Exploring Your Accommodation Options Near Death Valley Park

Where to stay near Death Valley Park

Death Valley is the largest U.S. national park outside Alaska at 3,422,024 acres. Activities include sightseeing by car, four-wheel drive, bicycle, mountain bike, and hiking. Ride a motorcycle through the park.

More than 350 miles of dirt and four-wheel drive roads provide access to wilderness hiking, camping, and historic sites. There are no official entrance stations, but you can pay entrance fees at visitor centers, ranger stations, or at the various vending machines throughout the park.

There are hiking trails of varying length and difficulty, but the backcountry areas are accessible only by cross-country hiking. The season for visiting the park is from October 15 to May 15, although summer temperature extremes should be avoided. Choose the accommodation of your choice for a comfortable stay. In this article you will find all possible accommodations, depending on your budget and desired amenities.

Popular Accommodation Options Near Death Valley Park

Camping

Tent Camping

• Furnace Creek Campgrounds
• Fiddlers’ Campground
• Texas Spring Campground
• Mesquite Spring Campgrounds

RV Camping

• The Ranch at Death Valley
• Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
• Furnace Creek Resort Campground
• Sunset Campground

Hotels

Inside the Park

• The Inn at Death Valley
• The Ranch At Death Valley
• The Oasis at Death Valley
• Panamint Springs Resort

Outside the Park

• Panamint Springs Resort 
• Longstreet Inn Casino & RV Resort 
• Shoshone Inn
• Saddle West hotel

Airbnb

• Designed to Death 
• Desert Gold 
• Wander Camp 
• Death Valley Desert Escape

Vacation Rentals

• Shoshone Vacation Rentals
• Radio City Apartments
• Furnace Creek
• Istanbul Hub Flats

Factors to Consider when Choosing Accommodation

Budget

Have a maximum figure of how much you are ready to spend on accommodation. Consider staying in nearby cities to save some money or if you do not mind driving more. You might be staying a bit further away from the park.

Location

This might be a consideration as you can live within walking distance of some scenic places you would likely visit during your stay. Apart from considering how far the accommodation is from the park. If you need to live closer to the park or certain facilities, it narrows down your accommodation options.

Amenities

Different types of accommodation offer various advantages so make a priority list of amenities. If being able to cook all or most of your meals sounds appealing, then Vacation Rentals are the way to go. If not, a hotel would do. 

Accessibility

Accessibility starts with bookings. Booking a hotel room should not be complicated, especially for travelers with a disability.  Less time is needed when searching on websites for the best accessible hotel to meet your basic accessibility needs. 

There should be sufficient space at the side of the bed to access it, space underneath the bed for a portable hoist, enough space to maneuver, power sockets next to the bed to power medical equipment and charge power wheelchairs, light switches, and AC controls within easy reach. 

Weather

When people exchange their traveling experience,  they always ask each other how the weather was. Weather can be an important factor for travelers during their stay. During summer, it may be too hot to take walks and hike, unlike during winter. 

Tips for a Comfortable Stay Near Death Valley Park

What to pack for a trip

• Water
• Food
• Ice and ice chest
• Sunhat and sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Light clothing
• Sturdy footwear

Best time to visit

Spring is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. It is a warm and sunny day. The desert can put on an impressive floral display, peaking in late March to early April

Weather conditions to expect

It is usually sunny. Highs are 94 to 97 in the mountains and around 123 at furnace creek. Death Valley has a subtropical, hot desert climate, with long, hot summers; short, warm winters; and little rainfall. The valley is dry since it is in the rain shadow of four major mountain ranges.

Tips for first-time visitors

• Bring more water
• Do not forget your sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses
• Bring more food
• Download an offline map
• Bring layers of light clothing

Recommended activities and attractions

• Sightseeing 
• Camping
• Hiking
• Backcountry Driving
• Backpacking
• Road and Mountain Biking
• Night Exploration

Comparison of Prices and Reviews for Popular Accommodation Options

Camping

There are 12 campgrounds in Death Valley National Park. Except for Furnace Creek Campground land Fiddlers’ Campground, all other Death Valley campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Texas Spring Campground in Furnace Creek may fill during spring weekends. High-elevation campgrounds can fill during holiday weekends in summer. 

