California / Inyo County / Death Valley National Park

Thorndike Primitive Campground

Closed — The campground is currently closed for the winter season due to snow and ice conditions at 7,400' elevation. Thorndike typically reopens mid-April through early May, weather permitting, and remains open through November or early December. Access via Emigrant Canyon Road and Upper Wildrose Road is subject to winter weather conditions.

About

Thorndike Primitive Campground offers an escape from Death Valley's extreme heat at 7,400 feet elevation in the Panamint Mountains. This small, forested campground features just 6 primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis with no camping fees. The location provides a dramatically cooler climate—often 30 degrees lower than the valley floor—and serves as an excellent base camp for hiking Telescope Peak, Death Valley's highest point at 11,049 feet. Access to Thorndike requires careful planning and the right vehicle. The rough, winding dirt road from Wildrose Canyon demands high-clearance vehicles no longer than 25 feet, and 4x4 capability is frequently necessary depending on recent weather conditions. The road becomes increasingly challenging past Wildrose Campground, making this destination unsuitable for standard passenger vehicles, RVs, or trailers. The campground's primitive nature means campers must be fully self-sufficient. Each site includes a picnic table and fire grate, with seasonal vault toilets provided. There is no water available at the campground—the nearest water source is roughly 29 miles north at Emigrant Rest Area, requiring visitors to pack in all necessary water. Trash collection is seasonal, and campers should be prepared to pack out all refuse during non-collection periods. Due to the high elevation, Thorndike can experience snow and ice from late fall through early spring, typically resulting in seasonal closure during winter months. The campground generally operates from mid-April through November or early December, weather permitting. Late spring visitors should be aware that snowy or icy conditions may persist even after the official opening. Summer and early fall offer the most reliable access and the best conditions for exploring the surrounding high-elevation trails and attractions, including the nearby Wildrose Charcoal Kilns and routes to Mahogany Flat Campground.

Directions

From Highway 190, take Emigrant Canyon Road southwest past Emigrant Campground. Continue on Emigrant Canyon Road to the Wildrose Canyon turnoff. Follow Upper Wildrose Road (unpaved) past Wildrose Campground and the Charcoal Kilns. The campground is located approximately 7 miles up the increasingly rough and steep dirt road. High-clearance vehicle required; 4x4 often necessary. Maximum vehicle length 25 feet.

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