Where To Stay In Death Valley – Your Guide to 18 Top Places
Where To Stay In Death Valley – An Introduction
We’re amazed every time we visit Death Valley National Park. Remote, desolate, and dramatic, it’s a place like no other on earth. We enjoy it immensely, and having a great place to stay in or near the park can help get in as much exploration time as possible.
The characteristics of great lodging in Death Valley include proximity to top attractions in the park, climate control in the room, and a place that works with the budget.
We stayed inside Death Valley as well as outside the boundary of the park. In this guide, we tap into our experiences and bring the latest travel research for you on the best places to stay for your Death Valley visit.
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Should You Stay Inside or Outside of Death Valley National Park?
One of your first considerations for lodging is deciding on a place to stay, either inside or outside Death Valley National Park. Let’s look at the main pros and cons.
Lodging Inside of Death Valley – Pros and Cons
Pros of Staying Inside Death Valley:
- You’ll be closer to the best things to do in Death Valley
- More time to see the park
- If you need a rest or want to escape the midday heat, you’ll be closer to your room
Cons to Staying Inside Death Valley:
- Cost is often more expensive than alternatives outside of the National Park
- You may have to make a reservation many months in advance to get a room
Lodging Outside of Death Valley – Pros and Cons
Pros of Staying Outside Death Valley:
- You’ll likely save money on lodging outside the boundary of Death Valley National Park
- Gas will be cheaper outside of the park
- Better access to food choices
- Additional attractions to visit in addition to those inside Death Valley National Park
Cons to Staying Outside Death Valley:
- More time is needed to travel to reach attractions inside the park.
- Added mileage for travel adds to total fuel cost and usage
- Distance to your room will make it difficult to return for a midday rest
Death Valley Lodging Options – Hotels, Campgrounds, RV Parks
The next question is what type of lodging will be best for you. The main options are hotels and motels, campgrounds, and RV Parks. On one trip, we stayed at The Ranch in Death Valley at Furnace Creek and camped in our Airstream outside the park at the Longstreet Inn & Casino RV Park and Inn on our most recent trip.
Hotel Benefits for a visit to Death Valley
- Climate control in your room – Air-conditioning on hot days, Heater on cold nights
- Swimming pool
- Shower
- Possible access to on-site restaurant facility
Camping Benefits for a visit to Death Valley
- The most cost-effective option
- Easier to experience stargazing
- Access to restrooms, showers, and pool at Furnace Creek campground
- Campgrounds are available with reasonable proximity to Death Valley attractions, including Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point
RV Park Benefits for a visit to Death Valley
- Stay in your rig and sleep in your own bed.
- Save money compared to a hotel
- Access to your food – avoid high-priced meals
Let’s explore each of these options in more detail next.
The Best Hotels Inside Death Valley National Park
There are four hotel options inside the boundary of Death Valley. The Oasis at Death Valley offers two hotels on its property in the Furnace Creek area. If you want to be closest to the main attractions, you’ll want to consider its properties. The other two Death Valley hotels in the park are in Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs.
The Inn at Death Valley (Luxury)
Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars on TripAdvisor
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
If you’re looking for the absolute best hotel inside Death Valley National Park, book a room at The Inn at Death Valley. The mission-style 4 Diamond resort is a historic Inn that offers quality and luxury. Its excellent location is just minutes away from such attractions as Zabriskie Point. When you’re done exploring for the day, return to your comfortable room, swim in the pool, and sip a drink while looking at the night sky.
The property is one of two hotels in The Oasis at Death Valley. This property offers room in a main building and standalone casitas for visitors desiring a more private and secluded experience. The guest rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished, and guests report the beds as comfortable – very important. If you stay in a casita, you’ll have access to a golf cart to make your way on the grounds.
Beautiful Spanish-style architecture on lush palm tree-lined grounds. The rooms were very tasteful and very clean. The food was excellent. Definitely the top place to stay while in Death Valley. (Steve – An Expedia reviewer)
Amenities at The Inn at Death Valley
- Fine Dining Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner
- Pool Café offers a casual menu
- Outdoor pool fed by a hot spring
- Onsite spa
- Palm gardens
- 18-hole Furnace Creek Golf Course – Play the world’s lowest-elevation golf course. At 214 feet below sea level, the 18-hold, par 70 course is set among palm and tamarisk trees and majestic mountain views. Rated one of “America’s 50 Toughest Courses” by Golf Digest
Built in 1927, this hotel resort has attracted Hollywood celebrities, including Clark Gable and Marlon Brando. If you prefer a luxury hotel experience, The Inn at Death Valley is your top choice.
