3-day death valley national park travel guide
Plan and prepare for your perfect trip to Death Valley National Park with our 3-day itinerary.
There’s been a couple of winter van life destinations we’ve heard a lot about from our fellow nomads and Death Valley, indigenous name 'tüpippüh, is one of them. To be completely transparent, it wasn’t high on our list of places to visit. But once we got there we realized why so many people had raved about it online. It gifted us a great lesson in letting go of preconceived notions or assumptions.
Death Valley is serene and quiet even though it is the largest National Park in the US with over 3 million acres of wilderness. We visited during the Winter Holidays and although it was much busier than usual we were able to find seclusion and silence on our hikes and when finding a campsite.
The views are spectacular no matter where you are in the park. The landscape is full of more color than we had imagined and it has this breathtaking expansiveness to it that eased our anxiety as soon as we set foot on the land. After nearly 2 weeks of being there off-and-on, I can say we were transformed, and even maybe a bit mesmerized, by our time there.
If you haven’t heard much about Death Valley National Park here are some key points you may find interesting:
It is located in the Mojave Desert of California and is North America's hottest, driest, and lowest region.
It recently recorded the hottest temperatures on Earth at 134 degrees farenheit!
It is home to the Timbisha Shoshone tribe who have inhabited the lands for over a thousand years.
To the indigenous people of the land, it is 'tüpippüh. The name Death Valley was given by prospectors during the California Gold Rush because they found the extreme heat unbearable.
Death Valley National Park offers many free backcountry camping locations, free and paid campsites, incredible hiking for all ages, and some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country. For this reason, combined with the ease of dumping water (grey and/or black) plus access to free potable water, it is on our list for one of the best van life locations for the winter.
We were so impressed by the land and the amenities that we have created a full 3-day itinerary with extra tips below so you can make the most out of your time while there. Because the Death Valley National Park is so large we put this itinerary together so it is time-efficient while still leaving room for relaxation and flexibility to your plans.
If you have anything else you’d like to add to this list about Death Valley National Park, comment below and let us know!
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS ITINERARY
Where to camp
Where to shower
Where to eat
Where to get fuel
Where to get water and dump your tank
Where to view sunrise and sunset
Our full 3-day suggested itinerary
Tips for your visit to Death Valley
Watch our full YouTube vlog about Death Valley
WHERE TO CAMP
PAID CAMPSITES
Furnace Creek
One of the few places in the park that offers hookups. It is $22 for a standard site with no hookups and $36 with hookups. There are reservations allowed from Oct 15 - April 15th and it is highly suggested if you need hookups.
Sunset Campground
Located at Furnace Creek (not to be confused with the campground above), there are no reservations available, and the price is only $14. It is basically just a big gravel lot so do not expect much privacy or foliage. It is, however, located right next to the dump and water station.
Texas Springs Campground
This campground is located in Furnace Creek and does not offer reservations and generators are not allowed. Another inexpensive paid camping option if you are looking for a designated campsite. The price is $16 a night.
Stovepipe Wells NPS Campground
Located only a short distance from the Mesquite Sand Dunes and adjacent to the Stovepipe Wells General Store. There is a dump station and water but no hook-ups at $14 a night.
Stovepipe Wells RV Park & Campground
A privately-run campground located next door to the General Store, this campground offers 14 full-hookup RV sites for $40 per night.
The Golden Canyon Hike offers some of the most spectacular views in the park.
FREE CAMPSITES
Emigrant Campground
Free campground with minimal spots and is tent-only camping. If you were visiting Death Valley alone and wanted to meet people, I think this would be a great spot to meet other travelers. It was very intimate and located right off the road.
Wildrose Campground
We did not see nor visit this campground as the road was impassable with our Promaster van. If you do not have 4WD this will not be the campsite for you. It is free as well and is open all year round.
Thorndike Campground
This campsite is located at 7400 feet and is only open from Spring through Fall. We also could not make it to this area due to the time of year we visited and due to not having 4WD. It is free to camp here when it is open (typically open spring through fall).
