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Death Valley National Park

National Park · CA,NV

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.

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Current Alerts (1)

Information

Gas Pumps at Panamint Springs Resort are Closed at Night

Gasoline is available at Panamint Springs Resort from 7am-9:30pm, daily. Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells 24hrs.

Entrance Fees

Campgrounds (12)

Emigrant Campground

The campground, water system, and restrooms at Emigrant have been closed since late August 2025 due to flood damage. The damage to the 5-mile-long water pipe and associated water system is substantial and there is no estimated repair date. First-come, first-served tent-only campground with no additional fee. Located next to CA 190 at 2100' feet in elevation. This is a small campground with 10 sites southwest of Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station.

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Eureka Dunes Campground (Primitive)

Remote campground at the base of Eureka Dunes (the tallest sand dunes in California and home to several endemic plant species). This campground is located at 2,880ft and is only accessible to high-clearance vehicles. Please drive only on existing roads and tread lightly on the dunes to protect this fragile and unique environment.

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Furnace Creek Campground

Furnace Creek Campground, near the Visitor Center at 190ft below sea level, is the only NPS campground in the park that accepts reservations. It offers full RV hookups and dry RV/tent sites. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance for dates between October 15th and April 15th. As the most popular campground in the park, reservations are strongly recommended. From late-April through early-October each year, the campground reduces to 41 sites and is first-come, first-served.

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Homestake Campground (Primitive)

Extremely remote campsite at 3,785ft of elevation, accessible only by high-clearance vehicles with all-terrain tires. Access from Saline Valley Road requires navigating Lippincott Pass and should only be attempted by experienced 4-wheel drivers. There are no approved toilet facilities at this location and no water available. Pack in all that you need, pack out all that you bring.

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Mahogany Flat Campground (Primitive)

***No Potable Water Available in the Wildrose Area. Closest available water ~39 miles north at Stovepipe Wells, CA. First-come, first-served primitive campground with no additional fee located in a Pinyon Pine and Juniper forest at 8,200' elevation. Great views down into Death Valley. Located near the Telescope Peak trailhead. Dirt road access requires high-clearance vehicles, often 4x4 required. May still be impacted by snowy/icy conditions in late spring.

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Mesquite Spring Campground

First-come, first-served campground at an elevation of 1,800 feet, located 2 miles off of the Scotty’s Castle Road below Grapevine Canyon. It is a great base camp for your adventures in the northern parts of Death ValIey National Park. It is surrounded by desert mountains and geological features. Each site has a fire grate and picnic table. There are no hook-ups available. Fee is paid at the automatic pay station at the front of the campground.

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Saline Valley Campground (Primitive)

This is a clothing-optional hot spring area approximately 35 miles from the nearest paved road. A high-clearance vehicle and all-terrain tires are necessary to access this campground and road/weather conditions may necessitate 4-wheel drive. This campground is located at 1,375ft, but requires navigating either North Pass at 7,300ft or South Pass at 5,997ft and may be inaccessible due to winter conditions.

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Stovepipe Wells Campground

Open seasonally, typically late fall through mid-to-late April. First-come, first-served campground located at sea level. Fee is paid at the pay station at the front of the campground. Campground is adjacent to the Stovepipe Wells general store, ranger station, and a privately operated RV park. Guests are welcome to visit Stovepipe Wells Village to purchase pool and shower passes or take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi.

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Sunset Campground

Open seasonally, typically late fall through mid-to-late April. First-come, first-served, large campground that rarely fills. This location has little to no vegetation and is comprised of desert gravels. Car and tent camping is permitted however each site DOES NOT offer a fire grate or picnic table. Campfires are not allowed in Sunset except at a few established community fire grates within the campground. Fee is paid at the pay stations in the campground.

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Texas Springs Campground

Typically open seasonally, late fall through mid-April. First-come, first-served campground located in the hills above Furnace Creek. Great views and some trees. No generators allowed. Each site has a fire grate and picnic table. Fee is paid at pay stations at the front of the campground and in upper loop.

