Death Valley RV Guide

Routes, Rules & Must-See Stops for a Safe and Memorable Trip

Last updated:

Always Check Conditions Before You Go

This guide is for planning purposes only. Road conditions, facility closures, and weather can change rapidly. Use the official links further down this page on your day of travel.

RV Routes & Entry Corridors

Crystal & Amargosa Valley Corridor

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Overview:

An alternative approach near Pahrump, offering unique desert culture and natural wonders before entering Death Valley.

Coordinates: 36.6438, -116.4003 View on Map

Pre-Entry Services (Pahrump & Amargosa Valley, NV):

Crystal has basic amenities; full services in Pahrump (fuel, groceries, propane). Amargosa Valley has limited options.

Highlights:

  • Miss Kathy's Short Branch Saloon (Crystal): Landmark being rebuilt; photos welcome.
  • Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Oasis with trails, pupfish, springs like Devil's Hole and Point of Rocks.
  • Big Dune Recreation Area: Sand dunes for OHV; north of Amargosa.
  • Longstreet Hotel & RV Resort: Amenities in Amargosa Valley.
  • Quirky spots: Stateline Saloon, Big Bovine art, unique Airbnbs like Harneit Manor.
Beatty → Daylight Pass (NV-374 → CA-190)

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Overview:

A common eastern approach from US-95 in Nevada. The drive over Daylight Pass is scenic with manageable grades for most RVs.

Coordinates: 36.9086, -116.7592 View on Map

Pre-Entry Services (Beatty, NV):

Last reliable fuel, water, groceries, and lodging. A good place to top off everything before entering the park.

Driving Notes:

The road is paved and well-maintained. Watch for wild burros. Cell service is lost shortly after leaving Beatty.

Pahrump → Death Valley Junction (NV-160 → CA-190)

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Overview:

A popular route from Las Vegas. Long, straight roads leading to the heart of the park at Furnace Creek.

Coordinates: 36.2083, -115.9839 View on Map

Pre-Entry Services (Pahrump, NV):

Last chance for major supermarkets (Walmart, Albertsons), propane, and full RV services.

Driving Notes:

Generally flat and easy driving. Be aware of potential crosswinds. The descent into the valley is long but not overly steep.

Shoshone/Tecopa Corridor (CA-127 → CA-178)

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Overview:

The southern entrance, bringing you directly to the Badwater Road area. A more remote-feeling entry.

Coordinates: 35.9730, -116.2711 View on Map

Pre-Entry Services (Shoshone, CA):

Limited fuel, water, and basic supplies. Tecopa Hot Springs is nearby for camping (outside park).

Driving Notes:

CA-178 (Badwater Road) is paved but can have rough sections. Watch for dips and potential flooding after rains.

Lone Pine → Panamint Springs (US-395 → CA-190)

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Overview:

The primary western approach from the beautiful Eastern Sierra. Involves significant elevation changes.

Coordinates: 36.6060, -118.0629 View on Map

Pre-Entry Services (Lone Pine, CA):

Last major town with full services: groceries, fuel, restaurants, and RV parks.

Driving Notes:

Involves a long, steep climb to Towne Pass followed by a very long, steep descent into Stovepipe Wells. Use low gears and check brakes before descending. Can be windy.

Ridgecrest/Trona → Panamint Valley (CA-178 → CA-190)

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Overview:

A remote southwestern approach. This route feels rugged and isolated quickly.

Coordinates: 35.6225, -117.6709 View on Map

Pre-Entry Services (Ridgecrest, CA):

Full services available. This is your last stop for supplies for a long time.

Driving Notes:

The road through Trona and into Panamint Valley is paved but remote. Services are nonexistent until Panamint Springs. Check road status before committing.

RV-Specific Do's & Don'ts

What To Do

  • ✓Top off tanks before entering. Fuel, fresh water, and propane are scarce and expensive inside the park. Carry extra drinking water.
  • ✓Check brakes and tires before any long, steep grades. Use lower gears on descents to prevent brake overheating.
  • ✓Start activities early to avoid midday heat. Respect sun exposure; wear hats, sunscreen, and light clothing.
  • ✓Verify vehicle length/weight limits. Obey all posted signs, especially for roads like Artist's Drive and Dante's View.
  • ✓Carry paper maps. Cell service is virtually nonexistent. Download digital maps for offline use before you arrive.
  • ✓Secure all food and trash. Leave no trace. Use animal-proof containers.
  • ✓Know generator hours and quiet hours for your campground. Be a good neighbor.

What Not To Do

  • ✗Don't rely solely on GPS. It often gives incorrect and dangerous directions. Follow park signs and official maps.
  • ✗Don't attempt narrow or unpaved roads with long rigs. Roads marked 'High Clearance' or '4x4' are not for RVs.
  • ✗Don't park on vegetation or fragile cryptobiotic soils. Stay in designated pullouts and parking areas.
  • ✗Don't leave pets in vehicles. Interior temperatures can become lethal in minutes, even on cooler days.
  • ✗Don't drive on salt flats or off designated roadways. It's illegal, damaging, and you will get stuck.

Top RV-Friendly Stops

Zabriskie Point

Rig Notes: Excellent. Large, separate parking lot for RVs and buses.

Time Needed: 30 minutes.

Best Light: Sunrise.

Coordinates: 36.4187, -116.8067 View on Map

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Rig Notes: Very good. Large, paved parking lot can accommodate all rig sizes.

Time Needed: 1-2 hours.

Best Light: Sunrise or late afternoon/sunset.

