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Death Valley/Sunset
Overview
Sunset Campground is an expansive, National Park Service-managed facility located in the heart of Death Valley National Park. As a primitive camping area, it offers a functional and straightforward environment for RV travelers seeking a base camp near the park's primary services. The park is characterized by its wide-open gravel terrain, providing campers with unobstructed views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the vast desert horizon.
Location & Surroundings
Located directly across from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, the park sits at an elevation below sea level. The surroundings are stark and dramatic, featuring iconic desert vistas that transform with the shifting light of dawn and dusk. Because there is virtually no natural shade, the environment feels incredibly open, allowing for unparalleled stargazing opportunities once the sun dips below the Panamint Range.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a dry-camping destination, meaning there are no hookups available at the individual sites. However, the facility is well-equipped for self-contained RVs, offering a large dump station and multiple potable water fill-up points. Guests have access to flush toilets and sinks within the campground loops. The sites are arranged in a large grid on level gravel, making it particularly easy for drivers to maneuver and level their vehicles.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Staying here puts you minutes away from some of the most famous landmarks in California. You can take a short drive to explore the salt flats at Badwater Basin or capture the sunrise at the stunning Zabriskie Point overlook. The nearby Furnace Creek Ranch offers access to a general store, restaurants, and a gas station, ensuring that supplies are always within reach while you explore the rugged beauty of Artist’s Drive.
Who This Park Is Best For
Sunset Campground is ideal for budget-conscious RVers and those traveling in large rigs who prioritize space and maneuverability over resort-style amenities. It is a perfect fit for independent travelers who want to be centrally located for sightseeing. If you enjoy a social camping atmosphere and do not mind the lack of privacy between sites, this park serves as a convenient and affordable gateway to the wonders of Death Valley.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Janet Rodriguez
This campground is wonderful! The campground host was extremely helpful!There are restrooms, sinks to wash your dishes, water and dump stations, and close to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and most popular Death Valley hikes!
Jeffrey Tadlock
While Sunset Campground is essentially a big, open parking lot with lines, I have always enjoyed my stays here. This most recent trip we were in a camper van and we had a great stay. It is very conveniently located in Furnace Creek, letting you get to many of the popular locations in Death Valley quite easily. There are several restroom buildings in this campground that were always super clean and tidy. It was typically easy to either find a spot near one if you like to close to the restrooms, or distance yourself if prefer not to be near the restroom building. There are also dishwashing stations, always a nice feature when it is time to clean-up after cooking at camp. This campground doesn't have much shelter from the wind if it is a windy day, but if you are vehicle camping that isn't a big issue. This is not the greatest campground for tents due to the parking lot atmosphere and hard ground, but can make due in a pinch. A short walk gets you to the Death Valley National Park Visitor Center or to the shops and restaurants at the Ranch. We stayed 4 nights on this trip and thought it made a great base of operations for our Death Valley trip.
Laura Pitka
Basically a big parking lot where you can tent or RV camp. The staff are super helpful and friendly (Dawn was so great!). There is a restroom and wash sink area as well as a community fire pit. You can get a camping pass at the little kiosk there. Super easy and good location as it's fairly central to everything.
Crystal Mechling
No reservations needed, beautiful scenery, great location near store/ restaurant/ visitor center ! Tent, RV, car camping all welcome. There are no hook ups. Bathrooms and running water are spread out throughout the campground. (You pay $18 at a kiosk at the back)
DENNIS BELL
great place. lots of room. half empty. all gravel. no trees or hookups.