Book a stay at The Inn at Death Valley!
The Ranch at Death Valley (Midrange)
Rating: 8.8 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
Located in Furnace Creek, this companion property of The Oasis at Death Valley offers a more affordable and casual hotel option within Death Valley. We selected this property for our first visit to Death Valley National Park. We enjoyed the proximity to the main attractions in the park and the amenities of the property.
This hotel offers comfortable rooms and pleasant grounds dotted with palm trees. It offers spacious hotel rooms plus an additional 80 cottage-style accommodations. Some rooms have patios or balconies.
Right next door is the only golf course inside Death Valley National Park, the lowest-elevation golf course in the United States.
The Ranch facility is family-friendly, offering a playground, swimming, horseback rides, sports courts, and fire pits. You can easily walk to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center from this property.
This may be the perfect place for first-time visitors to Death Valley.
Love this place- location, facilities, landscape, right in the middle of Death Valley- amazing! it’s an oasis for sure! (Scott, an Expedia reviewer)
Amenities at The Ranch at Death Valley
- Last Kind Words Saloon is a bar and restaurant with an Old West feel serving burgers, salads, steaks plus vegan options
- The Ranch 1849 Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each meal is all-you-can-eat after paying at the register, and kids under 5 eat free!
- 19th Hole open-air venue looks out to the golf course and serves burgers, and has a full bar
- The Ice Cream Parlor brings back an old-timey soda fountain atmosphere harkening to simpler times. It’s a great place to order a root beer float or milkshake. The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, and banana splits. Yum!
- General store offers groceries and souvenirs
- Outdoor pool fed by a hot spring
Book a stay at The Ranch at Death Valley!
Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel (Popular)
Rating: 7.2 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability
The Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel is located 30 minutes from Furnace Creek. This western-themed hotel offers 83 spacious rooms. Some rooms face the nearby dunes; others provide mountains or inner courtyard views.
This hotel offers the best access to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and is next to the road for Mosaic Canyon.
Just across the street is the Stovepipe Wells General Store and the cheapest gas you’ll find in the park. (bold and link gas post)
This hotel was clean, and has big rooms, a large pool, a decent restaurant, and convenience store. Perhaps most importantly, it’s right in the middle of the action of Death Valley—perfect location and just right for an active vacation. Stovepipe Wells gets five stars, but in the context of not being or trying to be a fancy hotel. It isn’t fancy, nor should it be. You came to see Death Valley, not hang out in a hotel room. We’ll stay here on our next trip. (tyandjess – TripAdvisor reviewer)
Amenities at Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
- Extra blanket in the closet for cold desert nights
- Toll Road Restaurant for onsite dining
- Badwater Saloon offers lighter fare and cold beverages
- Nugget Gift Shop and General Store
- Heated outdoor pool with covered lounge area
The Stovepipe Wells Hotel is very popular, and we have found it extremely difficult to find vacancy during our trips.
Book a stay at The Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel!
Panamint Springs Resort (Dog Friendly)
Rating: 7.4 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
Death Valley National Park is enormous! So much so that our next and last hotel optioning Death Valley is one hour from Furnace Creek.
Lodging at this western-style property offers 14 historic motel rooms, one cottage, nine new cabin-style motel rooms, and tent cabins. And it’s the only property in Death Valley that permits dogs.
Camping/RV: 10 Full-hookup Sites, 26 Dry Sites, 22 Tent Sites, Small and Large Tent Cabins.
This location will place you closer to Darwin Falls and Father Crowley Overlook. For visitors coming in from the west via Highway 395, this can be a good choice for an overnight stay to place you close to the heart of Death Valley.
QUIET!! Great place to stay for exploring area hiking trails and Death Valley. The restaurant has great service and excellent food. (Robert – an Expedia reviewer)
Amenities at Panamint Springs Resort
- On-site restaurant
- General store
- Gas station
The high season in Death Valley is spring. If this is your target time to visit, book your stay in advance.
Book a stay at Panamint Springs Resort!
The Best Hotels Outside Death Valley National Park
Sometimes it might make sense to stay outside of Death Valley National Park. During the Covid era, this was our only choice, and we experienced the Amargosa Valley in addition to Death Valley.
You might also choose to stay outside the park to save money, or if lodging at your first choice inside the park is not available – that happens.
What cities are is closest to Death Valley?
