Texas Springs Campground is one of the more appealing developed campgrounds in Death Valley National Park, perched on a hillside just above the Furnace Creek area. It offers a quieter, more scenic alternative to the flatter, denser valley-floor options like Sunset or Furnace Creek, with sweeping views and a strict no-generator rule that keeps nights peaceful.
Geographic Description
The campground sits in the hills above Furnace Creek at roughly sea level (around –32 ft / –10 m in some reports). From the upper loop you get elevated views across the valley floor toward the Black Mountains and distant Panamint Range, plus golden light on the surrounding mudstone hills and badlands at sunrise and sunset. The landscape is classic Death Valley—sparse vegetation of tamarisk and other desert plants, rocky/gravel pads, and open desert. Lower sites offer a bit more protection and some shade trees; upper sites feel more exposed and panoramic. It’s a short drive (or walkable distance for some) from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, The Oasis at Death Valley (formerly Furnace Creek Ranch/Inn), and major attractions such as Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Palette, and Badwater Basin.
Amenities and Facilities
- Sites: Approximately 92–106 total (NPS lists 106), including about 26 tent-only sites. Mix of tent, van, and small-to-medium RV spots (max ~35 ft motorhomes / shorter trailers recommended). Paved access roads lead to unpaved/gravel pads. Upper loop tends to be better for RVs with more space and pull-through options; lower loop favors tents and has more vegetation/shade.
- Each site: Picnic table and fire grate/ring.
- Facilities: Flush toilets (clean by most accounts), potable water spigots (seasonal), dump station (seasonal), and trash/recycling collection (seasonal).
- Not available: No hookups (dry camping only), no showers on-site (paid showers sometimes accessible nearby at the resort), no Wi-Fi, limited or no reliable cell service depending on carrier.
- Other rules: Generators prohibited (this is a key plus for quiet). Pets allowed on leash (max 4 per site, supervised). Max 8 people and 2 vehicles (or 1 RV + tow vehicle) per site. Firewood must be brought in or purchased nearby—no gathering. Quiet hours typically enforced.
Fee: $20 per night (increased from $16 in 2024; half-price with Senior or Access pass). Separate park entrance fee applies ($30 per vehicle for 7 days). Pay at onsite automated stations (credit/debit). First-come, first-served only—no reservations.
Best Times to Visit
Texas Springs is open seasonally, typically from mid-to-late October (or November) through mid-April, closing for the extreme summer heat when valley temperatures routinely exceed 100–120°F even at night.
- Prime window: November through March. Daytime highs are often pleasant (60s–70s°F / teens–20s°C), nights cool to cold, and skies clear for excellent stargazing. Late fall and winter deliver comfortable hiking weather and dramatic desert light.
- Shoulder periods: Late October opening and early-to-mid April can still work but grow warmer and busier; the campground fills faster as temperatures rise.
- Avoid: Summer (campground closed) and major holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s, Presidents’ Day, spring break) when sites fill by early afternoon or earlier. Arrive by late morning or early afternoon in peak season for the best pick of sites, especially upper-loop view spots.
Overall vibe and tips: Campers consistently praise the quieter atmosphere (thanks to the generator ban), the hillside setting with better views than the parking-lot feel of nearby Sunset, and the convenient base for exploring central Death Valley highlights. Sites can feel close together with limited privacy and shade, and the ground is rocky, so sturdy tent stakes help. It pairs well with a stop at the visitor center for maps, water, and supplies. Check the NPS Alerts & Conditions page before travel, as exact open/close dates and water availability can shift slightly year to year. If you value quiet nights, decent facilities, and elevated desert views without needing full RV hookups, Texas Springs is one of the stronger choices in the park.
Campground Summary
| Name | Texas Springs Campground |
| Location | Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.459830, -116.856782 |
| Elevation | -87 feet below sea level |
| Number of Sites | 92 Total 26 Tent Only |
| Amenities | Water, flush toilets, picnic tables, a dump station and fire pits. |
