MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park

Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park California, USA Travel Guide

Lodging Options

Luxury & Mid-Range Stays

  • The Inn at Death Valley

    An upscale, historic experience in Furnace Creek. Landscaped grounds, spring-fed pool, tennis courts, fine dining.

  • The Ranch at Death Valley

    A casual, family-friendly atmosphere in Furnace Creek. A golf course, large spring-fed pool, general store, dining choices.

  • Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel

    Rustic and historic charm. Closer to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Mosaic Canyon. Hotel, restaurant, general store.

  • Panamint Springs Resort

    On the western edge of the park. Small, privately owned oasis. Basic lodging, restaurant, gas station. Quiet experience.

Budget & Alternative Stays

  • Hostel Options

    No dedicated hostels within Death Valley National Park. Campgrounds or motels in nearby gateway towns offer budget-friendly options.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Limited within park boundaries. Prevalent in nearby gateway towns like Pahrump, Nevada, or Ridgecrest, California. Suitable for longer stays or groups.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Not applicable within Death Valley National Park. The park is a federally managed area, private residences are not part of the tourism offering.

  • Camping & Outdoor Stays

    Nine designated campgrounds by National Park Service. Backcountry camping permitted in designated areas with a free permit.

Unique Lodging Characteristics

Each type of accommodation within Death Valley holds specific characteristics and implications for your visit.

The Inn at Death Valley

Historic Appeal
  • Built 1927 by Pacific Coast Borax Co.
  • Retreat for executives
  • Luxury destination for visitors
  • Architecture, lush gardens, spring-fed
Distinct from Desert
  • Gardens contrast arid land
  • A piece of park history
  • A luxury escape
  • A serene oasis

Vacation Rentals

Locations
  • Limited within park boundaries
  • Prevalent in nearby gateway towns
  • Pahrump, Nevada
  • Ridgecrest, California
Travel Implications
  • Adds significant daily driving
  • Time for daily travel to park attractions
  • Reduces time for exploration within the park

Homestays & Community

Park Policy
  • Not applicable within Death Valley NP
  • Park is federally managed
  • Private residences not tourism offering
No Private Tourism
  • No community-based tourism initiatives

Camping & Outdoor Accommodation

Designated Campgrounds:

Death Valley National Park offers nine designated campgrounds by the National Park Service.

Backcountry Camping:

Permitted in designated areas with a free permit. A true wilderness experience, offering solitude and dark skies.

Neighborhood Overview

Death Valley is vast. Its "neighborhoods" are its few developed areas or adjacent gateway towns. Each offers a different experience.

Furnace Creek Area Central

  • Most central for major attractions like Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point.
  • Most amenities: visitor center, restaurants, general store, gas, golf.
  • Provides most convenience for visitors.
  • Most expensive area for lodging.

Stovepipe Wells Area Central-West

  • Closer proximity to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Mosaic Canyon.
  • Generally more affordable lodging options than Furnace Creek.
  • Hotel, restaurant, general store, and gas station available.
  • Fewer amenities and dining choices compared to Furnace Creek.

Important Considerations

Panamint Springs Area:
  • A remote and quiet desert oasis.
  • Offers a peaceful, remote atmosphere.
  • Serves as a good base for exploring western park features.
  • Very limited amenities.
Gateway Towns (e.g., Pahrump, NV):
  • More budget-friendly lodging options (motels, chain hotels).
  • Wider variety of dining choices and full services.
  • Substantially reduce accommodation costs.
  • Requires significant daily driving (1-2 hours each way) to park attractions.

Safety & Ambiance

Safety Considerations:

All developed areas within Death Valley National Park are generally very safe with low crime rates. Main safety concerns relate to the environment itself (heat, dehydration, vehicle issues).

Proximity to Attractions:

Furnace Creek offers the best proximity to central valley attractions. Stovepipe Wells is good for dunes. Panamint Springs for western park access. Gateway towns necessitate long daily drives.

Noise Levels & Ambiance:

Furnace Creek can be busier and more active. Stovepipe Wells is generally quieter. Panamint Springs is very quiet and remote. Campgrounds vary.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking helps secure your preferred accommodation and better prices.

Advance Booking Recommendations

Peak Season Mid-October to Mid-May

Highly recommended for all in-park lodging and reservable campgrounds.

  • Book 6+ months in advance for top availability.
  • Useful for The Inn at Death Valley or specific dates like holidays.
  • For last-minute or off-season, availability closer to travel date.
  • Availability is never guaranteed.
Deposit & Cancellation Policies

These vary by property and booking platform.

  • Review deposit requirements carefully.
  • Cancellation policies are a significant point.
  • Death Valley's remote location means unforeseen circumstances.

Trusted Booking Platforms

In-Park Lodging

Book directly or via major online travel agencies (OTAs).

NPS Campgrounds

Use Recreation.gov for reservable campgrounds.

  • Furnace Creek Campground (available October-April).
  • Reservations open six months in advance.
  • Other campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
  • Arrive early in the day for a spot, especially on weekends.

Negotiation & Pricing

  • Walk-In Rates

    Not generally applicable for Death Valley accommodations. Prices are typically fixed and non-negotiable.

  • Pre-Booked Rates

    Walk-in rates, if available, are often higher than pre-booked rates.

  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations

    Prices for accommodations are significantly higher during the cooler peak season (October-May).

  • Summer Savings

    Prices drop considerably during the hot summer months (June-September), offering a cost-saving opportunity.

Out-of-Park Lodging

  • Booking Platforms

    Standard online travel agencies are reliable for motels and hotels in gateway towns.

  • Availability

    More options in towns like Pahrump or Ridgecrest.

  • Travel Implications

    Requires significant daily driving (1-2 hours each way) to park attractions.

  • Fuel Costs

    Adds considerable travel time and fuel costs to your daily itinerary.

Top Accommodation Recommendations

The Inn at Death Valley

Luxury, historic, with a spring-fed pool, lush gardens, fine dining, spa, and tennis courts. A serene oasis.

The Ranch at Death Valley

Mid-range, family-friendly with a golf course, large spring-fed pool, general store, gas, and multiple dining options. Central location.

More Recommendations

Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel

Mid-range/Budget. Historic, rustic, near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Pool, general store, saloon. A more affordable option.

Panamint Springs Resort

Budget/Mid-range. Remote, quiet. Unique desert oasis. Good base for western park access.

Furnace Creek Campground

Budget. Reservable (Oct-Apr), central location, amenities (water, flush toilets, dump station). Popular.