Thorndike Campground – Death Valley National Park
Located in the rugged terrain of Death Valley National Park, Thorndike Campground offers visitors a quiet, primitive camping experience at an elevation of 7,400 feet.
This small, forested campground provides an escape from the extreme heat of the valley floor, offering cooler temperatures and a more serene setting. Perfect for high-clearance vehicles and 4×4 enthusiasts, Thorndike Campground features six first-come, first-served campsites surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the desert and mountains.
Campground Details
| Site Type | Tent Sites (6) |
| Elevation | 7,400 feet |
| Season | Year-round (conditions permitting) |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.236876, -117.072045 |
| Accessibility | High-clearance vehicles, 4×4 may be necessary |
| Amenities | Vault Toilets (seasonal), Trash Collection (seasonal) |
| Reservations | No (first-come, first-served) |
| Water Availability | No potable water |
| Fire Policy | Wood fires allowed in NPS fire pits only (seasonal restrictions apply) |
| Cell Phone Reception | No |
| Internet Connectivity | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Ice for Sale | No |
| Firewood for Sale | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Staff On Site | No |
| Toilet Type | Vault Toilets (seasonal) |
| Shower Type | None |
How to Get to Thorndike Campground
To get to Thorndike Campground from Furnace Creek in Death Valley, head west on CA-190 for about 33.9 miles, then turn left onto Emigrant Canyon Road. Continue for 21.1 miles before turning onto Charcoal Kiln Road. Follow Charcoal Kiln Road for 0.3 miles, then take a slight right onto Wood Canyon Road. Stay on Wood Canyon Road for 0.3 miles, and then continue back onto Charcoal Kiln Road for another 7.1 miles. Finally, turn left onto a small road, and Thorndike Campground will be on your right.
From Panamint Springs, head east on CA-190 for 21.4 miles, then turn right onto Emigrant Canyon Road. After 21.1 miles, turn onto Charcoal Kiln Road and follow it for 0.3 miles. Take a slight right onto Wood Canyon Road, then stay on Wood Canyon Road for 0.3 miles. Continue on Charcoal Kiln Road for 7.1 miles, then turn left onto a small road where the campground will be on your right.
The drive from either Furnace Creek or Panamint Springs takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 50 to 63 miles, depending on your starting point and road conditions.
Campground Overview
Thorndike Campground provides a peaceful and secluded retreat in the high desert. Situated at an elevation of 7,400 feet in the Black Mountains, the campground offers a cooler climate compared to the valley floor.
The campground is nestled within a small forested area, with Juniper and Piñon pine trees providing shade and a natural setting for outdoor activities. However, due to its remote location, Thorndike Campground is only suitable for experienced campers with high-clearance vehicles or 4×4 capabilities.
There are six campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis, which ensures a quiet and uncrowded atmosphere. However, amenities are minimal, with no potable water or hookups, and only seasonal vault toilets available.
Campers are encouraged to bring their own water and firewood, as the collection of firewood is prohibited in the park. Wood fires are only allowed in designated NPS fire pits, and there are seasonal fire restrictions, particularly during the summer months.
Thorndike Campground is a prime spot for those looking to explore the surrounding natural beauty of Death Valley, with opportunities for hiking, stargazing, and wildlife watching.
The cooler temperatures at this elevation make it a welcome respite from the intense heat of the valley floor, and the absence of cell phone reception ensures a true disconnect from modern life.
While there are no developed amenities like showers or camp stores, the campground offers a peaceful, rustic experience for those seeking solitude in one of the most unique landscapes in the world.
For information on other camping options in the Death Valley area, check out our comprehensive Death Valley camping guide.
