Sunset Campground is Death Valley National Park’s large, no-frills overflow campground near Furnace Creek. It is essentially a big, open gravel/dirt lot with marked sites—practical and convenient rather than scenic or private—and serves mainly as a reliable, affordable base for exploring the park.
Sunset Campground is Death Valley National Park’s large, no-frills overflow campground near Furnace Creek. It is essentially a big, open gravel/dirt lot with marked sites—practical and convenient rather than scenic or private—and serves mainly as a reliable, affordable base for exploring the park.
Geographic Description
Located on the valley floor just across from the Timbisha Shoshone village and very close to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Ranch/Oasis area (store, restaurants, ice cream), and other services, the campground sits at roughly –150 to –190 feet elevation—one of the lowest developed camping spots in North America.
The setting is classic lower Death Valley: flat desert gravel with almost no vegetation or shade, open views of the surrounding mountain ranges (especially good sunset light on the Panamints), and vast dark night skies. Wind is common, and the open layout means little privacy or protection from the elements. It feels more like a large parking area than a traditional wooded campground, which is exactly what you should expect at this elevation.
Amenities
- Sites: Approximately 230 (some sources list up to 270), first-come/first-served, no reservations. Suitable for tents, cars, and RVs of various sizes (no strict length limits noted). Sites are unmarked beyond chalk lines or basic markers; no individual picnic tables or fire grates.
- Utilities: No electric, water, or sewer hookups. Seasonal potable water, flush toilets (scattered throughout), and a dump station are available. No showers on site.
- Fires: Only at a few designated community fire rings (wood gathering prohibited). Bring a portable stove/grill for cooking.
- Other: Trash collection (seasonal), camp hosts often present, generators allowed during daytime hours (typically 7 a.m.–7 or 9 p.m.), quiet hours at night. Pets permitted on leash. Nearby Furnace Creek store provides ice, basic groceries, firewood, and supplies.
- Fee: Around $18 per night (half price with Senior/Access pass); pay at automated stations with credit/debit card. Stay limit is generally 30 days.
It is better suited to RVers and those treating the campsite mainly as a place to sleep than to tent campers seeking shade, privacy, or a classic camping atmosphere. Texas Springs (nearby, up the hill) is often preferred when available for a more natural feel.
Best Times to Visit
Sunset is seasonal, typically open from mid-to-late October through mid-April (exact dates can vary slightly; it closes when summer heat arrives).
- Prime season: November through March (especially December–February). Daytime temperatures are usually comfortable (60s–80s °F), nights can drop into the 30s–40s, and crowds are manageable outside peak holiday weekends. The campground almost always has space even when Furnace Creek and Texas Springs fill up.
- Shoulder periods: Late October and early/mid-April can still work but watch for rising heat.
- Avoid: Late spring through early fall. Valley-floor temperatures routinely exceed 100–120 °F (and nights stay very warm), making camping unsafe and unpleasant. Higher-elevation park campgrounds are the better option then.
Tips: Arrive earlier in the day on busy winter weekends/holidays if you want a perimeter site with better views and less generator noise. Bring everything you need for self-contained camping (table, stove with windscreen, water containers if desired). Cell service is limited/variable; treat the location as a practical hub for day trips to Badwater Basin, Artist’s Palette, Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon, and other nearby highlights.
Overall, Sunset Campground is not the prettiest or most amenity-rich option in Death Valley, but it is one of the most dependable and centrally located for winter visitors who prioritize access and availability over atmosphere.
Campground Summary
| Name | Sunset Campground |
| Location | Furnace Creek, Death Valley National Park, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.461059, -116.863386 |
| Elevation | -160 feet below sea level |
| Sites | 230 |
| Amenities | Dump station, flush toilets, water availale |