Where to stay Death Valley

Where to Stay in Death Valley | Areas + Lodging + Map |

Choosing the right place to stay in Death Valley is key to making the most of your visit to one of the most extreme and surprising places in the United States. Distances within the park are huge, temperatures can be extremely high, and services are very concentrated, so staying in the right area will make all the difference to your experience.

In this guide, we explain the best areas to stay in Death Valley, from the heart of the park to more affordable options in the surrounding area, with alternatives for all types of travelers and depending on your USA West Coast road trip.
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Death Valley Lodging

Where to stay inside Death Valley

Staying inside the national park is the ideal option for enjoying everything to see and do in Death Valley, especially if you only have one day to spend in the park. Furnace Creek is the central hub within the valley and has the most amenities, but there're also a couple of more remote spots where you can stay.

💡Recommended: How to visit Death Valley | Guide + Tips + Map |

Advantages of overnight inside Death Valley:

  • Location in an unbeatable setting
  • More time exploring the park and less time driving
  • Despite the desolation of the place, the accommodations lack nothing
  • Being able to go to a viewpoint at sunrise or sunset without having to drive too far, thus making the most of your time there
  • Being able to go out and see the stars at night without having to move

Disadvantages of overnight inside Death Valley:

  • Limited variety of accommodations (there are only 4 hotels)
  • High price, especially during peak season
  • In spring, you should book well in advance
  • The Wi-Fi in the accommodations can be slow or sometimes not work at all (ideal for get away from it all, though!).
  • You have to adapt to the restaurants that are available, which are expensive

If you've already decided that you would like to stay inside Death Valley National Park or simply want to know what prices we are talking about, these are the four hotels available:

The Inn at Death Valley

An oasis in the heart of Death Valley! This 5⭐ hotel is the most luxurious accommodation within the national park. It's located 2 km (1.2 mi) from Furnace Creek, so it's close to the park's main attractions and within walking distance of the visitor center.

This historic building was constructed in 1927 and has been recently renovated, so no detail has been overlooked. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the common areas are incredible, from the pool to the gardens adorned with date palms. It also has small, more spacious cabins ideal for families, a golf course, and a restaurant.

Lodging in Death Valley
The Inn at Death Valley
The Inn at Death Valley
The Inn at Death Valley

The Ranch at Death Valley

Another of the best hotels in Death Valley is the historic The Ranch, which dates back to 1933. This hotel is located in Furnace Creek, 2 km (1.2 mi) from the previous one, so its location is also perfect: it 's next to the visitor center, several shops, restaurants, a gas station, and the Borax Museum. Be sure to visit The Last Kind Words Saloon, a spectacular saloon-style restaurant!

Being more economical than the previous option, this is usually the first accommodation to sell out in Death Valley, although it's true that the facilities and rooms are a little outdated. Even so, it has everything you need, as you'll find a playground, swimming pool, golf course, and a garden with palm trees.

The Ranch at Death Valley
The Ranch at Death Valley
The Ranch at Death Valley
The Ranch at Death Valley

Stovepipe Wells Village

This hotel is located 40 km (25 mi) northwest of Furnace Creek, so it's a little further away from the heart of the park. However, it's still only 2 km (1.2 mi) from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and there are two restaurants and a gas station nearby, as well as one of the park's ranger stations.

In terms of facilities, they aren't as comprehensive as in the previous hotels because it's much smaller, but the rooms are spacious and there is also a swimming pool.

Stovepipe Wells Village, hotel in Death Valley
Stovepipe Wells Village, hotel en Death Valley
Stovepipe Wells Village, hotel in Death Valley
Stovepipe Wells Village, hotel en Death Valley

Panamint Springs

The last of the hotels in Death Valley is Panamint Springs, located next to the westernmost entrance to the park and 88 km from Furnace Creek. It would be a good choice if you are connecting Death Valley with Yosemite, Sequoia, or Los Angeles.

This is the most remote option, and apart from the hotel itself, a restaurant, and a small gas station, there is absolutely nothing else in the surrounding area. Peace and quiet are guaranteed here! But don't expect any great luxuries.

