# Death Valley National Park

> Death Valley straddles the California–Nevada border and is the largest national park in the contiguous US. Summer heat and long distances shape every plan.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/death-valley/

Death Valley straddles the California–Nevada border and is the largest national park in the contiguous US. Summer heat and long distances shape every plan.

- **State:** California, Nevada
- **Established:** 1994
- **Best season:** Oct–Apr
- **Highest peak:** Telescope Peak, 11,049 ft (3,368 m)

## Before you go

- Furnace Creek accepts reservations from October 15 to April 15. All other campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
- Furnace Creek has 18 full-hookup sites. Stovepipe Wells RV Park and Panamint Springs Resort offer private RV hookups.
- Generator hours are 7 am to 7 pm unless otherwise posted. Texas Springs has stricter generator rules.
- Summer temperatures can reach 130 °F, and cell service is limited to none. Carry plenty of water and tell someone your route.

## Camping

The park runs several campgrounds. Furnace Creek, Emigrant and Mesquite Spring stay open all year. Sunset, Texas Springs and Stovepipe Wells close in summer, while Thorndike and Mahogany Flat open seasonally at higher elevation. A site is meant for up to eight people and two vehicles, or one RV plus a second vehicle. Backcountry camping is allowed only in some places and follows Leave No Trace principles. Check the park's rules for distances and permits before you go.

## Getting around

Summer temperatures reach 130 °F, with nighttime lows around 90 °F. The park recommends drinking at least one gallon (about 4 liters) of water a day. Most deaths in the park result from single-vehicle rollovers on winding roads, so obey speed limits, use a low gear on steep descents and wear seatbelts. Cell service is limited to none. Share your itinerary and carry extra food and water.

## FAQs

**Which campgrounds can I reserve?**
Only Furnace Creek, and only during its October 15 to April 15 season. All other campgrounds are first-come, first-served all year. Check the park's page for the current booking window.

**Where can an RV get full hookups?**
Furnace Creek has 18 full-hookup sites, which are rarely free without a reservation. Stovepipe Wells RV Park and Panamint Springs Resort run private RV hookups.

**When can I run a generator?**
Generator hours are 7 am to 7 pm unless otherwise posted. According to the park, generators are prohibited at Texas Springs. Check posted signs on arrival.

## Places to see

- [Mosaic Canyon](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b17-mosaic-canyon/)
- [Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes](https://camping-spirit.com/places/mesquite-dunes/)
- [Golden Canyon](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b17-golden-canyon/)
- [Zabriskie Point](https://camping-spirit.com/places/zabriskie/)
- [Artists Palette](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b17-artists-palette/)
- [Badwater Basin](https://camping-spirit.com/places/badwater/)
- [Dante’s View](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b17-dantes-view/)
- [Rhyolite ghost town](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b8-rhyolite/)