Eureka Dunes Campground – Death Valley
Eureka Dunes Campground is a remote and primitive camping area located in the northern part of Death Valley National Park, California. Situated near the towering Eureka Dunes, the highest sand dunes in North America, this campground offers a unique and peaceful setting for those seeking solitude and adventure in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. This campground is located at 2,880 ft and is only accessible to high-clearance vehicles.
Campground Details
| Site Types | Tent |
| Number of Sites | 7 |
| Amenities | Fire rings, vault toilet, picnic tables |
| Information Number | (760) 786-3200 (Death Valley National Park) |
| Reservations | No (First-come, first-served) |
| Campground Address | Eureka Dunes Campground, Death Valley National Park, CA |
| Campground GPS | 37.111945, -117.680919 |
| Location | Eureka Valley, Death Valley National Park, CA |
| Season | Open year-round (summer temperatures can be extremely high) |
| Website | https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/eureka-dunes-campground-primitive.htm |
Getting to Eureka Dunes Campground
Off of CA190 at the junction for Scotty’s Castle road, travel north thirty-eight (38) miles and take a right on unpaved Big Pine road. Travel thirty-four (34) miles on Big Pine road and take a left on South Eureka Valley Road. Travel ten (10) miles south to Eureka Dune dry camp.
Campground Overview
Eureka Dunes Campground is a small, primitive campground nestled in the remote Eureka Valley, near by the massive Eureka Dunes that rise 680 feet above the valley floor in the northern portion of Death Valley National Park.
There is no trash service, so visitors should come prepared to pack in and pack out all their supplies.
The campground is perfect for those seeking a more solitary, off-the-grid camping experience. The silence of the desert, especially at night, is a significant draw for many visitors. The lack of light pollution makes this area an excellent location for stargazing, with clear, unobstructed views of the night sky.
While the campground is not suited for RV camping, tent campers can enjoy a remote, peaceful setting with plenty of space to spread out. Given the isolation of the campground, visitors should come well-prepared with ample water, food, and camping supplies.
The standout feature of Eureka Dunes Campground is its proximity to the dunes. Visitors can hike the dunes, which rise dramatically from the desert floor, and experience a truly unique and awe-inspiring desert landscape. The dunes are an incredible sight at sunrise or sunset when the changing light creates dramatic shadows and highlights across the sand.
Things to Do
Beyond camping, Eureka Dunes offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The dunes themselves are a major attraction, with opportunities for hiking, sandboarding, or simply marveling at the unique desert landscape.
Important Notes
- Weather: Summer temperatures can be extremely hot in the Eureka Valley, often exceeding 100°F (38°C). We don’t recommend visiting Death Valley in summer. At all times of the year, visitors should be prepared for heat and bring plenty of water and sun protection.
- Road Conditions: The unpaved roads leading to the campground can be rough and are best suited for high-clearance vehicles. Check road conditions before traveling, especially after rainstorms.
- No Water: There is no potable water at the campground, so visitors must bring all their water with them.
- Leave No Trace: As a primitive and remote campground, visitors are urged to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste, including trash and toilet paper.
- Fires: Should only be made in designated fire rings.
For information on other camping options in the Death Valley area, check out our comprehensive Death Valley camping guide.