In terms of facilities, it has the least of all and is the only one without a swimming pool. It offers different types of accommodation: wooden cabins, canvas tents, and conventional rooms.

Cabins in Panamint Springs, Death Valley
Cabins in Panamint Springs, Death Valley
Hotels in Death Valley
Cabins in Panamint Springs, Death Valley

Campgrounds in Death Valley

If you're traveling with a rental RV (or have your own), camping in Death Valley is the cheapest way to stay inside the park. There're a total of 15 campgrounds inside Death Valley, divided into developed (accessible by paved road), primitive (accessible by unpaved road, more isolated, and without facilities), and private.

This table provides a summary of all campgrounds in Death Valley, including opening dates, prices, whether reservations are required, etc. They're all marked on the map at the end of the article. Please note that each campsite is limited to a maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles (or 1 RV + one additional car).

CAMPGROUNDS IN DEATH VALLEY
TypeOpening seasonReservationPriceTo bear in mind
Furnace Creek CampgroundDevelopedAll year roundMandatory from October 15 to April 15 (between 2 days and 6 months before the date). The rest of the year is first-come, first-served, and there are fewer spaces available$30 to $60High demand. It is 58 m (190 feet) below sea level
Texas Spring CampgroundDevelopedOct 15 to Apr 15First-come first-served$20High demand, located in Furnace Creek but at a higher elevation
Sunset CampgroundDeveloped
Oct 15 to Apr 15
First-come first-served$18Low demand, no vegetation
Stovepipe Wells CampgroundDevelopedOct 15 to Apr 15First-come first-served$18Next to Stovepipe Wells Village, you can use their facilities for an additional fee
Emigrant CampgroundDevelopedAll year roundFirst-come first-servedFreeFor tents only
Wildrose CampgroundDevelopedAll year roundFirst-come first-servedFreeLocated at 1,250 m (4,100 feet), it has no water
Mesquite Spring CampgroundDevelopedAll year roundFirst-come first-served$20It is near Scotty's Castle Road
Thorndike CampgroundPrimitiveApr 16 to Nov 20First-come first-servedFreeAt 2,250 m (7,400 feet), so snow accumulates in winter
Mahogany Flat CampgroundPrimitiveApr 16 to Nov 20First-come first-servedFreeAt an altitude of 2,500 m (8,200 feet), so snow accumulates in winter
Eureka Dunes CampgroundPrimitiveAll year roundFirst-come first-servedFreeNext to the tallest sand dunes in California
Homestake CampgroundPrimitiveAll year roundFirst-come first-servedFreeVery remote, at an altitude of 1,350 m (3,785 feet)
Saline Valley CampgroundPrimitiveAll year roundFirst-come first-servedFreeIt's next to natural hot springs
Panamint SpringsPrivateAll year roundRecommended during peak season, for shops and cabins you can book it here$15 for $75It's in Panamint Springs
The Ranch at Death ValleyPrivateAll year roundRecommended during peak seasonStarting at $30It's in Furnace Creek
Ohyü RV ParkPrivateAll year roundRecommended during peak seasonStarting at $20It's in Stovepipe Wells Village

Where to stay outside Death Valley

If you prefer to stay outside Death Valley, you have plenty of options to choose from, but you'll have to base your decision on your itinerary (where you're coming from and where you're going after Death Valley). Don't worry, we'll give you options that cover all scenarios! But first, let us tell you the pros and cons of staying outside the park:

Advantages of staying outside Death Valley:

  • More variety of accommodations
  • More economical options
  • Additional facilities: restaurants, supermarkets, laundromats, pharmacies, etc.
  • More likely to have cell phone coverage

Disadvantages of staying outside Death Valley

  • Less idyllic location
  • More time driving
  • You'll have to get up earlier to arrive at the park on time. If it gets dark, you'll have to drive back in the dark
  • You won't be able to enjoy the starry sky.