Mahogany Flat Campground
This campsite is located at 8200 feet and is only open from Spring through Fall. You will need 4WD to get to the campground as well. Once there, it is free to camp. It is typically open spring through fall.
Mesquite Campground
Located in the northern area of the park, this is a great place to camp if you do not have 4wd or a high clearance vehicle and you are visiting in the winter. There are no hook-ups and it is only $12 to camp (though the website states it is $14 we only paid $12 when arriving). If you plan to check out Ubehebe Crater we suggest staying here. The roads that lead to free backcountry camping were impassable in our Promaster this winter due to recent snow and they were located on higher ground with freezing temps at night. Something to think about if you are visiting during this time of year as well. They have a dump station and water
Tip for all campsites with hook-ups: Book as soon as you can. It seems most sites are reserved about 6 months in advance.
Stovepipe Wells Village offers fuel, lodging, a general store, bar, restaurant, and paid camping.
FREE CAMPSITES
When you arrive at Death Valley stop at one of the Visitor Centers (Stovepipe Wells or Furnace Creek) and ask for a Backcountry Camping map. You must camp outside the ‘yellow’ area of the map for at least 1 mile and it must be located off of one of the designated roads and it must be a campsite that has been used previously. Do not make any new campsites in the park. Look for fire rings or areas you can tell many vehicles have driven and parked prior.
Some of the best spots near popular hikes are located off Hole-In-The-Wall road or Echo Canyon road; follow either road for 1 mile and park wherever you see a camping spot that has been used previously. We went during the Holiday Season and had no problem finding camping at Hole-In-The-Wall. Echo Canyon looked a little too rough for our taste so be wary when going on the backcountry roads.
Off-Road Tip: Having your MaxTrax and your Garmin InReach handy is a good idea when hanging out in Death Valley National Park for a period of time. You can find more information about these items on our Van Life Gift List.
A view from our van; camping 1 mile from the road near Hole-in-the-Wall.
WHERE TO SHOWER
Some of the campsites offer showers so be sure to check upon arrival or when making reservations. If not, you can still take a shower using the Furnace Creek facilities.
The Town Hall is located in Furnace Creek. If you go into the check-in area (which is really just the lobby of The Oasis at Death Valley), tell them you would like a day pass to the pool and showers. At the time we visited (Winter 2021) the cost was $14 per person. This is a full-day pass and will give you access to the pool as well which is spring-fed and a relaxing 75-82 degrees F year-round. To park, just park in the Furnace Creek main parking area. It’s large and you can check out the dining hall, general store, stop by USPS if you need to ship anything out, or grab a drink at the western-themed Last Kind Words Saloon.
WHERE TO EAT
Furnace Creek
At Furnace Creek, there is a General Store where you'll find items you’d find at a high-end gas station (don’t expect a lot of fruit and vegetables besides some potatoes or lemons). Right next door there is the 1849 restaurant which at the time of writing this blog only offered buffet-style dining. There was a salad bar and a hot food bar. This is pretty much the only place in Death Valley that offers vegan-friendly options. From here you can pass through the saloon doors and grab some heavily-priced bar food and a stiff drink. The Ice Cream Parlor is located right across the street and offers burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, and fries. Just a short drive or walk away is the 19th Hole at The Furnace Creek Golf Course which offers food and drinks adjacent to the lowest golf course in the world. The only other option near Furnace Creek is at the high-end restaurant The Inn Dining Room which offers more options.
Stovepipe Wells
Across the street from the gas station and gift shop, you‘ll find the Toll Road Restaurant and Badwater Saloon. We ventured into the Toll Road restaurant after our hike at the mesquite dunes and enjoyed some french fries. We loved seeing the posters of all the movies which were filmed in Death Valley. We thought it was worth checking out just because of the ambiance.
Food Tip: Whether you are vegan, avoid dairy, gluten-free, or health-conscious - prepare ahead for your visit. There are minimal healthy dining options and very few vegan or dairy-free choices. Stock up!
Golden Canyon was my favorite hike in Death Valley as you can see from my smile above.