Campgrounds are open seasonally, depending on their elevation. Check the National Park Service website for seasonal alerts before heading out on a Death Valley camping trip. Also, consider primitive campgrounds for backcountry camping. The Furnace Creek Campground cost 22 and 36 with hook-ups. Sunset Campground operates on a first-come, first-served from 15 to 12.

Hotels

The Inn at Death Valley offers rooms from 396 to 452. It offers a Spa, pool, Wi-Fi, and parking. The Ranch at Death Valley offers rooms from 190 to 211. Premium prices attract travelers, but it remains at the rate of 3.8 due to the rooms. The rooms are a bit old. Panamint Springs Resort is one of the most affordable accommodation options, rated 4.1. 

Airbnb

Any Airbnb near Death Valley Park starts from 20. Stargazing Dome is a romantic glamping by the mountains. It attracts a fee of 123. It features a cozy dome, and a queen memory foam bed with privacy shade cloth. Experience stargaze under the clearest skies. There is a shared community gas grill. Gated entrance, free parking, security cameras, a garden, and a desert view. 

Desert Nights Getaway is quiet, comfortable, and convenient. It starts at 63. It offers both the comforts of home and the relaxation of a vacation. There are plenty of delightful restaurants and casinos close by. There is plenty of street parking in front of your apartment. The paved walkway makes bringing in your luggage easy and painless. You will have access to a large backyard and shared patio. 

Vacation Rentals

Ashwood home cost 68 per night. It offers WiFi, parking, workspace, Netflix, and air conditioning. The suite has a separate entrance with no shared spaces. It features a concrete walkway to your door and parking is out front with easy access to your vehicle. There are three steps to access the bathroom and walk-in closet. The space is not handicap accessible.

Death Valley Mountain View Suite is one of the most affordable vacation rentals near Death of Valley Park. It is an hour’s scenic drive to the Death Valley National Park entrance. It is in southern Pahrump, enjoy the Milky Way, meteor showers, and see shooting stars from the dark skies. It features a queen bed, bathroom, and kitchenette to accommodate two people. 

The accommodation does not accommodate children under 12 years old. The space has multiple accommodations, and each has its own parking space. The studio is bright with added privacy shades on the back patio, guest entrance is accessible from the driveway, a short walk down a red rock pathway, and through a private fenced side yard. Enjoy a queen memory foam bed, wifi, and a variety of books and DVDs.

Insider’s Guide to Hidden Gems and Local Accommodations

Off-the-beaten-path accommodations

• The Inn at Death Valley
• The Ranch at Death Valley
• Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel

Recommendations from locals

• The Inn at Death Valley 
• The Ranch at Death Valley 
• Panamint Springs Motel & Tents

Unique and quirky accommodations

• Furnace creek 
• The Oasis
• Top Death Valley

How to Book Your Accommodation Near Death Valley Park

Best booking platforms

• Expedia
• TripAdvisor 
• Booking.com

How to find discounts and deals

As you browse for accommodation from different sites, look for special offers. Compare prices to get the best prices and book way in advance. 

How to choose the best room

Compare amenities and pay attention to reviews. 

Safety Considerations for Accommodation Near Death Valley Park

Tips for safe camping

• Park directly adjacent to the road
• Set up camp at least 100 yards from any water source
• Bring plenty of your water to stay hydrated in the heat

Security features to look out for in hotels

• Physical Security 
• Intelligent Access 
• Surveillance 
• Security Grilles 
• Anti Theft Measures 
• Fire Safety 
• Fencing 
• Gates

Safety measures in vacation rentals

• Noise control
• Security cameras
• Rental insurance 

Accommodation Options for Different Types of Travelers

Solo travelers

• Atomic Inn Beatty
• The Oasis at Death of Valley
• The Inn

Families with kids

• The Inn at Death Valley
• Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
• The Ranch At Death Valley
• Furnace Creek Campground
• Panamint Springs Resort
• Fiddlers’ Campground
• Texas Spring Campground

Groups

• Amargosa Opera House
• The Ranch At Death Valley
• Inn Casitas
• New Ranch Cottages

Couples

• The Inn at Death Valley
• The Ranch at Death Valley
• Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
• El Portal Motel

Pet owners

• Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
• Fiddlers’ Campground
• Furnace Creek Campground

