Sunset Campground

Overview

About Sunset Campground

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.”

Why stop

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

Heads up

Exposed gravel lot with little shade or privacy
No hookups, picnic tables, or individual fire rings

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.

Parkwolf’s verdictWho it’s for

Map

Where it is

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Full map

CampgroundSunset Campground36.45885, -116.86372

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Sunset Campground

Arrive early on holiday weekends—first-come sites can fill then.
For tents, bring stout stakes or anchors; the gravel is hard-packed.
Download maps and info ahead of time—there’s no campground Wi‑Fi.
Showers are available across the road at the resort for a small fee.
Expect generator quiet hours outside roughly 7am–9pm; choose your site accordingly.

Plan your stop

Before you go

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.

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.

3 active Death Valley alerts

ClosurePark roads closed or hazardousPlan around multiple closed roads and use extra caution on damaged routes. - Paved roads: North Highway and Beatty Cut-off are closed due to flooding and debris from the October 22 storm.Official details
ClosureSaline Valley Lower Springs closed after wildfireLower Springs at Saline Valley Warm Springs remains closed after the September 15 wildfire; stay out because the fire left safety hazards, including potential hazardous chemicals.Official details

See all 3 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Death Valley Tour Guide

Your drive to Sunset Campground, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Death Valley National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Death Valley audio tour

Recorded for this place

Furnace Creek: The Heart of Death Valley

Listen

“Looks like you're heading into Furnace Creek, which is basically the central hub for all of Death Valley. This is your main stop for gas, lodging, and supplies from the General Store.”

Plays as you drive up to Sunset Campground in the Parkwolf Death Valley Tour Guide.

More about Sunset Campground

What it’s likePicture an organized parking-lot layout with marked sites for RVs, vans, and tents.

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.

WildlifeCoyotes and ravens are common patrollers—treat food and trash like a neon sign and they’ll come…

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.

Practical notesNo shade: plan your own (tarps/awnings) and bring serious sun protection.

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.

campsite rv stargazing sunset budget central

Wildlife

Wildlife in Death Valley

All Death Valley wildlife maps

71 sightingsBighorn SheepMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

101 sightingsDesert TortoiseMost seen around 8 AMSighting map

458 sightingsCoyoteMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

28 sightingsFeral BurroMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

30 sightingsMule DeerMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

62 sightingsKit FoxMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Death Valley. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.