Looking to camp in one of the most beautiful and iconic National Parks in America? Look no further than Death Valley National Park. Camping here can be an amazing experience, but there are a few things you need to know before you go.
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about camping in Death Valley National Park, from what time of year is best to visit, to where the best campgrounds are located, to whether or not you can backpack in the park. There are several Death Valley Campgrounds, with both public to private campgrounds. We’ll also talk about some great alternatives if camping in the park isn’t your thing! So pack your camping gear and get ready for an adventure in Death Valley.
About Death Valley National Park
Why Death Valley?
The park’s namesake is a desert valley that extends south from the north border of Nevada into California and reaches approximately 150 kilometers in length. The term “dead” refers to the lifeless presence of Death Valley, which evokes images of a scorching and parched land devoid of life and unsuitable for humans or animals. Despite its renowned reputation, Death Valley contains surprises for individuals who are willing to look. The park may be foreboding because it is home to some of Earth’s hottest temperatures and North America’s lowest point. However, if you pick the right season and time of day, you may learn about some of the fascinating diversity in the park.
History
Death Valley National Park was established in 1994 and is located in the Mohave Desert of California, contains vast salt flats as well as Rocky Mountains. Old mining camps and other indications of the region’s previous inhabitants may be found here.
Wildlife
Not only that, but there are several different kinds of animals in the Death Valley National Park. Bighorn sheep, coyotes, jackrabbits, and even desert tortoises can all be found here, each perfectly adapted to its surroundings. And if you arrive early or stay late enough, you’ll witness amazing desert sunrises and sunsets. With a little advance preparation, Death Valley may offer a one-of-a-kind and entertaining experience unlike any other in the national park system.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Death Valley?
Death Valley can be the hottest place on the planet in the summer. Temperatures can reach near 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). They can also still be at or near 100 degrees at night, so it can be a real challenge to stay cool and hydrated no matter the time of day.
Visit in November through May for the best weather. High temperatures top out it the 60s and 70s during the day. Park attendance is also at its lowest in November through February, when you’re seeking more peace and quiet.
Things to Know Before Going Camping in Death Valley
If you’re traveling to Death Valley National Park, you’ll have to keep in mind that there is an entrance fee. The cost is $30 per car. You can also get a park pass that is good for the entire year for $55.
The best deal, however, may be the American the Beautiful pass. The standard cost is $80, although you may get free or discounted passes if you are disabled, active military, or a senior.
Getting to Death Valley National Park
Getting to Death Valley is relatively easy. With two airports within driving distance, you can generally get to the park from anywhere.
Getting to Death Valley By Air
There are two major airports you can fly into to visit the park.
McCarran International Airport (LAS)
5757 Wayne Newton Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
http://www.mccarran.com/
970-244-9100
McCarran International Airport is about two hours from the park. It is serviced by most domestic and international carriers.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045
https://www.flylax.com
(855) 463-5252
LAX is about four hours from Death Valley National Park. It is serviced by nearly every domestic and international carrier.
Getting to Death Valley By Car
The main road transecting Death Valley National Park from east to west is California Highway 190.
On the east in Nevada, U.S. Route 95 parallels the park from north to south with connecting highways at Scotty’s Junction (State Route 267- Access closed until further notice), Beatty (State Route 374), and Lathrop Wells (State Route 373).
From Las Vegas
The most direct route from Las Vegas is via Pahrump, NV, and California Highway 190.
From Los Angeles and Southern California
To get to Death Valley when coming from the west, State Route 14 and U.S. Route 395 lead to Ridgecrest, CA where State Route 178 heads east into the park. Further north on Hwy 395 at Olancha, CA you can join Hwy 190 to the park, or north of that at Lone Pine, CA, Hwy 136 will also join Hwy 190 heading east into the park.
South of Death Valley, Interstate 15 passes through Baker, California on its way from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. State Route 127 travels north from Baker to Shoshone and Death Valley Junction with connections to the park on State Route 178 from Shoshone and connection with California Highway 190 at Death Valley Junction.
Public Death Valley National Park Campgrounds
There are several Death Valley campgrounds to choose from, both for tent camping and RVs. They vary in size, quality, and amenities. Here are all of the national park campgrounds in Death Valley National Park.
Furnace Creek Campground
Furnace Creek Campground is a great place to stay in Death Valley, with big sites, a beautiful desert, and well-maintained facilities. Almost every location includes an outdoor fireplace as well as a picnic table.
Reservations
Furnace Creek Campground is the only park camping site that can be reserved in advance. These can be reserved from October 15 to April 15. It’s conveniently accessible by bicycle paths, hiking trails, and visitor centers, making it ideal for RVs. This campground has 136 camping sites with 18 RV sites with electric hookups.
Cost
Camping at Furnace Creek Campground for standard RV and tent sites are $22 per night. RV sites with electric hookups are $36. The campground is also located right near the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Sunset Campground
Sunset Campground is a large, primitive campground that is open from mid-October through mid-April. There are 230 sites. RVs up to 60 feet are permitted. There are no RV hookups, although there is potable water and a dump station.
Sites at Sunset Campground are first-come, first-serve
There are flush toilets, although there is no shower.
The sites do not have fire pits or picnic tables.
Sunset Campground is, in essence, a gravel parking lot. If you’re tent camping, be prepared to bring a sleeping pad, air mattress, or cot.
Cost for SUNSet campground
Standard fee is $14 per night.
Texas Springs
Texas Springs is a large, first-come, first-serve primitive campground. RVs are allowed, up to a maximum of 35 feet. There are, however, no electric hookups and generators ARE NOT permitted. 26 of the sites are tent only.
