California / Inyo County / Death Valley National Park

Mesquite Spring Campground

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No advance reservations. The campground has experienced periodic closures due to flooding, most recently reopening in January 2024 after storm damage.

About

Mesquite Spring Campground is located at 1,800 feet elevation in the northern section of Death Valley National Park, positioned 2 miles off Scotty's Castle Road below Grapevine Canyon. The campground is surrounded by desert mountains and striking geological features, offering a quieter alternative to the more popular campgrounds near Furnace Creek. At a slightly higher elevation than the valley floor, temperatures tend to be marginally cooler. The campground offers 40 first-come, first-served sites accessed by paved roadways. Each site features a fire grate and picnic table. Amenities include flush toilets available year-round, potable water, a dump station, and trash collection. There are no hookups or showers. Paved roadways throughout the campground provide accessibility, with ADA access available to one comfort station in the center of the campground. Mesquite Spring serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the northern reaches of Death Valley National Park. Campers can access nearby attractions including Ubehebe Crater, the Racetrack Playa, and various canyons along Scotty's Castle Road. The campground charges $20 per night (or $10 for Senior/Access Pass holders), paid via an automated fee machine accepting credit and debit cards. Campers are limited to 30 consecutive days, with a maximum of 1 recreational vehicle with tow, 2 cars, or 4 motorcycles per site, accommodating up to 8 people.

Directions

Off CA-190 at the junction for Scotty's Castle Road, travel north 33 miles and turn left onto the campground access road. Travel 2 miles on the campground access road to the Mesquite Spring Campground entrance. Note: Access is closed if traveling from Nevada through Grapevine Canyon on Nevada Highway 267.

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