Wildrose Campground — Hotel in Beatty

A friend and I decided to go camping in DVNP in May, neither of us had ever been so we weren't sure what to expect. After researching the various campsites and average monthly temps in the valley, we decided Wildrose would probably be our best bet as it is on average 10-20 degrees cooler than Furnace Creek or Stovepipes. I read reviews that Wildrose seemed primitive so we came prepated expecting the worse. Also we were two single gals traveling together so I wasn't sure if the site would be empty (in a creepy way) or safe.||||Boy were we pleasantly surprised. Unlike the more mainstream campgrounds like Stovepipes and Furnace Creek, Wildrose is in an idyllic setting nestled between the canyon mountains. It's at 4,100' elevation, and per the DVNP website for every 1k feet elevation gain the temps drop by about 5 degrees. So 4k elevation = about 20 degrees cooler than the valley floor which made this campsite SO pleasantly cool and comfortable. At night it would dip into the high 40s but in a tent it's nice and toasty. It was crisp and beautiful in the mornings but once the sun hit at 7am it started to warm up.||||I was expecting a dingy porta-potty, but the pit toilet is actually in a brick hut and is well ventilated with plenty of toilet paper. Honestly, this pit toilet is in better shape than 70% of LA County public beach restrooms. There are no sinks for washing but there are a few water faucets available throughout the campgrounds that more than sufficed for our needs. I would recommend bringing a wash basin or tub to wash dishes as you're not allowed to wash in the faucet.||||ALSO PLEASE NOTE: collecting firewood in Death Valley is illegal! Pick some up at the general store at Stovepipes before arriving. While there are firepits at each site, we saw a few campers collecting wood to burn (no bueno). Spend the $8 a bundle and just pick some up. You may also want to bring lighter fluid as the winds here make it challenging at times to light charcoals or a campfire and keep it properly burning, but once you have the hot embers you're all good. ||||As a previous reviewer mentioned, Wildrose is about a 40 min drive from Stovespipes and a good hour from Furnace Creek (the main DVNP hub). Plan to bring food to grill in coolers or stop off to eat dinner before returning to the campsite, as the drive there is beautiful but windy/tedious sometimes and if you're tired and hungry it's really the last thing you want to deal with.||||Check weather and dress in layers- it can get very cold at night and in the mornings and then hot during the day.||||Considering Wildrose is completely free, this is a wonderful destination for the well prepared camper and I'll definitely be staying here again. PS Emigrant campground outside of Stovepipes, while conveniently located- was pretty depressing compared to Wildrose. It's right off the main highway, small, cramped, and on flat ground. The views in the morning overlooking the peaks and valley must be pretty cool, but overall we didn't like how the sites seemed to be on top of each other and so close. Bathrooms looked a lot nicer though.||||No showers at Wildrose. Closest showers are 90 minutes away at Furnace Creek Ranch Inn pool...

The 40-min drive off of Hwy 190 was well worth it. The road is paved and in good condition. It's narrow and windy in places; on our drive out we saw wild burros not far off the roadway! There was evidence they had crossed the road.||||The campground is primitive; no water, pit toilet. Gravel surface throughout with tables available at many spaces. We arrived at 6:30pm and parked at a marked space. No table, but enough room for 2 tents and our camp table a few chairs. We did not stay more than one night, but I would bring shade if you plan to be there move than overnight.||||Your fellow campers are there for the same thing you are; no crowds, the beauty of the area and the INCREDIBLE night sky. The sunset lingered, tinting the sky rose and pale yellow; the stars appearing as darkness settled in. There were no loud groups, just soft conversations. Everyone was respectful of the silence and the darkness. No overly bright lanterns, headlamps or flashlights. It was one of the best campground experiences I've had. ||||As stated by others, there is no charge to camp here. Traffic on the road increases with visitors to the Kilns further up. The campground is above the road. A cool canyon breeze came up overnight so packing extra...

I stayed here two nights on a Wed-Thu in mid-May 2024.

Currently, the only way to access the campground is by Emigrant Canyon road from the north. It is a 31 mile drive with over 5,000 feet of curvy elevation gain through Emigrant Pass from Stovepipe Wells. This drive takes 45-60 minutes, so like most places in Death Valley, takes time and caution to get to.

The campground has 22 sites and is free if you already have a park pass. Sites are fairly spaced out on a hillside. Sites are a hard gravel, come with fire rings and aluminum table, and are fairy level. There is potable water at a spigot near the vault toilet.

PROs: The view is pretty nice and the campground is close to the Charcoal Kilns and Wildrose/Telescope Peak trailheads. Much cooler at elevation also.

CONs: The campground is overrun by wild donkeys/burros. They aren’t aggressive if you keep sufficient distance. But they poop and scream wherever and whenever they please. They also can attract predators like mountain lions.

The wind can be pretty intense, and particularly noisy at night, especially if you’re in a tent. This may affect your ability to sleep without other measures.

The vault toilet had a bat and a black widow in it. Cool wildlife,...