WHERE TO GET FUEL
Furnace Creek& Stovepipe Wells both offer fuel though we noticed that Stovepipe Wells was a lot less expensive (over a $1 difference when we visited). Remember that because of the location of Death Valley and it being a National Park, fuel will be more expensive than usual. If you are on a budget be sure to keep this in mind when visiting. Prices ranged from a little over $5 a gallon to over $7 a gallon when we visited in January of 2022.
WHERE TO GET WATER & DUMP YOUR TANK
Check with the campground you are staying at to see if they have dump services first.
If not, Furnace Creek offers a free dump and potable/non-potable water. It is NOT located in the Furnace Creek campground itself but is right off the main road directly across from the Ranger Station. The location is great and we found there was rarely a wait.
At Mesquite Campground they offered a dump area and potable/non-potable water. It did not say it was only for those staying at the campground so take that information as you will.
WHERE TO WATCH SUNRISE & SUNSET
No matter where you go in the park, you’ll catch vibrant and colorful views at dawn or dusk. Here are some of the most popular spot in the park that will offer views for both:
Mesquite Sand Dunes
Zabriskie Point
Dante’s View
Artists Palette
Ubehebe Crater
Badwater Basin
Epic cloud formations at our campsite near Hole-In-The-Wall.
3-DAY ITINERARY
Day One
Sunrise: Zabriskie Point. There can be quite a few people here though there is plenty of room for everyone. Get here early if you want the perfect spot to take photos or record a time-lapse as people set up cameras everywhere.
Instead of watching the sunrise from the main area, before going up the hill, take a right from the parking lot and hike up the ridge for an epic view all to yourself or make your way down on the hill right below the designated viewing area. You’ll get a great view of the sun hitting the mountains in the east which is the best part of the sunrise here. The sunrise from the west isn’t quite as spectacular.
Multiple Hike Loop: From Zabriskie Point, we suggest combining the Golden Canyon, Badlands Loop, Red Cathedral, and Gower Gulch hikes. You’ll experience some of the best landscapes of Death Valley.
To the right of Zabriskie Point viewing area at the bottom of the hill, take the trail to the right. You’ll walk through the Golden Canyon area which has stunning vistas everywhere you’ll look.
Hiking towards Red Cathedral. There is a great place just around the corner to stop and enjoy your packed lunch.
Hiking Tip: Explore some of the smaller side trails on the canyon ridges to take some dramatic photos.
Keep walking until you see a sign pointing in the direction of Red Cathedral. The Badlands themselves seemed a bit uneventful to us but offered a different viewpoint of the canyons above. As you enter the Red Cathedral area you’ll be walking on the side of a cliff and this was one of the most epic sections of the hike for us. If you are scared of heights this may not be for you! This is a great spot for a lunch break as you overlook the canyons.
From there you’ll descend and make your way to the Golden Canyon parking lot. Make your way to the other side of the lot and find the trail to continue your loop back to Zabriskie Point.
You’ll begin walking parallel with the road and enter the Gower Gulch which will have you briefly making your way through small slot canyons and can be one of the most adventurous parts of this hike. This is a great place for pictures as well and might have you scrambling for a short section as you make your way back to the Badlands Loop.
You’ll see various trail markers ensuring you do not go wander off and get lost in a canyon and there will be signs which will give you different trails to take back to the parking lot at Zabriskie Point.
This is also a beautiful hike to finish during the golden hour so you can catch the sunset over Golden Canyon so if you don’t make it for sunrise you can plan to finish right before the sunsets instead.
We suggest finishing everything off with a pint of beer over at the Last Kind Words saloon or at least stopping by to check it out if you don’t drink as it’s a pretty iconic bar.
Sunrise hiking shenanigans at Artists Palette.
Day Two
Sunrise: Artists Palette Drive/Hiking
Artists Palette is a MUST if your vehicle is under 25 feet. We were able to drive it in our van though if you are 25 feet or over do not attempt to drive it! It is a one-way road and you will NOT be able to turn around.