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Thorndike Campground (Primitive)

***No Potable Water Available in the Wildrose Area. Closest available water ~38 miles north at Stovepipe Wells, CA. First-come, first-served primitive, forested campground with no additional fee located at 7,400' elevation. Accessible to high clearance vehicles (no longer than 25') and 4x4 may be necessary. Closest available water ~38 miles north at Stovepipe Wells. May still be impacted by snowy/icy conditions in late spring.

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Wildrose Campground

***No Potable Water Available in the Wildrose Area. Closest available water ~31 miles north at Stovepipe Wells, CA. First-come, first-served campground with no additional fee, high in the Panamint Mountains. Located at an elevation of 4100 ft / 1250 meters. No water. No hook-ups available. Generators allowed 7am - 7pm. This area is prone to high winds. Sites are dirt and gravel surrounded by mesquite bushes and rolling hills.

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Things to Do

Bird Watching

Roadrunners and ravens and hummingbirds- oh my! With many resident and migratory species, bird watching opportunities abound in Death Valley.

Check Out Devils Golf Course

An immense area of rock salt eroded by wind and rain into jagged spires. So incredibly serrated that "only the devil could play golf on such rough links." Listen carefully and you'll hear sounds like tiny pops and pings. The sound is literally billions of tiny salt crystals bursting apart as they expand and contract in the heat.

Cycling

Whether you prefer flat and straight or mountainous and curvy, Death Valley has paved roads suitable for all levels of cycling enthusiasts.

Day Hiking

Looking for somewhere to hike in Death Valley? The park has interpretive trails, hiking trails, and unofficial hiking routes, and is open to cross-country travel by foot in most places.

Drive Twenty Mule Team Canyon

A short scenic drive along an unpaved road through colorful badlands.

Experience Death Valley at Night

Death Valley is just as spectacular at night as it is during the day- learn about a few ways you can explore the park after dark.

Explore Wildflowers in Death Valley

Learn about the different flowers you might be able to see in Death Valley during spring months.

Harmony Borax Works Self Guided Walk

Harmony Borax Works was instrumental in drawing people to Death Valley in the late 1800s and in the subsequent popularity of the Furnace Creek area. The 1/4 mi (0.4 km) paved walking path at this site takes visitors back in time by exploring the ruins of the plant and associated townsite and an original twenty mule team wagon. 

Hiking/Visiting with Pets

Due to the extreme weather, it is not usually a good idea to bring a pet to Death Valley if you want to do any exploring out of your vehicle. If you are traveling through the park with a pet, and want to know where they are allowed to go, this is where to find that info! Stick to the roads, developed areas, and campgrounds. Pets are not permitted in the Wilderness or out of the areas listed above.

Mountain Biking

Hundreds of miles of dirt roads are available for mountain biking exploration.

Running in Death Valley

Go for a run in Death Valley! The park can be a very interesting and challenging place to test your road running or trail running abilities. Over 1,000 miles of paved and dirt roads, plus almost endless cross country opportunities await you. To enjoy the park safely, please run in the cooler months.

Tour Artists Drive

Enjoy a scenic drive through a geologic rainbow! Artists Drive is a one-way, nine mile (14.5 km) drive which passes through eroded, colorful desert hills. Artists Palette (a viewpoint) has the most colorful scenery along the road.

Visit Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation in North America at - 282 feet (- 86 m) below sea level. A visit to this otherworldly salt flat will provide you with a unique experience and a landscape that appears to stretch on forever. A short 1/4 mile (400 m) hike will you bring you to the polygon salt formations that Death Valley is famous for, or in the summer months, the view can be enjoyed from the parking area.

Visit the Furnace Creek Visitor Center

Stop by the visitor center to speak with park rangers and pay park fees and purchase national park passes. View the exhibits about Death Valley's history and natural wonders. Watch the park film, which is 20 minutes in length and plays throughout the day. Shop at the bookstore - light snacks/sandwiches/water are available for purchase. Become a Junior Ranger! Complete the activities in the booklet and earn a badge.

Visitor Centers

  • Furnace Creek Visitor Center
  • Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station

Webcams

Source: National Park Service.

Death Valley National Park: Alerts, Camping & Things to Do | ExploreParksUSA