Mesquite Spring Campground is one of the quieter, more scenic developed options in Death Valley National Park—especially appealing if you want to escape the busier Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells areas.
Geographic Description
Located in the northern part of the park at about 1,800 feet elevation, the campground sits roughly 2 miles off Scotty’s Castle Road (also known as North Highway) below Grapevine Canyon. It is surrounded by desert mountains, open washes, low desert scrub, and occasional mesquite trees, with expansive skies and mountain backdrops. Sites are generally well-spaced (many separated by desert vegetation or rock borders) on dirt/gravel pads along or near a dry wash. The higher elevation makes it noticeably cooler than the valley floor (Furnace Creek sits near sea level or below), and the remote setting delivers excellent stargazing with minimal light pollution. Winds can be common, and natural shade is limited.
It is the northernmost developed campground in the park and serves as a solid base for exploring the less-visited northern reaches.
Amenities
- Sites: Approximately 30–40 first-come, first-served sites suitable for tents, cars, and RVs (most sources indicate RVs up to about 30–35 feet; some larger rigs have managed it). Each site typically has a picnic table and fire ring/grate.
- Water: Potable water available (spigots/filling station).
- Restrooms: Flush toilets (generally reported as clean); dishwashing sinks at restrooms. No showers.
- Other: RV dump station, trash/recycling collection. No electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Pets allowed. Generator hours typically 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; quiet hours 10 p.m.–7 a.m.
- Fees: Around $20 per night standard (often $10 with Senior/Access Pass). Pay at the self-serve automated kiosk (credit/debit card; no cash). Park entrance fee is separate.
- Other notes: No cell service or Wi-Fi. Bring your own firewood (gathering is prohibited). Stay limit is typically 30 days.
Overall vibe is “no-frills done right”—basic but functional amenities in a peaceful desert setting rather than a crowded parking-lot feel.
Best Times to Visit
Fall through early spring (roughly October–mid-March/April) is ideal. Days are mild to warm and nights are cool to chilly (pack layers). This window offers the most comfortable temperatures, clear skies for stargazing, and occasional spring wildflowers. Weekends and holidays in peak season can fill up, so arrive earlier in the day for better site selection (sites along the wash tend to be larger and get afternoon shade first).
Summer is possible due to the elevation (one of the better higher-elevation options when valley-floor campgrounds close or become extreme), but days can still be very hot and windy. Winter nights can drop significantly. The campground is open year-round.
Nearby Points of Interest
- Ubehebe Crater (and Little Hebe Crater) — Short drive (about 5–6 miles / ~20 minutes). Volcanic maar crater with rim hiking and colorful walls.
- Scotty’s Castle (Death Valley Ranch) — Nearby in Grapevine Canyon. The historic site has been largely closed since a major 2015 flood (with additional fire damage later). As of late 2026, limited guided exterior grounds tours are offered on most weekends (October through mid-April); full interior reopening is projected no earlier than around November 2028. Check current NPS info and reserve tours in advance if interested.
- Racetrack Playa — Famous moving rocks. A longer, rough dirt-road day trip (high-clearance/4WD recommended; bring spare tire, water, and emergency communications).
- Other northern park features and backcountry exploration opportunities. Note that some access routes (e.g., from Nevada via Highway 267/Grapevine Canyon) have experienced closures due to flood recovery—verify current road conditions.
Tips: Arrive with supplies (closest services are distant). Download offline maps. Stake tents securely against wind. The relative solitude, dark skies, and proximity to northern attractions make this a favorite among many visitors seeking a more authentic desert camping experience away from the main tourist hubs. Always check the official NPS Death Valley page for current conditions, alerts, and fees before you go.
| Campground Name | Mesquite Springs Campground |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.96303, -117.36840 |
| Address | P.O. Box 579 Death Valley, CA 92328 |
| Number of Sites | 40 |
| Elevation | 1800 |
| Reservations | No |
| Amenities | Flush Toilets, Fire Rings, Tables |
| Website | https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/mesquite-spring-campground.htm |