Hotels between Death Valley and Las Vegas

Whether you arrive in Death Valley from Las Vegas or the Sin City is your next stop, the best option is to stay in one of the towns east of the park:

  • Death Valley Junction: this is the closest place to the park, located 48 km (30 mi) from Furnace Creek. The downside is that there is only one place to stay and hardly any facility.
    • Amargosa Opera House: the most original hotel you'll find in the Death Valley area. It's a historic building that was purchased by dancer Marta Becket, who transformed it into a theater with murals painted by her. Today, shows are still performed there, and the rooms are decorated with paintings. Being so old, it needs maintenance, which is what most reviews complain about. ➡️ Book it here.
  • Amargosa Valley: located in Nevada, 86 km (54 mi) from Furnace Creek. Although it's in the middle of nowhere, it has several amenities such as gas station and bars, as well as unique attractions such as the world's largest firecracker and a store themed around aliens.
    • Longstreet Inn & Casino: motel with a charming Western-style atmosphere. It has a pond, casino, swimming pool, laundry, gas station, small supermarket, and restaurant. The rooms are a bit old, but they're well maintained. ➡️ Book it here.
Amargosa Opera House, hotel near Death Valley
Amargosa Opera House, hotel near Death Valley
Lodging near Death Valley
Longstreet Inn & Casino, lodging near Death Valley
  • Beatty: a small town in Nevada, 64 km (40 mi) from Furnace Creek. It offers more accommodation and facilities than the previous towns, including several restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. The Rhyolite Ghost Town is nearby.
Hotel near Death Valley
Death Valley Inn, hotel in Beatty
Hotels close to Death Valley
Exchange Club Motel, lodging outside Death Valley
  • Pahrump: the furthest option would be this town in Nevada, 96 km (60 mi) from Furnace Creek, perfect if you're connecting with Las Vegas via Route 160. It's the most developed alternative and has all the facilities you could need.
    • Holiday Inn Express Pahrump: hotel with very large rooms, swimming pool, gym, and full breakfast buffet included in the rate. ➡️ Book it here.
    • Pahrump Nugget Hotel: the perfect hotel if you're looking for entertainment, as it has a casino, bowling alley, and bingo, as well as a doughnut shop and other restaurants. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. ➡️ Book it here.
Hotels close to Death Valley
Holiday Inn Express, hotel in Pahrump
Accommodation close to Death Valley
Pahrump Nugget Hotel, lodging close to Death Valley

Hotels between Death Valley and Yosemite

Are you visiting Yosemite after or before Death Valley? There're several options for places to stay near Death Valley in this case, but always bear in mind that Tioga Road is open and you'll be connecting both parks via this route. From closest to furthest away, they would be:

  • Lone Pine: a town in the middle of the desert and the closest to the western entrance to Death Valley (80 km (50 mi) from Panamint Springs). It's the set up base for visiting the iconic Alabama Hills and, despite being a small place, it has all the amenities and a cool Western style.
    • Dow Villa Motel: dating back to 1920, it has hosted Hollywood actors such as John Wayne and Roy Rogers. The rooms are very comfortable and spacious, with mountain views, a large swimming pool, and located on the main street near restaurants. ➡️ Book it here.
    • Quality Inn Lone Pine: decent hotel with mountain views. The rooms are spacious, breakfast is included in the price, and there is a swimming pool and jacuzzi. ➡️ Book it here.
Hotel in Lone Pine, Death Valley
Dow Villa Motel, Lone Pine
Quality Inn Lone Pine, lodging near Death Valley
Quality Inn Lone Pine, lodging near Death Valley
  • Independence: a rural town located in Owens Valley, popular for hiking and home to the Eastern California Museum and Manzanar National Historic Site. It's located 105 km (65 mi) from the west entrance to Death Valley.
  • Big Pine: this town, larger than the previous ones, is located almost halfway between Yosemite and Death Valley. It's surrounded by mountains to the east and west, making it a hiker's paradise.
    • Starlight Motel: clean motel with spacious rooms, large comfortable beds, and friendly staff. Its mountain views are a plus. ➡️ Book it here.
Mt Williamson Motel, Independence
Mt Williamson Motel, Independence
  • Bishop: a small town 170 km (106 mi) from Death Valley and 104 km (63 mi) from the start of Tioga Road, making it closer to Yosemite than Death Valley. It offers the most amenities, has several lakes nearby, and is less than 45 minutes from Mammoth Lakes.
Hotel in Bishop, California
Mountain View Motel, Bishop
Holiday Inn Express Bishop
Holiday Inn Express Bishop

Hotels between Death Valley and Los Angeles / Joshua Tree

If you're going to Los Angeles or Joshua Tree National Park before or after Death Valley, you have to choose where to stay depending on wheter you enter Death Valley from the south or the west. The distances are quite similar, so you should choose based on where you plan to visit next.

