California / Inyo County / Death Valley Wilderness / Death Valley National Park

Homestake Primitive Campground

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations. Road access requires high-clearance 4WD and may be impassable during flash floods or extreme weather.

About

Homestake Primitive Campground sits at 3,785 feet elevation in one of Death Valley National Park's most isolated areas, just past the mysterious Racetrack Playa where rocks mysteriously move across the desert floor. This extremely remote camping area offers 10 primitive first-come, first-served sites with absolutely no facilities or amenities. The campground is free but requires a Death Valley entrance fee or Annual/Lifetime Pass. Access is challenging and should only be attempted by experienced off-road drivers with high-clearance 4WD vehicles equipped with all-terrain tires. From CA-190 at the Scotty's Castle junction, travel 38 miles north toward Ubehebe Crater, then turn onto unpaved Racetrack Road. Continue 20 miles on this rough road, turn right at Teakettle Junction, and travel 9.5 miles past the Racetrack Playa to reach the campground. Alternative access from Saline Valley Road via Lippincott Pass is even more technical. This is true desert camping with no water, no toilets, no trash service, and no infrastructure. Campers must be completely self-sufficient. Fires are restricted to charcoal in NPS metal fire pits where provided; all stoves and grills must be gas-burning. The night sky here is exceptional due to extreme remoteness. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F and are not recommended for camping. Winter offers more moderate temperatures but flash floods can make roads impassable. Always check road conditions before attempting the drive.

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 the campground.

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