The main cities on the perimeter of Death Valley include:
- Amargosa, Nevada (Death Valley Junction): 53 miles from Furnace Creek – about a 53-minute drive. This small hamlet of just over 1,200 people has limited options but does offer dining, lodging, and fuel service
- Beatty, Nevada: 40 miles from Furnace Creek – about a 50-minute drive. Located northeast of Furnace Creek, Beatty is on the route between Reno and Las Vegas.
- Pahrump, Nevada: 60 miles from Furnace Creek – about a 1-hour drive. This is a popular choice for visitors arriving from Las Vegas. With a population near 40,000, Pahrump has a good availability of dining, lodging, and fuel stations.
We’ve curated the best hotel stays outside Death Valley National Park below.
Amargosa Valley, Nevada Hotels
Longstreet Inn and Casino (Top Choice)
Rating: 8.4 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
An excellent staging location for a Death Valley visit, this was our choice during the Covid era when lodging within the park was not available. The Inn offers clean and spacious rooms. You can get a meal at the on-site restaurant. The grounds have a pleasant small lake and even a petting zoo for the kids.
If you’re traveling in an RV, a full-hookup campground is on the grounds.
This hotel is very well located, only 37 miles from Death Valley NP Furnace Creek. It is inexpensive compared to hotel in the park. The place is clean, well maintained and quiet. The staff is friendly and they have cheap gasoline onsite. Best place to stay while visiting Death Valley NP. (Alain – an Expedia reviewer)
Amenities at Longstreet Inn and Casino
- On-site dining
- 24-Hour Amargosa Valley Bar
Book a stay at Longstreet Inn and Casino!
Marta Becket’s Amargosa Opera House & Hotel (Historic Choice)
Rating: 7.2 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
Fans of western history shouldn’t pass up a stay at Marta Becket’s Amargosa Opera House & Hotel. This property offers 16 simple rooms with air-conditioning, soft fluffy towels, and crisp bed linens.
This well-known historic property has welcomed guests from all over the world for decades to enjoy the solitude of the desert. The rooms do not have televisions to aid the experience of desert tranquility.
Our stay was great! The place is old, in the historic building, but fits the surroundings. I like the character of the place. Martha Becket made this place very unique and it felt just right to spend the night there while visiting Death Valley. We were lucky to stay in room 22, which was painted by Martha B! I recommend the Opera House tour – you get to know a bit more about the history of the place and how special Martha Becket was. The entrance to the park is minutes away, with amazing sunrise at Zabriskie Point, about 30 min drive. (Krystyna – an Expedia reviewer)
Amenities at the Amargosa Opera House & Hotel
- Gift shop
- Tour/ticket assistance
- Microwave, toaster oven, ice-machine, fridge/freezer
Book Your Stay at Amargosa Opera House and Hotel!
Beatty Nevada Hotels
Just 7 miles from the park’s east entrance is Beatty, Nevada – known as the “Gateway to Death Valley.” Yes, the town of Beatty has reasonable proximity to Death Valley National Park. While here, you can also visit the historical museum or the famous Rhyolite Ghost Town.
We’ve curated four top lodging options in Beatty, Nevada.
El Portal Motel (Budget)
Rating: 4 of 5 stars on TripAdvisor
Click to Check Rates & Availability
Located 8 miles from Death Valley National Park, this is ideal for your stay near Death Valley. This affordable lodging is situated two blocks from Highway 95, where you can enjoy a quiet stay.
If the weather is warm during your stay, you can cool off in the swimming pool. This cozy motel has been family owned and operated since 1958.
I can’t imagine staying anywhere else when visiting Death Valley—a very nice, well-maintained motel. The value for your dollar is awesome. Great price. Clean rooms, nice beds, and fluffy towels. Plus, the owners are really nice people and very helpful and willing to go the extra mile. Beatty might be a few miles outside Death Valley; however, it’s less than a fourth the price you will spend for staying at an overpriced resort in the park. (GeddyGold – A TripAdvisor reviewer)
Book Your Stay at El Portal Motel!
Exchange Club Motel
Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars on TripAdvisor
Click to Check Rates & Availability
A popular choice in Beatty, the Exchange Club Motel provides a mix of value, comfort, and convenience.
The motel rooms include flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, free wifi, and air conditioning. Nearby places to eat and drink are within walking distance. The Beatty Museum and Historical Society, a popular tourist attraction, is only 0.3 miles away.
This location is pet-friendly.
I am an avid explorer of Death Valley and always stay at the Exchange Club when I am bunking in Beatty. It’s comfy and clean and rooms are very spacious, with fridge, micro, and coffee. In all seasons, it’s comfortable and reliable. (Satisfaction7 – a TripAdvisor reviewer)
Book Your Stay at Exchange Club Motel!
