Homestake Primitive Campground

About

Homestake Primitive Campground offers an intensely remote camping experience in Death Valley's backcountry. Located at 3,785 feet elevation near the iconic Racetrack Playa with its mysterious sailing stones, this campground rewards those with the vehicle capability and backcountry experience to reach it. The 10 sites are completely undeveloped with no services of any kind. Access requires navigating rough 4WD roads for considerable distances. From Ubehebe Crater, you'll travel 20 miles on Racetrack Road to Teakettle Junction, then another 9.5 miles past the Racetrack playa. The alternative route via Lippincott Pass from Saline Valley Road is even more challenging and should only be attempted by experienced off-road drivers. This is self-sufficient camping in every sense. There are no toilets, no water, no trash service, and no cell coverage. Campers must bring all water, pack out all waste, and be prepared for complete self-rescue if vehicle problems occur. Charcoal fires are permitted only in NPS metal fire pits; all stoves and grills must be gas-burning.

Directions

From CA-190 at the Scotty's Castle Road junction, travel north 38 miles toward Ubehebe Crater. Just before the crater parking area, turn right onto unpaved Racetrack Road. Travel 20 miles on this high-clearance 4WD road and turn right at Teakettle Junction. Continue 9.5 miles past the Racetrack playa to reach the campground.