Saline Valley Campground (Primitive)
The Quick Take
Saline Valley is not a campground in any conventional sense -- it is a pilgrimage. Getting here requires navigating thirty-five miles of unpaved road over mountain passes that climb well above seven thousand feet, and your reward is a cluster of natural hot springs in one of the most remote corners of Death Valley. This is a clothing-optional community with a long countercultural history, and the vibe is more desert commune than national park campground. There are no services whatsoever -- no water, no toilets worth mentioning, no cell signal, and no one coming to help if something goes wrong. The handful of primitive sites are free, which is appropriate given that you are essentially camping in the wilderness with hot water. Choose Saline Valley if you have a capable vehicle, a self-sufficient setup, and a genuine comfort with solitude and the unexpected.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 15 sites are reservable.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms available. Not wheelchair accessible. Unpaved Roads - 4WD/High clearance required
Pro Tips
The South Pass route from Highway 190 is shorter and lower elevation than North Pass, making it the better choice in shoulder seasons. That said, check road conditions with the ranger station before committing -- a single washout can strand you for days.
Bring every drop of water you will need, plus extra. The hot springs are for soaking, not drinking. Plan on at least two gallons per person per day, more if you are staying multiple nights in the desert heat.
Arrive midweek to find the best soaking spots and campsites. The regular community of winter visitors is welcoming but the springs get crowded on holiday weekends, which is a relative term when 'crowded' means a dozen people in the middle of nowhere.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
