Thorndike Campground (Primitive)

***No Potable Water Available in the Wildrose Area. Closest available water ~38 miles north at Stovepipe Wells, CA. First-come, first-served primitive, forested campground with no additional fee located at 7,400' elevation. Accessible to high clearance vehicles (no longer than 25') and 4x4 may be necessary. Closest available water ~38 miles north at Stovepipe Wells. May still be impacted by snowy/icy conditions in late spring.

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

This campground is first-come, first-served. No reservations are available.

Toilets

Vault Toilets - seasonal

Trash & recycling

Yes - seasonal

Amphitheater

No

Camp store

No

Cell reception

No

Drinking water

No water

Dump station

No

Firewood for sale

No

Food storage lockers

No

Host on site

No

Ice for sale

No

Internet

No

Laundry

No

Showers

None

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

RVs

Not allowed

Trailers

Not allowed

Access roads

Unpaved Roads - 4WD/High clearance required

Classification

Primitive Camping Areas

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

Due to high elevation (7,400'), this area may be 30 degrees cooler than the lower Death Valley areas and can be snowy in winter and spring. Check the weather forecast here: https://www.weather.gov/vef/RecDV

Quiet Hours:10 PM to 7 AM. Camping Limits: 1 recreational vehicle w/tow, 2 cars, or 4 motorcycles. 8 people per site. Stay limited to 30 days. No holding or reserving sites. Check-out Time:12 PM Noon Camp Fires: No wood gathering. Fires only in NPS firegrates as provided. Fires must not be left smoldering or unattended. No trash in firegrate. Fire restrictions are in effect from 6/15-9/15. No open flames are allowed in those areas, but controlled flame devices with shut off valves and gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel sources are allowed. Waste Water: No dumping allowed at this location. Pets: Must be confined or on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Do not leave unattended. Allowed along roads, in campground, and in developed areas only. Owners are responsible for cleanup. Food/Trash: unattended food, garbage or cooking equipment must be sealed in a vehicle or a solid container. Do not feed wildlife.

Tall trees surround campsites and line both sides of a U-shaped road that intersect the main road on the east side. A post with a light brown tent symbol and wooden sign reading Thorndike Campground marks the upper entrance. The road is 12 foot wide hardpacked dirt and gravel with 6 inch wide rocks. It runs parallel to and about 20 feet higher than the main road. The first campsite is 60 feet out the road and a tight right turn. 100 feet further, two sites are laid out across the road from each other. The site on the right has six stone stairs that lead to a flat camping space. The site on the left is a multi-level space with a tent site up and to the left. Fire rings and metal benches are in each site. A one-room vault toilet is 230 feet down slope on right side of the loop. To the right of the vault toilet and 15 feet beyond the fire pit is a steeply sloped campsite. The road curves left and meets the main road in a T-shaped intersection. The whole campground area is a mountain valley with pine trees.

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• Death Valley Scenic Byway
  Nationally designated · 15 mi away