Pros & cons
PROS
- First-come, first-served with lots of sites and rarely fills
- Central Furnace Creek location near store, restaurants, and visitor center
- Flush toilets, potable water, and a seasonal RV dump station
CONS
- Exposed gravel lot with little shade or privacy
- No hookups, picnic tables, or individual fire rings
Overview
Sunset Campground is Death Valley’s big, no-frills basecamp beside Furnace Creek. Think wide-open gravel rows, huge skies, and easy logistics rather than cozy campsites. It’s the place you grab when you want a guaranteed spot close to the park’s hub and you’re not chasing campground “ambience.”
What it’s like
Picture an organized parking-lot layout with marked sites for RVs, vans, and tents. It’s flat, exposed, and simple—great for convenience, not for privacy. The tradeoff is hard to beat access: you’re steps or a short walk/drive from the Furnace Creek services and many of the park’s headliners.
Amenities and logistics
You’ll find restrooms with sinks and potable water, plus a seasonal RV dump station. There are no hookups, no individual fire rings, and no picnic tables at sites. Cell service is generally reliable here, but there’s no campground internet. Self-pay kiosks make arriving late straightforward, and you can top up basics at the nearby camp store.
Who it’s for
If you want a central, budget-friendly jumping-off point to chase sunrises at Zabriskie, golden hours at Badwater, and late-night stars, this is your spot. Tent campers can make it work, but the ground is hard and there’s no shade—Texas Springs nearby is often preferred by tent-first folks when available.
Wildlife
Coyotes and ravens are common patrollers—treat food and trash like a neon sign and they’ll come calling. Keep everything secured and clean to avoid unwanted visitors.
Best time to visit
This campground generally runs fall through spring, aligning with the park’s comfortable season. It rarely fills except on major holidays. For light and temps, target late afternoon through sunset for camp setup and views, then enjoy excellent stargazing under typically dark skies. Mornings are cooler and calmer for breaking camp or heading out.
Practical notes
- No shade: plan your own (tarps/awnings) and bring serious sun protection.
- Wind can whip across the flats—secure tents and gear.
- Showers aren’t on-site, but available across the road at the Furnace Creek resort for a fee.
- Generator use is typically limited to daytime/evening hours; plan your site choice and schedule accordingly.
Where it is
36.4588, -116.8637Tips for Sunset Campground
- 01Arrive early on holiday weekends—first-come sites can fill then.
- 02For tents, bring stout stakes or anchors; the gravel is hard-packed.
- 03Download maps and info ahead of time—there’s no campground Wi‑Fi.
- 04Showers are available across the road at the resort for a small fee.
- 05Expect generator quiet hours outside roughly 7am–9pm; choose your site accordingly.
Amenities
Near Sunset Campground
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayFurnace Creek Fuel and Auto ServiceThe park’s central lifeline for fuel, at a steep premiumGas Station · Restroom
0.2 mi awayFarrabee's Jeep RentalsJeep rentals and tours to reach the park’s remote backroadsParking
0.2 mi awayThe Ranch at Death ValleyFamily-friendly oasis with pool, dining, and fuel at Furnace CreekLodging · Restaurant
0.2 mi awayFurnace CreekDesert oasis and the park’s all-in-one hubVisitor Center · Campground
1.6 mi awayHarmony Borax Works Interpretive TrailA bite-size, paved loop around the 1880s borax works ruins.Easy · 0.4 mi · 30 min
1.6 mi awayMustard Canyon LoopShort loop through glowing yellow hills beside Harmony Borax WorksEasy · 3.4 mi · 1.2 hr
2.8 mi awayGolden Canyon to Red CathedralGolden walls to a red-rock amphitheater with a fun, short scramble.Moderate · 3 mi · 1.5 hr
2.8 mi awayGolden Canyon and Gower Gulch LoopDesert classic: golden narrows, badlands, and big views in one loopModerate · 4.4 mi · 2.5 hr
