Mahogany Flats in Death Valley: Campground Review

Mahogany Flats, the campground at the trail head for Telescope Peak, Death Valley’s highest point is a nice and relaxed camp ground, if you can get to it. Right off the bat let it be known this campground is not easy to get to, you will be driving down a dirt road for about 6 miles that is very washboard and washed out depending on the time of year. All of the people that were there had 4 wheel drive cars, and I can’t imagine being able to get there without one; however, if you are into offroading like we are then this trail is fun little excursion that adds to the adventure that is hiking Telescope Peak.

Reservations

This campground is first come first served and is not able to be reserved online.

Cost

This campground is free.

Restrictions 

• At 8200′ of elevation
• 10 sites
• Includes tables and firepits
• Pit toilets and no water
• Open Mar- Nov

Location

The location of this campground is great as it is literally at the trail head of the trail for Telescope Peak. If you can make it to the camp ground with your car then you should like the location.

Campground

There are ten main spots in the campground and unfortunately you are not able to check if they are reserved or not before you make the trek out there. We arrived late on a Friday night and there was about half the spots still available.

I did tent camping and Zac was excited to find a couple of trees that he could string his hammock to. Due to the elevation it is pretty cold at night here but if you are here during the summer at least there is shade all around the campground.

Bathrooms and Water

There is no access to water so you must bring it along with food and other essentials, but there is a pit toilet. It wasn’t especially well maintained when I was there but what do you expect for a campsite this far off the beaten path, I was more surprised I didn’t have to dig a hole.

Trails Near By

The main draw for this campground is Telescope Peak but there are also Bennet Peak and Rodgers Peak on the same trail. On the drive up you will pass the Death Valley Charcoal Kilns as well which are fun to check out.

All in all I was surprised by how well set up and big this campground was for being free. The road makes it hard to get there which I think helps to keep it better maintained and only allows the people who are motivated to get there to experience it. It was a great jumping off point for Telescope Peak so if your car can handle it then check it out. If you have been there make sure to leave a comment below.