1 / 100

Death Valley Stargazing Camp

91%

· Valley Wells, Inyo, California

80 acres hosted by Scott L.

4 RV/tent sites

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

PLEASE NOTE: You MUST approach the property from the south through the ghost town of Ballarat. If you try to approach from the north on Indian Ranch Road, you very well may come across some section of road that have been washed out. PLEASE APPROACH FROM THE SOUTH! The easiest way to get here is to navigate to Ballarat first, and then turn north on Indian Ranch Road. Google often thinks the road in between Ballarat and our location is closed, but we assure you it's not, and hasn't been for years. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE IN THE AREA. Pitch your tent or pull up your RV or camper van on Death Valley's front porch just outside of Surprise Canyon in Panamint Valley. Near the ghost town of Ballarat, Death Valley Stargazing Camp is one of only four private parcels in all of Panamint Valley -- and lies just west of the Death Valley National Park boundary. This pristine valley is untouched, and offers panoramic views of amazing sunsets, sunrises, and of course dark, dark skies! The property features 4 campsites with privacy amongst the 80 acres. All sites have several hundred feet in between them, and include a picnic bench, fire ring, and shared porta-potties across from the Green Alien Mailbox (800 - 1200 feet away depending on your campsite -- or as we call them, Starsites). And did we mention the views?? Whether you're visiting Death Valley, or just passing through the desert -- these campsites are serene, scenic, and include a stargazing wonderland! Site #1: Recessed from the road, this is the biggest site and has ample room for any type of vehicle, as well as lots of vehicles. Vehicles can pull through. Site #2: Closer to the road and also fairly big. Some vehicles can pull through but some will have to back out. Large trailers could be a problem. Site #3: Along side the road and the smallest of the three sites (although all sites are surrounded by nothing). All vehicles will have to back out of this site. Large trailers could be a problem. SIte #4: Across from the mailbox on the west side of the road. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR LARGE TRAILERS OR ANY HEAVY VEHICLES WHICH COULD GET STUCK IN THE SAND! Cars should proceed with caution and stay on the road as there are areas of loose sand near this site. Walk to it first to check conditions if you are unsure. Come join us in the middle of nowhere with dark skies and easy access to Death Valley, the Trona Pinnacles, Darwin Falls, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and countless canyons with mining ruins and adventures!

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Cave

Desert

Canyon

Mountainous

91%

544 ratings · 209 reviews

Katie B.recommends

October 26, 2024

Site 1

This campsite was beautiful out in the desert. It is remote and peaceful. We arrived when it was dark, which I don't necessarily recommend as it made it hard to figure out where our exact allocated camping spot was, but that was an 'us' problem! We loved waking up in the middle of the desert and watching the sunrise come up over the mountains. We happened to be the only guests the night we stayed, which was amazing and made it even more tranquil. The site is remote with no hookups, so come prepared, but we loved it!!

Lindsay E.recommends

October 12, 2024

Site 1

Worth the drive in!

We absolutely loved our stay on Scott’s property. The drive in is rough, especially in an RV, but the views, stargazing, solitude, and wild donkeys (I think they’re wild; at least) are so worth it. The property is clean (including the portopotties) and one of my favorite places we have ever camped. Highly recommend.

Corinne C.

September 24, 2024

Site 1

The site was amazing for stargazing! The night was so clear that we saw so many stars! I will say though that the directions could be a bit more specific in saying do not drive from the North of Indian Ranch road ever. Please go to Ballarat first even if you are coming from 190 West. On one hand it was awesome to be out there by ourselves camping and it can be quiet at times, but be aware you will hear wild burros braying and squealing in the middle of the night. We appreciated we had access to porta potties and overall, it was an unforgettable experience for us.

James J.recommends

September 12, 2024

Site 3

Lots of Stars!

Way out there, if you love night photography or astronomy this is the place. Check moon first if you can, our best photos started at 4am. FYI Site 3 is far from restroom option but you get solitude. We were welcomed by a small pack of burros. They stayed away.

Suzanne D.recommends

July 24, 2024

Site 1

Great adventure

We were the only ones for as far as you could see in the middle of nowhere. This was a very special adventure for our family. The stargazing was spectacular!!! Scott was very helpful to answer all the questions I had before coming to the campground (safety of the road, how to deal with the heat, rv issues, etc).

Grailing J.recommends

June 9, 2024

Site 3

Good communications/directions. Thanks!

Location

Valley Wells, Inyo, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Newe Sogobia (Western Shoshone) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking