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Camping - there are a variety of campgrounds in
Death Valley National Park, some quite large like the 1000+ Sunset campground
near Furnace creek (only open in the winter months), to just a
few camp spaces. Many campgrounds close for the summer season -
approximately mid April through mid October. For the campgrounds
that do stay open in the summer months, often the prices will be
cheaper.
Note the "plethora" of cars in this camp ground in the
middle of July!! |
The Furnace Creek Campground
is one of the best campgrounds in
Death Valley - it is a great 136 site campground located at -196 feet
below sea level!
Where else in the western hemisphere can you sleep below sea level! You
need reservations from the middle of October to the middle of April at
$16/space. The rest of the year its $10/space and its first come first
serve. If you camp at this campground during the middle of the summer on
a weekday, June-August, expect you will be either camping alone or with
not more than 1 or 2 other parties. When temperatures get above 120 and
hover around 100 at night, you just don't find that many people camping
outdoors in Death Valley! There are many trees at this campground -
under which you can find shade. Note, that since the sun rises from the
east try to find camp spots located on the western side of the trees.
There are bathrooms here and flush toilets as well as garbage bins, nice
moveable aluminum tables raised BBQ's and fire pits in the ground. Note
that if you camp here in the summer during some of the 120+ days and
temps around 100 at night, you will find that the running water in the
bathrooms is extremely hot - and often is so warm that its painful to
put on your skin. Those that do camp here in the middle of the summer
months will usually rise around 5am and be out of the campground at a
quarter to 6 in the morning. Note that there is an annoying noise in the
distance coming from the Furnace creek resort at night - probably some
sort of air conditioning unit. Some tips to consider for July camping.
Wetting your clothes at night seems to help keep one cooler than taking
all your clothes off. Its easier to sleep outside of a tent rather than
inside. Try not to sleep on a plastic mattress as you will just be
sleeping in pools of water by morning. Consider drinking at least 2
liters of fluid overnight as you will most likely be greatly perspiring
even as you sleep or try to sleep.
The 1000 site Sunset campground is located just above Furnace Creek at
an elevation of -196 feet. There is no shade here, its in the middle of
the desert ground and is open from October through April. You definitely
do not want to camp at this campground in the summer months. Cost is
$10/space.
The Mesquite Campground is located about 5 miles from Scotty's
Castle in the northern part of the park. It is open all year and is
$10/site. Its located at about 1800 feet.
Stovepipe Wells also has a campground which can accommodate up to
200 sites. Its open from mid October through April and the cost is
$10/site.
There are several other campgrounds scattered throughout the park and of
course there is backcountry camping options. If you plan on camping in
the backcountry be sure to pick up your free permit at any of the ranger
stations or visitor centers.Furnace Creek Resort is a
beautiful 4-diamond resort nestled into the hills
just above Furnace Creek. Great rooms, views, a pool and attention to
detail make this Death Valley's superior resort accommodation. Unlike
most of California Death Valley's "summer" season is in the historical
winter season. As a result, this resort is
open from about Mid October under early May and closed the rest of the
year. Visit
www.furnacecreekresort.com for more details.
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Grounds of the Furnace Creek Ranch
A real "oasis" in the middle of Death Valley |
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Parking lot & Furnace Creek Inn
This resort sits above Furnace Creek Ranch |
Furnace Creek Ranch is located on the
grounds of the Furnace Creek - this is the year round hub of activity in
all of Death Valley. There are several restaurants here, the world's
lowest golf course (literally), a motel, a swimming pool, a nice Borax &
mining related museum, a post office a 3000+ airstrip and several other
amenities. Rooms range from Cabins to Deluxe to Park side
accommodations. As expected, all rooms have Air conditioning. Consider
this place, Death Valley's Oasis! This family oriented motel is open all
year round. The swimming pool is slightly warm and is spring fed. This
is a wonderful location to relax and often meet International families.
If you are not a guest you can check in at the reception for paid pool
use only.
Several restaurants are available on the "ranch" for your dining
pleasure. The Forty Niner Cafe serves up tasty fairly inexpensive
American style cuisine (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner). The next door
Corkscrew Saloon has a full bar and sit down tables. If you are looking
for late night snacks, this is your only dining option after 9:30pm -
not cheap but at least there is an option for food. You won't find any
food at Stovepipe Wells (other than a few microwavable items at the
Stovepipe Wells General Store which is the closest "civilization" to the
Furnace Creek area at 17 miles away). The Wrangler Restaurant, next door
- offers a popular Buffet breakfast and lunch. Pay with the receptionist
as you enter an then you are free to "pig out"!
The General Store has a plethora of Death Valley Souvenirs and is
located directly on your left as you enter the grounds. Want to hear
languages from around the world - visit this store during a busy
weekend! Also vegetables, other groceries and ice cream is available
here. On several occasions we've noticed frayed tensions on the
boardwalk in front of the saloon with regards to smokers and non
smokers. These tensions seem to be exacerbated the hotter the day. There
are ash trays outside in front of the saloon but no signs mentioning "no
smoking". As of press time free wireless Internet access is available
for anyone who has a laptop.
Another highlight of Furnace Creek which most visitors miss seeing is
the Xanterra Solar Facility towards the back of the ranch. At the time
of installation in late 2007 144 huge palm trees were uprooted and then
moved to a new nearby location. This was a major job involving cranes.
Today the solar panels cover almost 4 acres and is one of the largest
privately held solar stations in the USA. They tilt with the sun for
optimum performance and Death Valley is an ideal location because it is
one of the sunniest spots on the planet. You can see the cells from near
the golf course. Sometimes if you show interest in the solar facility at
the Borax Museum, they can call over to the cell facility to see if
there is someone to show you around and provide additional information.
For detailed information regarding the ranch's accommodation options,
please visit their website:
www.furnacecreekresort.com or review their rates using this direct
link:
www.furnacecreekresort.com/pages/fc_lodging_rates.swf
StovePipe Wells Village Motel is located in the Stovepipe Wells
Village. This is a basic comfortable motel - small pool located on site.
Open year round. No telephones in any of the rooms. Accommodation ranges
from basic to deluxe. A restaurant and bar are located on site.
To make reservations call: (760) 786.2387 or visit their website at:
www.stovepipewells.com/index.asp |