  • Shoshone and Tecopa are two very small towns and the closest to the southern entrance of Death Valley. Although they're located in the middle of nowhere, both offer amenities. It's also ideal to stay here if you're coming to or going to the Mojave National Preserve, as it's very close by.
    • Villa Anita in Death Valley: unconventional accommodation where you can find art and positive energy in the heart of the desert. There're natural hot springs nearby. ➡️ Book it here.
    • Soshone Inn: decent accommodation, with rooms that are a little outdated but have everything you need. It has a swimming pool, which is a plus on hot days. ➡️ Book it here.
Hotel in Tecopa, close to Death Valley
Villa Anita in Death Valley, Tecopa
Hotel in Shoshone, Death Valley
Shoshone Inn, lodging near Death Valley
  • Barstow: this city is located halfway on the way and offers more accommodation options and facilities. It is right on Route 66, so you're close to legendary places such as the Bagdad Cafe and Peggy Sue's, as well as the ghost town of Calico. From here, it's best to enter Death Valley from the south.
Hotel in Barstow, California
Rodeway Inn Barstow
Lodging in Barstow, California
California Inn Barstow
  • Ridgecrest: this town is located in the heart of the Mojave Desert and is an ideal place to stay relatively close to the west entrance of Death Valley, as it's 115 km (72 mi) away.
Hotels at Death Valley
Days Inn Ridgecrest
Hotel outside Death Valley National Park
Clarion Inn

Hotels between Death Valley and Sequoia

If you visit Sequoia National Park before or after Death Valley, you'll use the west entrance (Panamint Springs). Although you could stay overnight in Ridgecrest at any of the hotels we recommended in the previous section, you can also choose any of these other places:

  • Olancha: the closest option to Death Valley (72 km or 48 mi from the west entrance). It's a tiny rural town near the Alabama Hills, with a gas station and a few small shops.
Accommodation near Death Valley
Olancha RV Park & Motel
Teepee tent in Olancha, Death Valley
Olancha RV Park & Motel
  • Isabella Lake area: around Isabella Lake, located about 220 km (137 mi) from the western entrance, there're several towns surrounded by nature that are great for spending a night on the road, such as Wofford Heights or Kernville.
    • Barewood Inn & Suites: quiet, comfortable, and clean motel. Rooms have lake views! ➡️ Book here.
    • Whispering Pines Lodge: a beautiful and cozy hotel surrounded by mountains and located next to a river. It has a spectacular pool with views, and the rooms are very nice, some even have fireplaces. ➡️ Book it here.
Places to stay in Death Valley
Whispering Pines Lodge

Death Valley Lodging Map

To make it easier for you to locate each of the places we have told you about, you'll find them all on this map, along with the hotels and campgrounds we have suggested:

We hope this post has been helpful in deciding where to stay in Death Valley!

Update date: 16 March 2026
Irene García

Co-founder and writer

I’m a pharmacist, but I discovered that traveling is my true passion in life. I spent 6 months backpacking through Southeast Asia and Australia, and more than 2 years traveling across the American continent in my camper, driving from Ushuaia to Alaska. As you can see, adventure is my thing!

I’m also addicted to dark chocolate, hiking, watching TV series, and I love all the animals on the planet. I’m the kind of person who rescues spiders that get into home!

United States is one of my favorite destinations—it seems to me like one of the most complete and diverse countries in the world! I hope you enjoy my USA travel guides, and if you feel like writing to me once you’re back from your trip, I’d love to hear how it went.

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