Alternative Accommodation Options

Glamping

• RV Park at Lakeside Casino
• Preferred RV Resort
• Panamint Springs Motel & Tents

Houseboats

• Voyageurs National Park Houseboat
• Greatham Creek Houseboats

Hostels

• Mt Whitney Hostel 
• Whitney Portal Hostel and Hotel 
• Lone Pine Hostel 
• Best Western 

Motels

• El Portal Motel
• Death Valley Inn & RV Park
• Exchange Club Motel
• Panamint Springs Motel & Tents
• Atomic Inn Beatty Near Death Valley

Accommodation Options for Visitors with Special Needs

Accommodation options for visitors with disabilities

• Furnace Creek
• Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel

Accommodation options for visitors with special dietary needs

• Tarantula Ranch Campground & Vineyard
• The Inn
• The Oasis

Transportation Options Near Death Valley Park

Public transportation

The Bundu Bus tours through Death Valley Park, with frequent stops for photographs and to admire the views. The Bundu Bus travels through Death Valley four times a week, twice from Las Vegas to Yosemite, and twice on its way back.

Car rental

Search for cheap rental cars in Death Valley National Park with KAYAK and rent a car that suits you best. They range from SUV, Full Size, and Economy. Consider one that picks you up from the airport to your hotel. AVIS Bonaire has a pickup and drop-off service from your hotel. There are also Farabee Jeep Rentals, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Pahrump Rentals.

Best Places to Eat Near Death Valley Park

Restaurants inside the park

• Toll Road Restaurant
• Badwater Saloon
• Panamint Springs Resort Restaurant
• The Inn at Death Valley Dining
• Timbisha Taco Shop & Hawaiian Shaved Ice
• Last Kind Words Saloon
• The 19th Hole
• Ice Cream Parlor

Restaurants outside the park

• Tecopa Brewing Co
• Crowbar Café and Saloon
• Mt. Whitney Restaurant
• Panamint Springs Resort Restaurant

Local cuisine to try

Salads, wraps, wings, pizza, and barbecue

How to Maximize Your Time Near Death Valley Park

Tips for planning your itinerary

• Know how many days to spend there.
• Research for alternative routes
• Check the weather

Must-see attractions in the park

• Zabriskie Point
• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
• Ubehebe Crater
• Furnace Creek Visitor

Other attractions and activities outside the park

• Sightseeing.
• Ranger Programs and Guided Tours.
• Night Exploration. 
• Watch Sunrise or Sunset.
• Backpacking.
• Backcountry Driving.
• Biking & Mountain Biking.
• Birdwatching.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Accommodation Options

Green accommodations

• Death Valley Inn
• The Ranch at Death Valley
• Panamint Springs Resort
• Delight’s Hot Springs Resort

Eco-friendly practices in accommodations

Avoid air pollution, invasive species, water mining, and overgrazing burros.

Local Culture and Etiquette to Keep in Mind

Dos and don’ts when interacting with locals

• Respect
• Listen
• Team up

Cultural practices to respect

Respect friends and neighbors, the environment, the local culture, and all the different kinds of people who visit the park.

Conclusion

Death Valley Park is an interesting destination that is worth a trip. There are so many attractions and activities to explore, from sightseeing, hiking and stargazing to backpacking, that you will not want to miss. Find accommodations that best fit your number of people and the amenities you want. It’s up to you whether you stay inside or outside the park. Enjoy your stay.

FAQs

Is it safe to camp near Death Valley Park?

Camping near Death Valley National Park can be enjoyable with proper preparation and awareness:

• Check Weather: Summers in Death Valley can reach over 100°F (38°C). Plan your trip for cooler months, typically from late fall to early spring.
• Choose Campgrounds: The park offers various campgrounds, from developed to primitive sites. Research and reserve popular spots in advance.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry ample water and drink regularly to avoid dehydration, especially in hot weather.
• Sun Protection: Shield yourself from the intense desert sun with sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
• Wildlife Caution: Be aware of snakes and scorpions; maintain a safe distance and exercise care around rocks and crevices.
• Campfire Rules: Many campgrounds restrict fires due to dry conditions. Check specific regulations and consider using a camp stove.
• Leave No Trace: Minimize your environmental impact by packing out trash and disposing of waste properly.
• Emergency Readiness: Equip yourself with a first aid kit, map, and communication devices like a cell phone or satellite messenger.
• Inform Others: Share your camping plans, including your itinerary and return date, with someone in case of emergencies.
• Respect Rules: Familiarize yourself with and follow park regulations, which protect both visitors and the environment.

Proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable camping experience in Death Valley National Park.

Are there any hotels inside the park?

Within Death Valley National Park, you’ll find accommodations for a comfortable stay amid the park’s landscapes:

• The Inn at Death Valley: Located in Furnace Creek, it offers a historic and luxurious experience, featuring elegant rooms, dining, and a spring-fed pool, making it a choice for a high-end stay.
• The Ranch at Death Valley: Also in Furnace Creek, it offers casual, family-friendly accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, dining, and amenities like a golf course and a spring-fed pool.
• The Oasis at Death Valley: Situated in the park’s heart, it combines The Inn and The Ranch, offering upscale rooms, dining, tennis courts, and a spring-fed pool. It’s ideal for easy access to the park’s attractions.

These lodgings serve as a base for exploring Death Valley’s natural wonders, such as Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Dante’s View. Due to high demand during peak travel seasons, book well in advance to secure your stay.

Can I bring my pet to Death Valley Park?

Pets are allowed in Death Valley National Park, but adhere to these guidelines for a safe visit:

• Pets in Developed Areas: Bring your pet to campgrounds and paved roads.
• Leash Requirement: Keep your pet on a leash no longer than six feet.
• Trail Restrictions: Most hiking trails prohibit pets to protect the desert ecosystem. Exceptions are short trails near Furnace Creek and some paved paths.
• Pet-Friendly Facilities: Check for campground-specific pet rules.
• Clean Up: Dispose of pet waste properly to maintain cleanliness.
• Heat Safety: Be cautious of extreme heat, especially in summer. Keep your pet cool and hydrated, never leaving them in a hot vehicle.
• Wildlife Caution: Watch for wildlife; leash your pet to avoid encounters.
• Check Regulations: Confirm current pet policies on the park’s website before your visit.

Follow these guidelines to responsibly enjoy Death Valley National Park with your pet while preserving the park’s ecosystem and ensuring everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

How do I book a vacation rental near Death Valley Park?

To book a vacation rental near Death Valley National Park, follow these steps:

• Choose a Booking Site: Select a reputable platform like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, Expedia, or TripAdvisor.
• Enter Dates: Input your trip’s dates, including check-in and check-out.
• Location Preferences: Use filters to specify the area near Death Valley National Park.
• Accommodation Type: Pick your rental type, such as cabins, houses, apartments, or unique options like yurts or RVs.
• Budget and Amenities: Set your budget and essential amenities like bedrooms, bathrooms, or special features.
• Browse Listings: Review property details, photos, descriptions, and guest reviews.
• Contact Hosts: Reach out to hosts for inquiries or availability confirmation.
• Make a Reservation: Book your chosen rental by providing payment information.
• Read Terms: Understand booking terms, cancellation policies, and fees.
• Confirmation: Receive a confirmation email with check-in instructions and host contact details.

Book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, and consider proximity to park entrances for an optimized visit.

What is the best time of year to visit Death Valley Park?

Spring is the ideal time to visit Death Valley National Park due to milder temperatures, wildflower blooms, fewer crowds, and improved trail accessibility. Summers in the park are extremely hot, often exceeding 100°F (38°C). Spring, from February to April, offers daytime temperatures ranging from the 70s to 90s Fahrenheit (20s to 30s Celsius), making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and camping.

One of the main attractions during spring is the wildflower bloom, which occurs after winter rains, creating vibrant desert landscapes. The bloom’s timing and intensity vary yearly, so checking bloom reports before your visit is advisable.

Compared to the busy winter holiday season and fall months, spring sees fewer tourists, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Additionally, higher-elevation hiking trails, such as those in the Panamint Range, become more accessible in spring as snow melts, offering a broader range of outdoor activities.

While spring is generally recommended, be prepared for the desert environment by carrying ample water, dressing appropriately, and checking park alerts and road conditions. Some areas may remain closed due to snowmelt or other factors. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your interests and heat tolerance, so consider these factors when planning your trip to this captivating national park.