Death Valley isn’t just any national park – it’s the hottest and driest place in North America and offers campers some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes and a vibe that you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Picture endless stretches of desert, mountains that glow in the sunrise, and wide-open skies that will make you feel like you’re on another planet.
But of course, when you’re exploring a place as extreme as Death Valley, having a good spot to park your RV and call home throughout your vacation is super important. To make planning your trip much easier, this guide will take you through some of the best RV parks near Death Valley, from convenient locations right within the park to spots that offer a little more comfort just outside its borders.
Ready to hit the road? Let’s begin!
Panamint Springs Resort RV Park
Distance from Death Valley National Park: 4 miles
If you want to stay as close to Death Valley National Park as possible, Panamint Springs Resort RV Park is the perfect spot. Located on the western edge of the park, this place feels quite remote and is one of the most peaceful resorts on our list with stunning mountain views, but you’re not completely cut off and you will find both partial and full RV hookups on offer.
There are also some excellent amenities to take advantage of here, including an on-site restaurant, gas station, and a little general store, which is perfect if you’re running low on essentials. But the real draw here is the remoteness, and there’s something special about sitting outside and soaking in the panoramic desert views after a day of exploring.
Beatty RV Park
Distance from Death Valley National Park: 9 miles
A little further outside of Death Valley National Park, but still close enough for day trips, Beatty RV Park is located in the town of Beatty, which is also known as the “Gateway to Death Valley”. This RV park is all about ease and convenience, and you’ll find full hookups, WiFi, laundry facilities, and even a dog park here, which is ideal if you’re taking an adventure with your four-legged friend. It’s also a good option if you’re trying to stick to a lower budget, and it’s less expensive than most other RV parks in the region, especially those located so close to the park.
While the national park itself is bound to be at the top of your to-do list when staying here, make sure you put some time aside to check out Rhyolite Ghost Town nearby, which is a cool little detour if you’re interested in old mining towns. Don’t forget to stop by the Death Valley Nut & Candy Company either – the ideal place to pick up some gifts or souvenirs from your camping vacation.
Furnace Creek Campground
Distance from Death Valley National Park: 14 miles
Another great option if you’re looking to stay close to Death Valley National Park, Furnace Creek Campground has a way of making you feel as though you’re right in the center of the action but still allows you to escape the intense heat of the park itself. The surroundings here are beautiful, too, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by rugged mountains during the day and some of the clearest skies at night that are perfect for stargazing.
There are 136 sites at Furnace Creek and 18 of these offer full hookups. However, this is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area, so reservations are highly recommended, especially during the busy season. In terms of amenities, you’ll find picnic tables, potable water, and flush toilets, adding an extra level of comfort to your stay.
Longstreet Inn and Casino RV Park
Distance from Death Valley National Park: 24 miles
If you like your RV camping with a side of entertainment, Longstreet Inn and Casino RV Park might be just the ticket! This campground is located on the Nevada border, about 30 minutes from Death Valley’s eastern entrance, and is a convenient option if you want to explore both the park and enjoy some casino fun.
This RV park offers full hookups, WiFi, and a swimming pool, which is a huge bonus if you’re looking for a way too cool off in the extreme temperatures. And, after a day of exploring, you can try your luck at the slots or unwind with a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant. There’s also a duck pond and picnic area that guests are welcome to relax by, offering a bit of quirky charm that some other resorts simply don’t have.
Stovepipe Wells RV Park
Distance from Death Valley National Park: 25 miles
Looking for something a bit more off the beaten path? Stovepipe Wells Campground is a quieter spot and is perfect for campers who want a laid-back experience, and it’s also just a short drive away from some of Death Valley National Park’s coolest spots like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Mosaic Canyon, making it ideal for those who want to explore but keep out of the heat!
There are 14 full hookup sites here, each of which can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. However, this small number of sites does mean that the entire campground can fill up quite quickly, so it’s a very good idea to make reservations before heading here.
Along with the hookups, one of the perks of staying here is that you have access to some excellent amenities, including a general store, gas station, and a swimming pool. There’s also an on-site restaurant, so if you feel like taking a break from campfire meals, you can let someone else get hot and bothered on your behalf! Plus, it’s a great spot to stay if you want to embrace the beauty of Death Valley without sacrificing those little comforts.
