Russell’s Camp

This is only one of the many posts relating to our Death Valley adventure. If you would like to see more of what we did on that trip please visit our main Death Valley page.

After our adventure over at Emmett’s Camp we still had several other items on our list of old, historical site to explore. From talking to a few of the visitors we had received at the Geologists’ Cabin we understood that another old camp was right up the valley next to Stella’s place. We remembered seeing a road leading off and up to the left when we arrived at Stella’s after our first day in the Park and so headed over in that direction. We had left a small string of battery-powered LED lights over at Stella’s and took the opportunity to stop by and retrieve them. Once we had them back in our possession we exited Stella’s, closed the gate behind us, took a right at the access road and then the next right to head up towards what we hoped would be Russell’s Camp.

Just like at Emmett’s we drove around several narrow corners in the road and then, magically appearing before us was an obvious collection of buildings.

The Tacoma in front of The Main Building At Russell's Camp
The Main Building At Russell’s Camp

We parked in an easy spot and chose to walk to the buildings. As we approached the entrance we could see and hear dozens (at least) of small, ground-dwelling creatures skittering away from the menace that is Willow. Apparently the animal telegraph system works well and word had gotten out that this vicious predator was in the area and on the prowl.

Sign on the main building stating that the water is good
Apparently The Water Is Good Here

Right at the front of this first building was some old mining apparatus that we found interesting enough to take pictures of.

Old Mining Equipment
Old Mining Equipment
More Old Mining Equipment
More Old Mining Equipment

Around the left corner from the old equipment we found a door marked “Honeymoon Suite.”

The Honeymoon Suite
The Honeymoon Suite

Willow and I are both single and plan on staying that way but, even on the infinitesimally small chance that marriage was in the cards we would be hard pressed to want to spend a honeymoon in here. In the general area, sure. In this room, not a chance.

interior of the honeymoon suite
Classy. I Am Sure Willow Is Smiling Because of Some of the Odors Present.

Several other rooms were available for the adventurous and undiscerning traveler and none were any more enticing than the honeymoon suite.

Undesirable Room #2
Undesirable Room #2
Undesirable Room #3
Undesirable Room #3 But, Hey, A Cot

In an adjacent building was the kitchen and walls covered with photos of a bygone era.

Entrance to the Kitchen
Entrance to the Kitchen. Apparently Even Dogs Are Welcome.
Kitchen Table With Guestbook On It
Kitchen Table With Guestbook On It
Welcome And Info Sheet
Welcome And Info Sheet

A veritable treasure trove of photos showing people enjoying this camp and life as it was back in the day going back 50 years or more plaster most wall space in the kitchen area.

Wall Covered With Old Pictures
Wall Covered With Old Pictures
More Pictures
More Pictures
Even More Pictures
Even More Pictures
The Shower We Needed But Didn't Have Time To Set Up And Use
The Shower We Needed But Didn’t Have Time To Set Up And Use
Outdoor Dining Area and Fire Pit
Outdoor Dining Area and Fire Pit. Damn, That’s A Good Looking Tacoma Back There.
A Look Down The Hill At The Camp
A Look Down The Hill At The Camp

There was both a new(er) outhouse and the old outhouse with humorous (yet somewhat serious) signs informing you to get in, do your business and get out as fast as you can.

Exterior of the old outhouse
Exterior of the old outhouse
Interior of the Old Outhouse
Interior of the Old Outhouse. I’ll Hold It, Thank You Very Much.

So, another interesting find. Still, if given the choice we will always choose the Geologists’ Cabin to stay at but this certainly does have some nice features and I can see a small group of people having a grand old weekend staying here and using it as your base of operations. Since the Geologists’ Cabin is the most sought after spot in the Valley it is good to know that there are other options if you don’t want to “rough it” in a tent. I expect we will stay a night or two here next time we are in the Valley.

One thought on “Russell’s Camp

  1. Scott Smith

    My name is Scott Smith. I made that eagle hanging in the kitchen when I was 15 years old in metal shop. I went to Russel’s camp last year and it blew me away to see it. I had totally forgot about it after 30 years. Talk about a flood of memories. I grew up here when I was a kid. Learned to shoot guns from the fire pit area. Steve Penner was my step dad and taught me so much about the desert and that entire area. He passed away last year. Can’t wait to go back. Hopefully I will feel Steve and Russel’s presence. Great pics.

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