent when it's clear out. Road biking up to Ubehebe Crater is recommended, about 20 miles round trip. There are gravel roads, but you'll want a full suspension mountain bike for them as the surface is often loose and always rocky. There is no cell service. The closest is in Beatty, NV.
Charlene Waldriff
Want to see stars, then this is the campground for you. Large sites, very quiet, stand on one of the many hills, and you can feel peace. Nice bathrooms (for camping, flush). A 32 mile wash starts at the campground, which comes out to stovepipe wells. Rocks, to view and examine. NO carrying out anything that is native to the area, National Park and all. Stacking rocks is ok and fun, wear leather gloves, you might pick up a scorpion under that rock. 32 miles from turn off on north hwy, but worth it. Open all year, unless flooding, but I would avoid may thru Sept. Too hot! For me!
Fernando Mendoza
We ended up here after visiting Death Valley and it is a nice quiet place that is a hidden gem. The entrance is covered with fallen trees had to take a photo it is pretty cool when you get there.