Planning a Campervan or Motorhome Trip to Death Valley
If you drive west of Last Vegas, you will cross around 140 miles of some of the most desolate, remote country in the USA to arrive at Death Valley National Park on the eastern border of California.
A Place Like No Other
Death Valley is a world famous park known for its striking, otherworldly scenery and its extreme conditions. Numerous movies have been filmed here, including Star Wars, The Greatest Story Ever Told, and King Solomon’s Mines.
The park features a dramatic elevation change between Badwater Basin, North America’s lowest spot (282 feet below sea level), and Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous US (14,505 feet). The unobstructed views are humbling to say the least.
The highest recorded ground temperature on the planet was recorded in the park in 1917—an astonishing 201 degrees Fahrenheit. Four years earlier in 1913, the air temperature at Furnace Creek was 134 degrees Fahrenheit—another world record.
Death Valley is a popular destination for traveling with a motorhome, campervan, or 4WD vehicle. Since the area of the park is 3,000 square miles, there is a lot to see and do. In this guide, I will introduce you to some of the most exciting destinations within the park, and also tell you where you can park your campervan or motorhome for the night.
Iconic Destinations in Death Valley
The more time you can plan to spend in Death Valley, the better. You could spend months in the park and not see everything. Try to set aside at least a few days to explore. If you can stay for a week or more, that is even better.
Here are some amazing destinations to add to your Death Valley bucket list:
• Furnace Creek: If you are just passing through Death Valley and don’t have a lot of time, stop off at Furnace Creek. It’s where you’ll find the visitor center, lodges, and several campgrounds. You can gas up here and grab a bite to eat as well. There are several activities you can do right around Furnace Creek. These include hiking and driving through Desolation Canyon, Golden Canyon and Twenty Mule Team Canyon. You can also drop by the ruins of Harmony Borax Works to learn more about the area’s history.
• Charcoal Kilns: Take a scenic drive along Emigrant Canyon Road to this historic destination featuring 25-foot-tall kilns.
• Ubehebe Crater: In the northern section of the park, you’ll find a massive Maar volcano crater with a 600-foot depth. Park at the overlook to snap some pictures, or take a hike around the rim.
• Mesquite Sand Dunes: Watch the sand blowing across these large dunes, and keep your eyes open for wildlife. Despite the name “Death Valley,” there are plenty of creatures which call this and other areas of the park home.
• Dantes View: Drive to this 5,475-foot vantage point and check out incredible views of Badwater Basin and the Panamint mountains. From here, you can even glimpse the Sierra Nevadas.
• Keane Wonder Mine: This historic gold mine was closed from 2008-2017. It is now open to visitors again.
• Badwater Basin: Visit the lowest spot on the continent and check out the fascinating salt polygons comprising the remarkably flat landscape. Gaze up at the mountains towering overhead and be awed at the majestic vistas.
• Artists Drive: This one-way road will lead you through a series of beautifully eroded hills showcasing a palette of lovely hues.
• Devils Golf Course: This rock salt plain is a fascinating location. The elements have shaped the fragmented ground into all manner of surreal and whimsical shapes. If you lean down and listen, you can actually hear the sounds of salt crystals fracturing in the heat.
• Zabriskie Point: This is one of the best-known overlooks in Death Valley. A number of trails can be accessed here for hiking.
While hiking and driving are the main activities in the park, you can also enjoy other activities such as bird watching and cycling. After sunset, head outside with your binoculars or telescope. You’ll find few other destinations to compete with Death Valley for astronomy. There is next to no light pollution this far from civilization, so the stars are spectacular.
Where to Stay in Death Valley in Your Campervan
Death Valley boasts a number of NPS-operated campgrounds, including:
• Furnace Creek
• Sunset
• Texas Springs
• Stovepipe Wells
• Mesquite Spring
• Thorndike
• Mahogany Flat
There are also a few privately operated campgrounds, including Furnace Creek Ranch, Stovepipe Wells RV Park, and Panamint Springs Resort.
If you are not particular about where you will be staying, you likely do not need to place reservations. Death Valley is remote enough that there are usually free sites.
If you want hookups though, you only have three options: Furnace Creek Campground (operated by the NPS), Stovepipe Wells RV Park, and Panamint Springs Resort. It is wise to place a reservation, especially if you hope to stay at Furnace Creek Campground. As the campground’s hookups are limited to just 18 sites, they are usually booked full in advance.
In terms of fees, some campgrounds are free. Others have fees ranging between $14 and $36. Hefty discounts (as much as 50% off) are available if you purchase a lifetime pass.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Death Valley?
The average high temperature during July ranges up around 116.5 degrees Fahrenheit—so summer is not when you want to be visiting Death Valley. Instead, plan to visit sometime between November and March. The highs during these months range between the 60s and the 80s.
Lows dip down into the high 30s during December, but on average do not get colder than that (that being said, there are years when temperatures have dived down below 0).
It probably goes without saying, but precipitation is incredibly low. The average rainfall for a year is around 2.36 inches.
Safety Tips for Exploring Death Valley
While Death Valley is a fascinating place, it is called Death Valley for a reason. The harsh climate can be unforgiving, as can the remoteness. Here are some tips to help you stay safe during your campervan or 4WD adventure:
• Bring a lot of water with you on your drives and hikes, and make sure you are drinking enough to keep you hydrated (probably more than you are used to). Bring more than you think you will need.
• When the weather is hot, do not go on long walks in the lowlands.
• During the summer months in particular, avoid unpaved roads.
• If you do suffer signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion, get to a shady spot, dampen your clothes, and drink some water.
• Do not hike in canyons when it is raining. Flash floods do occur in this area.
• Stay out of old mine tunnels.
• If you run across illegal marijuana cultivation sites in the backcountry (yes, this has been known to happen), leave the area right away.
• Drive carefully. Most deaths in the park are not from heat exposure or thirst, but simply from road accidents. Use lower gears while driving down steep grades.
• Don’t be afraid to run your air conditioner. If you are used to keeping your AC off to conserve gas, this is one part of the world where you may need to make an exception for your well-being. It will be much hotter in your vehicle than it is outdoors. Even on a relatively “cool” day, the inside of your 4WD vehicle could reach the 90s or above without the AC running. If you are not running the AC, keep the windows open wide.
The vast majority of trips to Death Valley unfold without incident. Respect the location and climate and take reasonable steps to stay hydrated, cool and safe, and you should have a safe and enjoyable visit.
A Trip to Death Valley in a Campervan or 4WD Vehicle is an Unforgettable Experience
If you have the chance to rent a 4WD vehicle, motorhome or campervan for a visit to Death Valley, you are in for a treat. You will see landscapes which look like they belong on another planet, and will have a chance to explore the geology and history of one of America’s most extraordinary destinations. So pack your camera, binoculars, and plenty of water, and enjoy your Death Valley adventure!
