The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Death Valley National Park
Everything you need to know from where to stay to what to do while there to have an epic glamping trip in Death Valley National Park, California
Even though it's a National Park, when you hear it's a desert it makes you wonder, is it worth it? If you haven't blocked off your calendar yet for Death Valley, do it now, we're looking at YOU!
Death Valley is full of unique terrain, hikes, natural wonders and history. It's hard to put in perspective how you can feel like you've been on three different planets in just one day but that's exactly how you'll feel once you arrive at Death Valley. The mineral rich mountains and valley create stunning colors that is unlike anything you've seen before. The Badwater Basin Salt Flats make it feel like you're walking on snow when you're actually on salt at the lowest point in North America (& below sea level!).
Cell reception is poor to non-existent so prepare be off the grid for a couple of days. Make sure to download Google offline maps and the National Park Service app with offline access turned on. If you absolutely need internet access you can purchase a pass at The Inn or Ice Cream Parlor in Furnace Creek.
Things to do in order of our most to least favorite
1. Badwater Basin
Welcome to planet number one located -284ft below the sea level, the lowest of lows in North America. What really makes this special is that the basin is an expansive salt flat. The main flats extend miles down the valleys and hundreds of yards wide.From a distance it looks like the ground is completely covered in fresh snow but it is all salt. The salt is hard packed to the ground and a salt creek runs through the first bridge on the way out to the flat. It's less than a mile walk out to where you can enjoy the wide open space but if you continue walking past the crowds you can enjoy the flats with virtually no one around. It makes for unique photos as the colorful and rough mountains create a stunning backdrop. Be sure to pack a blanket and picnic to enjoy out on the flat, we'll be doing that next time!
2. Mosaic Canyon
The hike starts off through a canyon with steep walls that are a mix of smooth marble and layers of geological formats thousands of years old. It opens up into a wide canyon and closes back up throughout the hikes. It's one of those hikes that you never know what to expect around the corner.
A popular 2 mile out and back hike (4 miles total) with a steady climb (1,200ft total) in elevation and a few sections to crawl up and over. The parking lot fills up quick so go early if you're not into making the hike longer than 4 miles total.
3. Artist's Palette
This narrow windy road climbs up into the mountain range through the most colorful section of the park. Be sure to pull off at the first parking section and walk up the hill. The view of the valley is unreal and you'll get your first glimpse of the rainbow rocks. The streaks of blues and pastels in the mountainside are unlike anything we've ever seen. As the drive continues down the one way road you'll catch more views of the colors and textured mountains. Make sure to take the right to drive up and get another glimpse. We got there for sunset but wish we would have driven through just a little bit earlier and done a hike here when there is more light. The road really is narrow with sharp turns so take it slow and enjoy the views.
4. Mesquite Flat Dunes
Huge sand dunes tower above the basin floor that are perfect for sledding down. You'll need to bring your own sled as there aren't any for rent or sale in the park. The dunes provide a unique view of the park and they get pretty steep. We saw more than one person try to run down the dunes and ended tumbling down so grab your photo while you're still at the top. If you're willing to hike over a couple of dunes you can easily break away from the main crowd and find your own private dune. Between the dunes there are also layers of hard clay that have cracked into tortoise shell tile shapes.
5. Zabriskie Point at Sunrise
This is the number one spot to catch the sunrise and see the golden shades stretch across the valley. The sun actually comes up towards the parking lot behind you but the best view is out into the valley so get there 10-15 minutes before sunrise. There's a short paved road to walk up that only takes 2 minutes. To the right you'll see paths that go across the spines of the hills. The rush of water and harsh weather has carved down these hills so they're covered in steep veins.
6. Charcoal Kilns
Death Valley was a huge mining operation before it became a tourist attraction. One of the coolest and most intact relics are the 30 foot tall kilns made of stone. These were used to turn the trees in the hills behind them into charcoal to process metals like silver and ore. We came in December and there were plenty of ice patches on the hillside and chilly temperatures if you do the hike. It's definitely a more remote area of the park but the 25 mile drive off the 190 is serene. The Wildrose 8.4 mile trailhead also starts here that takes you up to the mountain peak through Juniper trees.
7. Borax Harmony Works
Take a short pitstop to learn why there's a picture of 20 mules on most boxes of Borax. Take a quick walk around the old mining operation with pictures and information about the old mining operation. Death Valley has a unique history and this is a 20-minute stop to put perspective on the area. There's also a dirt road from the parking lot you can drive on to get a closer look of the area. It's right off the main road in the park so it's a no brainer to check out.
8. Grab a coffee at the Ice Cream Parlor and shop
Ok so you're in the desert and soaking it all up, why not also live a little? There's a picture perfect ice cream parlor with a 1950s design that has amazing milkshakes and coffee. You can also buy wifi here. The bike shop is right next door if you're interested in renting a bike, a general store with necessities, an 86 degree spring fed pool (Purchase a pass) and believe it or not, a golf course.
Campsites
Most campsites in Death Valley are first come, first serve. We never had an issue finding a site. The spots are only around $14-35/night. Since it is a desert a lot of campsites are gravel floor and not much else so come prepared if tent camping but if glamping in a van or RV, you'll be living large.
1. Furnace Creek Campground
Looks nice but was full when we went. It is walking distance to the visitor center, the golf course, and arguably most importantly the Ice Cream Parlor. They also have showers which is a plus because most don't have showers.
Note: campgrounds in Death Valley rarely fill up but we went during a busy time of year over a holiday so this was the only campground that was actually full.
2. Texas Springs
This is where we stayed 2 out of the 3 nights and loved it! Great night hiking at the campground and flat spots perfect for van camping. Has bathrooms, water, fire pits, and picnic tables. It is first come, first serve but rarely fills up. Can't go wrong with staying here for $16/night. We were able to pull up both evenings and get great spots.
3. Sunset Campground
I would definitely try to stay at Furnace Creek or Texas Springs before here. This one is less tucked away and feels more like camping in a parking lot but if in a pinch, it'll do the trick!
4. Stovepipe Wells Campground
We stayed here the first night on our way in. It was really convenient to be here and wake up early the next morning to hike Mosaic Canyon across the street as well as be close to the Mesquite Flat Dunes. There is a general store, gas station, and restaurant right next to it.
5. Wildrose Campground
This one is farther away from everything and about 1.5 hour drive away from Furnace Creek. This campground is more secluded and tucked away. It is very close to the Charcoal Kilns.
This is just a brief list of the main ones and some of the ones we've stayed at. For the full list of campgrounds in Death Valley, click here.
Time of year is EVERYTHING and be sure to check the forecast
We highly recommend that you visit in the winter months and check the average temperatures first. Death Valley during the summer is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. The winter temps drop into the 40s at night with highs in the 60s and 70s. Keep in mind the mountains you cross to get into the valley are much colder and some smaller roads will be shut down for the winter (Won't impact seeing anything on this list). The mountain ranges on either side also can cause quick changes in weather and bring in lots of wind. On our last night a storm came through that would have been a long night if we were in a tent instead of the van. Look ahead and you'll be fine!
Things we wish we had time for but will do next time
Darwin Falls
Ubehebe crater (road was closed because of a landslide when we went December 2022)
Golf at The Furnace Creek Golf Course
Have a picnic on the salt flats at Badwater Basin
Do a hike through Artist's Palette
For more information on Death Valley, here is the national park service website. We also have lots more photos and videos of Death Valley on our instagram @theglampercamper.
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