Homestake Campground (Primitive)
The Quick Take
Homestake is not a campground in any conventional sense — it is a patch of desert at the far end of one of the most punishing roads in the national park system. Getting here means navigating Lippincott Pass, a white-knuckle descent that has defeated more than a few overconfident SUVs, or grinding down the washboard miles of Racetrack Road past Teakettle Junction. Your reward is ten scattered sites near the famous Racetrack playa, where mysterious sailing stones leave trails across the cracked mud. There are no toilets, no water, no cell service, and no fee — because the park knows that the road itself is the price of admission. This is strictly for experienced overlanders with high-clearance four-wheel-drive rigs, a full complement of water and supplies, and the self-sufficiency to handle anything that goes wrong miles from the nearest paved road.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 10 sites are reservable.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms available. None Unpaved Roads - 4WD/High clearance required
Rules to Know
- Fires:•Charcoal producing fires may only be made in NPS metal fire pits.
- Bear Safety:Do NOT feed or disturb wildlife.
- Occupancy:There is a maximum limit of 4 pets per campsite and pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Pro Tips
Carry at least two gallons of water per person per day, plus extra radiator water for your vehicle — the climb back out over Lippincott Pass or the long washboard return via Racetrack Road will punish an overheating engine. A full-size spare tire is non-negotiable, and two is better.
Time your visit for a full moon in late fall or early spring — the Racetrack playa under moonlight is genuinely otherworldly, and temperatures will be moderate enough to actually enjoy being outside. Summer heat makes this spot dangerous, and winter nights can drop below freezing at nearly four thousand feet.
Bring a gas stove and all your own firewood or charcoal if you want a fire — you can only use the NPS-provided metal fire pits, and there is nothing to burn out here. Pack heavy-duty trash bags for everything, because there is no waste service of any kind.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
Off of CA190 at the junction for Scotty’s Castle road, travel north thirty-eight (38) miles toward Ubehebe Crater. Just before the parking area for the crater, turn right onto unpaved Racetrack Road. Travel 20 miles on this high clearance 4WD road and take a right at Teakettle Junction. Travel 9.5 miles and just past the Racetrack playa arrive at the campground.
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