The campground has a dump station, potable water and flush toilets.
Each site has a fire grate and picnic table. The campgrounds is closed from mid-April to mid-October due to the summer heat.
Cost FOR TEXAS springs campground
The fee to camp is $16 per night. As Death Valley campground go, it’s one of the more scenic, as there are views of the surrounding mountains.
Stovepipe Wells
Stovepipe Wells is a large campground with 190 sites. RVs are permitted and 28 of the sites are tent-only. There is a dump station and potable water.
The 28 tent sites all have fire pits. There are community fire pits and picnic tables for the other sites.
The campground has flush toilets, but no showers.
Stovepipe wells campground is at sea level, so it is closed from mid-April through mid-October due to the heat.
Cost FOR STOVepipe wells campground
Standard cost for a site is $14 per night.
Mequite Spring
Mesquite Spring Campground is one of the smaller first-come, first-serve campgrounds in the park. There are only 40 sites at the campground, and it does not have RV hookups.
Mesquite Spring Campground is located north of Furnace Creek Visitor Center on Highway 190. To get to the campground, turn onto Mesquite Springs Road and follow it for 3 miles. The campground will be on the right side of the road. Mesquite Spring Campground is a great option for those looking for a quiet, secluded camping experience in Death Valley National Park.
Has: Dump Station, Trash, Potable Water, Flush Toilets
Does Not Have: Laundry, Ice, Camp Store, Showers, Firewood For Sale
Cost For Mesquite Spring Campground
The cost is $14 per night.
Emigrant Campground
Emigrant Campground is a small primitive campground near CA 190. There are a total of 10 campsites that are available on a first-come first-serve basis. There are very little amenities available. Those that are available include potable water and flush toilets located about 90 yards from the campground.
Each site has a picnic table. Gas-burning stoves are permitted, but wood stoves and fires are prohibited. This is a TENT ONLY campground, RV and trailers are prohibited. Reservations are not accepted. It’s located about 40 minutes from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. The sites are crushed gravel, so you’ll want to make sure you bring a sleeping pad, air mattress or cot.
Emigrant Campground is open year-round.
Cost FOR EMIgrant campground
Emigrant Campground is FREE.
Wildrose
Wildrose Campground is a small campground with 23 first-come, first-server sites. RVs up to 25 feet are permitted, but there are no hookups. There are no reservations.
The campground is open 24 hours a day, 365 day a year. There are vaulted toilets and potable water.
Campfires are allowed most of the year, although they are sometimes prohibited from June 15 through September 15.
Generators are permitted from 7 am to 7 pm. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. The site is located at 4,100 feet and the National Park Service indicates that the area can sometimes be subject to high winds.
Cost FOR WILDRose campground
Wildrose Campground is FREE.
Thorndike Campground
Thorndike is a tiny, primitive campground with only six sites. There are no amenities. The site has vaulted toilets. RVs are not allowed.
Campfires are allowed most of the year, although they are sometimes prohibited from June 15 through September 15.
The campground is open 24 hours a day.
Thorndike campground is at an elevation of 7,400 feet, so it is sometimes closed from December through April, depending on snowfall.
Because of its elevation, this small campground has milder temperatures than other parts of the park in the summer. High temperatures do not usually reach triple digits, and nighttime temperatures can be in the 50s or low 60s.
Cost for Thorndike campground
Thorndike Campground is FREE
Mahogany Flat Campground
Mahogany Flat Campground is a primitive campsite located in Death Valley National Park that offers a total of 9 campsites. It is first-come, first-serve. There are no RV hookups available. Mahogany Flat Campground is accessible via Highway 190 and is located approximately 2 miles west of Thorndike Campground. For detailed directions, please consult a map of the area.
These are basically primitive spots with only a picnic table and fire ring.
Mahogany Flat Campground is open year-round, but due to its high elevation (8200 feet), it is usually only accessible from late spring through early fall. During the winter months, the road to Mahogany Flat may be closed due to snow accumulation.
Due to its elevation, temperatures in Mahogany flat campground are generally mild in the summer. High temperatures are generally in the 70s and 80s, and nighttime temperatures are usually in the 50s or even high 40s.
Has: Vaulted Toilets, Seasonal Trash Collection
Does Not Have: Camp Store, Laundry, Firewood for Sale, Potable Water, Dump Station
Cost For Mahogany Flat Campground
There is no fee to camp in Mahogany Flat Campground
Private Death Valley Campgrounds
Not all Death Valley Campgrounds are operated by the National Park Service. There are also a few private campgrounds.
Stovepipe Wells RV Park
Stovepipe Wells RV Park has 14 full-hookup RV sites. You’ll need to reserve a spot beforehand.
The RV sites also have access to the swimming pool and wi-fi access from the Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel.
Cost for Stovepipe Wells Campground
The cost for a site is $40 per night.
Fiddlers’ Campground
Adjacent to the visitor center and The Ranch at Death Valley is the Fiddlers campground. The campground entitles its guests to use wi-fi, the swimming pool, laundry and tennis courts. There are also showers at the pool.
The campground does not have full RV hookups. Generators are permitted and can be used at night.
Cost FOR FIDDLERS’ CAMPGROUND
Cost is $29 per night during the week and $34 per night on Fridays and Saturdays.
Panamint Springs Resort
Panamint Springs Resort has a variety of different options available.
There are 6 full hookup sites available ($60 per night)
There are 26 sites with no hookups ($30 per night)
22 tent sites ($15 per night)_
The campground also has tent cabins with cots. A small one, which sleeps two, is $55 per night. A larger one, which sleeps four, is $75 per night.
