Homestake Dry Camp is a remote, primitive camping area at the southern end of Racetrack Road in the northern part of Death Valley National Park. It sits at roughly 3,760–3,785 feet elevation amid open desert terrain and wilderness, offering solitude and stark scenery for self-sufficient campers willing to handle rough access roads.
Geographic Description
The camp occupies a few graded pullouts and dispersed spots along a turnaround loop at the end of the unpaved Racetrack Road, deep in the park and bordered by the Death Valley Wilderness. The landscape is classic high-desert Death Valley: sparse vegetation, hard-packed earth, distant mountains and ridges, and expansive views under intensely clear skies. It is the closest legal camping to the famous Racetrack Playa (about 2 miles north) and lies past the south end of the playa. The site feels isolated—crowds are minimal precisely because of the long, rough approach. Night skies here rank among the darkest in the park, with excellent stargazing and Milky Way views on moonless nights.
Access is via Racetrack Road (high-clearance vehicle strongly recommended; 4WD helpful, especially after rain or on washboard sections). From near Ubehebe Crater, it is roughly 20 miles on Racetrack Road to Teakettle Junction, then about 9–10 miles farther past the playa. An alternate route via Lippincott Pass from Saline Valley Road is more technical and recommended only for experienced 4WD drivers. Always check current road conditions with the park, as flash floods or washouts can close or severely degrade the route.
Amenities
This is true dry camping with almost no facilities:
- A small number of graded or dispersed sites (sources commonly note about 4 larger spots that can handle multiple vehicles/groups, with room for additional nearby camping if needed; some listings cite up to ~10 dispersed sites).
- One portable/chemical toilet or outhouse (condition varies by report and maintenance; recent visitors have called it surprisingly decent, while others note it can be basic or neglected).
- No potable water, no picnic tables, no trash service, no hookups, no shade structures, and no cell service.
- Rock fire rings exist in places, but campfires and wood gathering are typically prohibited or heavily restricted—bring a gas stove and plan accordingly. Pack out everything you bring in.
- Free (park entrance fee required). First-come, first-served; no reservations. Pets are generally allowed. Suitable for tents and smaller high-clearance vehicles/RVs that can handle the road; large rigs are impractical.
Come fully prepared with water, food, shade, and waste management. The remoteness is the main amenity for those seeking quiet.
Best Times to Visit
Late fall through spring (roughly October–April) offers the most comfortable conditions. Daytime temperatures at this elevation are milder than on the valley floor, though nights can be cold in winter. Spring may bring wildflowers after wet winters. Summer is best avoided due to extreme heat (even at elevation the desert is punishing), and road access can be more hazardous with monsoon storms. Winter provides outstanding clear skies and solitude but requires cold-weather gear. Always monitor weather and road reports—rain can make the approach impassable.
Nearby Points of Interest
- Racetrack Playa (≈2 miles): The primary draw—the vast dry lakebed with its mysterious “sailing stones” that leave tracks across the surface. The Grandstand rock formation sits on the playa. Ideal for sunrise, sunset, and night photography; the camp’s proximity makes early/late visits easy.
- Teakettle Junction: The well-known (and decorated) junction on the way in.
- Lippincott Mine / Lippincott Pass: Accessible from the south end of the camp area; a rugged historic mining route and challenging 4WD path.
- Ubehebe Crater: Farther north along the approach roads—a dramatic volcanic crater worth visiting on the way in or out.
Homestake rewards prepared, experienced desert travelers with genuine remoteness, proximity to one of Death Valley’s most iconic features, and outstanding night skies. It is not a place for casual car camping or those needing services—treat it as backcountry and leave no trace. Check the National Park Service Death Valley site for the latest road, weather, and regulation updates before heading out.
Directions
The campground is located at the southern end of the Race Track Valley Road.
Campground Summary
| Camp Ground Name | Homestake Dry Camp |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.6372892,-117.5745213 |
| Sites | 4 |
| Elevation | 3780 |
| Amenities | No Water, No Fires, No tables |