Shady Lady Bed and Breakfast
Rating: 9 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
For a nearby B&B option, consider the Shady Lady Bed & Breakfast in Beatty, Nevada. Enjoy a complimentary English breakfast, a coffee shop/café, and a garden. Amenities include a library, laundry facilities, a seasonal pool, and free wi-fi.
This location is pet-friendly.
The room was comfortable, clean, and pleasingly decorated. We had The Victorian. Breakfast was homemade and delicious. The owner went out of her way to make sure we were happy. Definitely recommend! (Carol – an Expedia reviewer)
Book Your Stay at Shady Lady Bed & Breakfast!
Pahrump Nevada Hotels
Pahrump, Nevada, is about 1 hour and 15 minutes east of Furnace Creek. The small town offers hotels, groceries, restaurants, and fuel services.
When you drive from Pahrump into Death Valley, you’ll go right by Zabriskie Point on your way to additional attractions.
We’ve curated 3 top lodging options in Pahrump, Nevada.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Rating: 9.2 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Pahrump have room and suite options for your Death Valley getaway with quality service. In your retreat, you can relax after a day of exploring the nearby area. Finish the day with a pool or hot tub dip, or relax with a cold beverage on the patio.
The property is pet-friendly and offers a complimentary breakfast.
This is a very nice facility. The rooms are well laid out and clean. The breakfast was really nice and included hot food. The staff was friendly and helpful. (Olivia – an Expedia reviewer)
Book Your Stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pahrump!
Best Western Pahrump Oasis
Rating: 8.2 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
The Best Western Pahrump Oasis provides a peaceful retreat nearby Death Valley. This hotel prides itself on cleanliness and value. The property includes two outdoor swimming pools and a hot tub.
The property is pet-friendly and offers a complimentary breakfast.
The front desk staff was super friendly and helpful—very smooth check-in and check-out. The breakfast buffet was excellent. We’d stay here again. (Sarah – an Expedia reviewer)
Book Your Stay at Best Western Pahrump Oasis!
K7 Bed and Breakfast
Rating: 8.8 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
The K7 Bed and Breakfast is further from town and offers a rural experience for travelers coming to the Pahrump area. This family-friendly location is a top choice for delivering value, comfort, and convenience.
Rooms offer a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, and free wifi.
Enjoy complimentary breakfast in the morning and then head off to Death Valley or explore nearby Cathedral Canyon.
What an amazing place to stay! They were so friendly and helpful. The rooms were clean and comfortable. We hiked Death Valley for two days; it was a perfect place to stay! (Shembra – an Expedia reviewer)
Book Your Stay at K7 Bed and Breakfast!
Shoshone and Tecopa California Lodging
Shoshone, California is located about one hour south of Furnace Creek. The 2020 census identified only 18 residents in this small town – though lodging options exist here.
Shoshone Inn
Rating: 8.6 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
The Shoshone Inn is located in Shoshone. Dublin Gulch is a notable landmark, and the area’s natural beauty can be seen at The White Trail and Shoshone Pond.
Rooms have air-conditioning, and the property has a restaurant and pool.
Book Your Stay at Shoshone Inn!
Death Valley Hot Springs Airstream
Rating: 10 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
You can spend the night in a 25-foot Airstream in Tecopa, California. It’s the perfect place for glamping near Death Valley. Surrounded by desert mountain views, you can enjoy breakfast at the outside picnic table and make dinner on a propane Weber grill.
The site features a wood-burning fire pit. Soak in the mineral-rich hot spring pools in the evening while gazing at the stairs.
Inside the Airstream, amenities include a refrigerator with freezer, gas stove top, oven, microwave, Keurig coffee machine, pots and pans, dishes and cutlery, a sizable closet, separate toilet, and shower, select toiletries, premium white bedding, towels and beach towels.
The Airstream comes with Starlink internet.
Sleeping: The Airstream has a queen bed with premium white bedding and four sleeping pillows.
This property is located 10 miles to the southeast entrance of Death Valley National Park.
Book Your Stay at Death Valley Hot Springs Airstream!
Best Camping Inside Death Valley National Park
If you love camping, Death Valley National Park offers multiple campgrounds.
Here are the top campground choices in Death Valley:
Furnace Creek Campground Death Valley
If you want to camp at the Furnace Creek Campground during the most popular season (October-April), be sure to reserve a site quickly, as they go fast. Booking is available through recreation.gov. This is the most popular campground in Death Valley.
