1. Plan for the heat
The heat needs to be one if not the primary concern for anyone wanting to camp in Death Valley National Park.
If camping near Furnace Creek on the basin floor, plan on camping here in the winter, or bring an RV and camp in a place with full utility hook-ups that will allow you to run your AC.
Temperatures from the spring to the fall can easily reach triple digits.
2. Sleep off the ground
Death Valley features desert terrain. As such, there is all manner of snakes, scorpions, and lizards roaming the area at night.
With that in mind, either sleep elevated from the ground in a hammock or make sure you keep that tent zipped at night to avoid any unwanted visitors.
3. Consider a backcountry permit
If you’re frustrated with crowded campgrounds and don’t mind roughing it, consider getting a backcountry permit, which allows you to camp just off the road at least 100 yards away from a water source.
Just remember to bring plenty of water in water bottles and larger containers.
4. Land a free campsite
Several campgrounds in Death Valley National Park are free, including Wildrose, Thorndike, Mahogany Flat, and Emigrant. Although some of these campgrounds may be off the beaten path, they are on a first-come-first-serve and require no fee.
Get there early to claim your free spot.
Read More : The Best Free Camping Locations in California
5. Book early
The campgrounds in Death Valley fill up quickly through much of the year, so book early unless you plan on trying to score a site at one of the first come first only campgrounds.
Furnace Creek is the only campground that takes reservations, making it difficult to land one. Reservations at this campground can be made up to six months in advance.
6. Camp on higher ground
If you’re dead set on camping at the park between May and October, consider camping at one of the higher elevation campgrounds in the park.
They offer much more comfortable temperatures than the blistering heat found at Furnace Creek. Campgrounds at higher elevations include Emigrant, Wildrose, Thorndike, and Mahogany Flat.
Andrew Dodson
Andrew Dodson is an avid camper who enjoys the great outdoors with his wife and two-year-old son. He resides in Colorado, where you can often find him enjoying hikes with a toddler strapped to his back and mini goldendoodle Percy nearby.