Shoshone RV Park
Distance from Death Valley National Park: 43 miles
Around 30 miles from Death Valley’s southeast entrance, you’ll find Shoshone RV Park – another great place to stay if you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere. As its name suggests, this campground is in the small town of Shoshone, and it has a welcoming, low-key energy that allows you to take things slow and enjoy a bit of local history while still being close to the national park.
There are full hookups on offer here, as well as laundry facilities, and WiFi (perfect for keeping kids entertained or for anyone who finds it hard to disconnect from the online world). The real highlight here, however, is the nearby Shoshone Hot Springs, which guests are allowed to access for free, and these provide an awesome way to relax after a long day of hiking or driving through the desert.
There are also some really interesting nearby attractions to explore, including the Shoshone Museum, which is packed with interesting facts about the area’s mining history and provides a nice way of learning something new before heading back into the wilds of Death Valley National Park.
Pahrump RV Park & Lodging
Distance from Death Valley National Park: 46 miles
Pahrump RV Park & Lodging is around an hour from Death Valley National Park, and this is a good option for campers who are after a balance of desert wilderness and modern amenities. There are full hookups here, along with WiFi and a pet area, and the sites here are really spacious, so there’s no risk of feeling as though you’re crammed in, which is a real bonus if you value your privacy.
This is an excellent base if you want to mix things up throughout your camping trip, as not only are you within driving distance of the national park and its amazing hiking trails and views, but there are also wineries and casinos within Pahrump that are guaranteed to add some variety to your vacation. The weather in Pahrump is usually a bit cooler than Death Valley itself, too, so it’s a nice escape from the summer temperatures if you’re visiting at that time of year.
Tecopa Hot Springs Campground
Distance from Death Valley National Park: 51 miles
For campers who love the idea of soaking in natural hot springs under a star-filled sky, Tepoca Hot Springs Campground is a must-visit. This is a bit different from your typical desert campground, and the mineral-rich hot springs here are said to have therapeutic properties that anyone feeling the stress of daily life will feel benefit from.
Of course, it’s not just about the hot springs, and this campground also has some excellent amenities, including full and partial hookups, WiFi, restrooms, and showers, all of which ensure you’re still getting those creature comforts you simply can’t do without. Don’t forget the surrounding area, either, which has some fantastic hiking trails to offer and will help you really feel as though you’ve earned that relaxing soak in the hot springs afterward!
Top RV Camping Tips
Prepare for the Heat
Death Valley really isn’t messing around when it comes to heat, especially in the summer months. So, if you’re visiting during the warmer seasons, make sure you have a way of keeping cool. We’re talking air conditioning systems, portable fans, and plenty of bottled water kept in an ice box.
Book Early
Place like Furnace Creek Campground and Stovepipe Wells Campground fill up fast, especially during the cooler months when the weather is more forgiving. With this in mind, it’s a good ideal to book ahead and make reservations to secure your spot. That way, you’re guaranteed entry to the campgrounds and you won’t have to risk staying somewhere you may not be as comfortable at.
Stock Up
While most RV parks have some excellent amenities, some don’t have on-site shops, so you’ll want to make sure you’re stocked up on your essentials before you arrive. Fuel, water, and groceries should be at the top of your list here, especially as you may not be able to find certain things as easily as you’re used to, especially once you’re deep in the desert.
Pack for Cool Nights
We all know that Death Valley National Park is famous for its scorching days, but it can get surprisingly chilly at night, especially during the winter. So, make sure you pack layers to keep yourself warm at night.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Death Valley by RV is a truly incredible experience and is something that anyone who loves camping should consider doing. And, with an RV park to suit everyone’s needs, from rugged wilderness to luxury amenities, there’s really no reason not to! You can also find the perfect RV or campervan for your road trip with Travellers Autobarn, and with unlimited miles as standard, you can explore everything this incredible park has to offer without the worry of extra costs.
And if Death Valley inspires you to see more of the United States, there are plenty of other Top US National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks to Visit that are just as spectacular. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hit the road, and start your adventure!
DISCLAIMER: We do have strict restrictions for traveling through the Death Valley. This is really more for your & the campervan’s safety – 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) is simply too hot. As such we don’t allow any travel through the Death Valley between the 1st of May to 30th of September each year; at any other time, you are more than welcome to explore Death Valley.
About the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.