Take Artists Drive and stop at the first place you see that has several parking spots. Hike up a short but rocky hill to see the sun hitting the Panamint Mountains. Be sure to time your hike so that you see the sun hitting the mountains about 30 minutes after sunrise.
From here, continue driving to the next pull-out and spend some time walking through the canyons. You’ll see beautiful hues of blue, purple, green, and red…It’s a great place to get out and spend some time wandering about. Don’t forget to bring your camera! The views and colors are one for the books!
Badwater Basin. The lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.
Hike #2: Badwater Basin
After leaving Artists Palette, turn left on the road and head to Badwater Basin which is only a short distance down the road. Park and walk as far as you’d like across the Basin. You’ll be at the lowest point in the park and North America while here. It is not the most exciting hike but is fairly level and great for all hiking abilities. Bring your cup of tea and enjoy the stroll.
If you feel adventurous, try the salt! You can watch Crystal try it in our YouTube video here.
At the base of Sidewinder Canyon.
Hike #3: Sidewinder Canyon
After Badwater Basin, we suggest checking out a lesser-known hike at Sidewinder Canyon. It’s located about 20 minutes down the road from Badwater Basin and you most likely will only see a couple of people when there. Be sure to pick up a map at the Ranger Station to find directions to this area as there are no signs.
Once there you will not see a marked trail. You’ll see two different canyons to choose from and you can explore one or both. Be sure to go far enough in to explore the slot canyons. You may have to use your hands and legs to crawl around a bit though have fun with the adventure!
Daytime at Dante’s View.
Sunset: Dante’s View
We weren’t able to head up to Dante’s view during our stay though we think this would be the perfect end to your second day in the park! We’ve heard it has an incredible view and is one of the main sunset viewing points in Death Valley.
Camping: Mesquite Campground
To prepare for tomorrow’s adventures we suggest staying at Mesquite Campground on the other side of the park.
Enjoying the views at Ubehebe Crater.
Day Three
Sunrise: Mesquite Campground
The Sunrise at our campground was way more spectacular than we had imagined. Not only was it beautiful but the entire campground was entirely quiet on both occasions we stayed here. Enjoy a morning fire and the sunrise before heading to your first stop of the day.
Hike #1: Ubehebe Crater
Located North of the campground, make your way to Ubehebe Crater. You can either park, enjoy the view, take a few pictures, and be on your way or walk around the circumference of the crater. We suggest taking the hike as you’ll be able to see more of the smaller craters located close by and experience some incredible views of the mountains and valleys around the park. You can also climb down in the crater itself though be warned that it is a trek back up in slog that is often ankle-deep! Do not miss the stop by the crater on your trip - we absolutely loved it here!
Running around at the Mesquite Sand Dunes. A great spot for sunrise or sunset.
Hike #2/Sunset: Mesquite Sand Dunes
While there are several sand dunes located in the park, the Mesquite Sand Dunes are the largest. You could easily spend hours here! Bring a sled or simply walk around and give your butt and legs a great workout.
This is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the park so have your camera ready!
For dinner, you can either pack a sunset picnic to eat on the dunes or stop by Stovepipe Wells which is only a few minutes away and eat at the restaurant.
Navigating through 8 layers of clothes as the weather constantly changes. Photo taken at Badwater Basin.
TOP TIPS FOR YOUR DEATH VALLEY ADVENTURE
Bring layers wherever you go and be ready to change at a moment's notice.
Watch at least one sunrise in the park while you are there.
Spend an extra day in Death Valley just to read and nap. It’s one of the most peaceful and quiet parks in the US.
Bring food with you! And more than what you think you’ll need.
Keep a Garmin InReach or another satellite communication device with you at all times. There is limited service in the park and many people encounter flat tires while there.
Bring a patch kit! We got a screw lodged in our tire while there and thankfully we were near the auto shop in Furnace Creek but the hours are limited so be ready!
Go out at night and look up at the dark sky. It’s some of the most spectacular nighttime viewings you’ll get in the states.
Watch our Death Valley YouTube video to get a better idea of what lies ahead for your adventure!
Did you enjoy this? Share it with your friends using our social links below!