Coordinates: 36.6067, -117.1192 View on Map

Badwater Basin

Rig Notes: Good. Large parking lot, but can get crowded. Arrive early.

Time Needed: 45-60 minutes.

Best Light: Morning or late afternoon.

Coordinates: 36.25028, -116.82583 View on Map

Furnace Creek Visitor Center

Rig Notes: Excellent. Designated large-vehicle parking.

Time Needed: 1 hour.

Best Light: Any time.

Coordinates: 36.4616, -116.8662 View on Map

Harmony Borax Works

Rig Notes: Good. Paved lot with room for several RVs to park and turn around.

Time Needed: 30 minutes.

Best Light: Any time.

Coordinates: 36.4800, -116.8735 View on Map

Father Crowley Vista Point

Rig Notes: Excellent. Very large paved pullouts on both sides of the highway.

Time Needed: 20 minutes.

Best Light: Afternoon.

Coordinates: 36.3520, -117.5509 View on Map

Dante's View

Rig Notes: RESTRICTED. 25-foot length limit. Steep grades. Not for large RVs or trailers.

Time Needed: 1 hour (including drive).

Best Light: Morning.

Coordinates: 36.2206, -116.7265 View on Map

Artist's Drive/Palette

Rig Notes: RESTRICTED. 25-foot length limit. One-way loop with sharp dips.

Time Needed: 45 minutes.

Best Light: Afternoon.

Coordinates: 36.3628, -116.8029 View on Map

Ubehebe Crater

Rig Notes: Good. Large parking area, but the road to it is remote. Check road status.

Time Needed: 30-45 minutes.

Best Light: Morning or late afternoon.

Coordinates: 37.0106, -117.4503 View on Map

Things To Do (Live from NPS API)

Services & Logistics

Fuel, Propane & Water

Services are extremely limited and expensive. Fill up before entering the park. Always verify hours and availability on official sites before relying on these.

Location Services Notes Map
Furnace Creek Gas, Diesel, Water Most reliable in-park fuel. Water available at gas station and campground. Coordinates: 36.4616, -116.8662 View on Map
Stovepipe Wells Gas, Water Fuel has limited hours. Water at campground. No diesel. Coordinates: 36.6061, -117.1464 View on Map
Panamint Springs Gas, Diesel, Water On the far west side of the park. Very expensive. Coordinates: 36.3397, -117.4678 View on Map

Dump Stations

Location Fee Notes Map
Furnace Creek CG Fee may apply Check with campground host. Can be busy. Coordinates: 36.4616, -116.8662 View on Map
Stovepipe Wells CG Fee may apply Check for seasonal availability. Coordinates: 36.6061, -117.1464 View on Map

Campgrounds Overview (Live from NPS API)

Death Valley has a mix of reservation and first-come, first-served campgrounds. Furnace Creek is the only one with hookups and is reservation-only in the busy season. Most others are dry camping. Check the official NPS Camping Page for more info.

Visitor Centers (Live from NPS API)

Emergency & Help

In an emergency, call 911. Be prepared to give your location as accurately as possible.

Cell service is not reliable. If you need help, you may need to wait for another vehicle or a ranger to pass by. Carry basic spares (tires, fluids) and know your roadside assistance coverage, but understand that help can be many hours away. For non-emergency park contact info, see the main NPS Conditions Page.

Seasonal & Conditions Tips

Hot Season (Spring–Fall)

  • Extreme Heat: RV air conditioners will struggle and may fail. Your generator will run constantly. Plan to be at higher elevations.
  • Water: Carry at least 1 gallon of drinking water per person, per day. More if you are active.
  • Vehicle Strain: Overheating is a major risk for engines and transmissions, especially on long climbs. Turn off A/C on steep grades.
  • Daylight: Long days provide more light, but the heat limits activity to early morning and late evening.

Cool Season (Late Fall–Early Spring)

  • Pleasant Days, Cold Nights: Temperatures can drop below freezing at night, especially at higher elevations. Ensure your furnace works and you have enough propane.
  • Wind: Strong winds are common. Be careful driving high-profile vehicles and secure awnings and outdoor gear.
  • Rain & Flooding: Winter storms can cause flash floods and road closures. Check forecasts and road conditions frequently.
  • Daylight: Shorter days mean less time for exploring. Plan your drives and hikes accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my [length] rig do [road/stop]?

Always check road signs for specific length and weight restrictions upon arrival. As a rule, avoid narrow, steep, unpaved, or 4x4-only routes with long rigs. When in doubt, have a smaller tow vehicle for exploring or skip the road. The most up-to-date information is on the official NPS backcountry roads page.

Where can I boondock?

Dispersed camping is allowed in some areas, but highly regulated. You must be on previously disturbed ground and typically at least one mile off paved or day-use dirt roads. Many popular areas are closed to dispersed camping. Always respect closures and private land. The official NPS camping rules page has the most accurate information and maps.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are allowed in the park but are heavily restricted. They are generally only permitted along roads and in campgrounds. They are NOT allowed on trails, in buildings, or in the backcountry. The extreme heat is a severe risk; never leave pets in a vehicle. See the official NPS pets page for detailed rules.

Will I have cell service?

Assume you will have no cell service. Service is extremely limited and spotty, typically only found near Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, and it can be unreliable. Download maps and this guide for offline use before you enter the park. Carry paper maps as a backup.

Official Links & Resources

Recent News Releases (Live from NPS API)

Use these official sources for real-time information. Do not rely on third-party apps for road status.

Current Alerts (Live from NPS API)

Upcoming Events (Live from NPS API)