Hottest, Driest, Lowest: Death Valley is a land of extremes. It is one of the hottest places on the surface of the Earth with summer temperatures averaging well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. At 282 feet below the level of the sea, it is the driest place in North America with an average rainfall of only 1.96 inches a year.

This valley is also a land of subtle beauties: Morning light creeping across the eroded badlands of Zabriskie Point to strike Manly Beacon, the setting sun and lengthening shadows on the Sand Dunes at Stovepipe Wells, and the colors of myriad wildflowers on the golden hills above Harmony Borax on a warm spring day.

Campgrounds Currently in Death Valley National Park:

Emigrant : Open All YearDetails : Located at 2,100 feet, Emigrant is designated for Tents Only and has 10 sites with water, tables, and flush toilets. No fires are allowed. Emigrant is a Free campground.

Furnace Creek : Open All Year : Reservations Online or by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMPDetails : Located 196 feet below sea level, Furnace Creek has 136 sites with water, tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, and dump station. Furnace Creek is $16 per night during the winter season and $10 a night during the summer. Reservations for sites in Furnace Creek Campground are only taken for the winter season. The campground is first come first served in the summer.

There are two group camp sites at Furnace Creek Campground. Call 1-800-365-CAMP for group site reservations.

Mahogany Flat : Open From 03/01/2004 To 11/30/2004Details : Mahogany Flat is located at 8,200 feet in the Panamint Mountains and is accessible to high clearance vehicles only. Depending upon road conditions, 4-wheel drive may be necessary. The campground has 10 sites, tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Mahogany Flat is free.

Mesquite Spring : Open All YearDetails : Located at 1,800 feet 3 miles from Scotty's Castle, Mesquite Spring has 30 sites with water, tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, and a dump station. The fee is $10 a night.

Stovepipe Wells : Open From 10/15/2004 To 04/15/2005Details : Located at sea level, Stovepipe Wells has 190 sites with water, some tables, some fireplaces with the tent sites, flush toilets, and dump station. $10.00 per night.

Stovepipe Wells RV Campground (Concession) : Open All YearDetails : Located at sea level, the Stovepipe RV Campground is managed by the Stovepipe Wells Resort. It has 14 sites with full hook-ups and no tables or fireplaces. A swimming pool and showers are available. No Reservations, first come first served, and the sites are $23.00 a night.

Sunset : Open From 10/15/2004 To 04/15/2005Details : Located at 190 feet below sea level, Sunset has 1000 sites with water, flush toilets, and dump station. NO Fires Allowed. Sunset is $10.00 per night.

Texas Spring : Open From 10/15/2004 To 04/15/2005Details : Located at sea level, Texas Spring has 92 sites with water, tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, and dump station. Texas Spring is first come first served with self registration, and the fee is $12.00 per night. No generators allowed.

Thorndike : Open From 03/01/2003 To 11/30/2004Details : Thorndike is located at 7,400 feet in the Panamint Mountains and is accessible to high clearance vehicles only. Depending on road conditions, 4-wheel drive may be necessary. Thorndike has 6 sites, tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Thorndike is free.

Wildrose : Open All YearDetails : Located at 4,100 feet in the Panamint Mountains, Wildrose Campground is not accessible to vehicles over 25 feet in length. Wildrose has 23 sites, with tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Drinking water is available during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Wildrose is a free campground.