136 sites are available. The campground has a pool, showers, flush toilets, and water.
Camping season: Year-round
Reservations: Required mid-October to mid-April
RV Camping: Yes – hookups are available. The campground has an RV dump station.
Stovepipe Wells Campground Death Valley
Close to the Mesquite Sand Dunes is the privately owned Stovepipe Wells Campground. It’s located just across the street from Stovepipe Wells Hotel.
190 sites are available, and the campground has water and flush toilets.
Camping season: Mid-September through mid-May
Reservations: This campground is first come, first serve
RV Camping: Yes – RV hookups available
Sunset Campground Death Valley
Sunset Campground has a great location being right in Furnace Creek.
Considered one of the best campgrounds in the park, this campground is located in Furnace Creek.
270 sites are available. The sites have access to water and flush toilets. There are no picnic tables.
Camping season: Late fall through spring
Reservations: This campground is first come, first serve
RV Camping: Yes (no hookups)
Texas Springs Campground Death Valley
Considered one of the best campgrounds in the park, this campground is located in Furnace Creek. The sites have picnic tables.
115 sites are available
Camping season: Mid-October through mid-April
Reservations: This campground is first come, first serve
RV Camping: Yes
Can I camp wherever I want in Death Valley
The answer is a big no. There are multiple designated campgrounds within Death Valley. These are the only places where camping is permitted.
First Come, First Serve Campsite Logistics
If you don’t have a campsite that offers reservations, you’ll need to navigate the first come, first served system. Here is how that works.
Look for an open campsite. You’ll see a white paper with a number on the campsite post if a campsite is being used. If there is no marker, the campsite is most likely available.
Pay for your site at the kiosk. Upon locating a campsite, find the kiosk where you input your campsite number and the number of nights you wish to stay and pay with a credit card. Write your campsite number and vehicle license plate number on the receipt.
Place your completed receipt on the post. A camp host will be by to confirm your reservation, write information on the receipt, and place it on the post. Detailed, up-to-date information on campground conditions and amenities is found on the Death Valley National Park website.
Death Valley Camping Tips
- Be mindful of temperatures, especially as the summer months approach
- Bring your supplies with you. There are a few convenience stores in the park – though prices for nearly everything are considerably more inside the park.
Best RV Camping Near Death Valley National Park
We listed a few campsites that cater to RVs in the previous section. Now, let’s move on to RV camping nearby Death Valley.
Longstreet Inn and Casino Resort – Amargosa Valley, Nevada
Rating: 8.4 of 10 stars on Expedia
Click to Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
When looking at paid RV campgrounds, we recommend one location – the Longstreet Inn and Casino Resort. We’ve camped here with our Airstream during winter to visit Death Valley and would return in a heartbeat.
The RV section is a gravel yard. Full-hookups and pull-through sites are available. There are no picnic tables or fire rings at the sites. Sites are generally level.
The adjacent Inn and Casino offer a café, restaurant, and gas station. The pool is open seasonally, with access to a hot tub.
Kids will love the petting zoo – and so did we.
Book Your Stay at Longstreet Inn and Casino!
Map of Death Valley
When considering where to stay, it helps to understand the lay of the land in Death Valley National Park and surrounding areas.
The park is immense – the largest National Park in the continental United States. Though the geography covers 3.4 million acres, many top sites are pretty close to Furnace Creek. So it’s helpful to understand your commute time from your chosen location to Furnace Creek, as that is likely where you’ll find yourself for exploration of the park.
Planning Your Days For Your Death Valley Visit
Death Valley is pretty easy to access from Las Vegas and Los Angeles. While you can see many of the top attractions if you have a full day to immerse yourself in the park’s wonders, spending one or more nights is helpful for exploring more.
Aside from the places you can find on a map, you should also carve out the best times of day for viewing Death Valley – namely sunrise and sunset. If you’re here over one or more evenings, you might find a ranger-led astronomy program, or watch the stars with your fellow companions during your stay.
Getting to Death Valley
From Southern California and South Nevada, you can most likely get to Death Valley within several hours.
Closest airport to Death Valley: Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS)
- Distance: from McCarran Airportto Death Valley is 120 miles
- Drive Time: Apout 2 ¼ hours
The Best Time to Visit Death Valley
It’s called Death Valley for a reason. Summer can be unbearably hot – and downright dangerous.
The best time of year to visit Death Valley is mid-October to late April. In years when rainfall has been more than typical, you can witness a beautiful wildflower bloom in the park between mid-February through mid-May.
The few crowds seem to be during the winter months –when we have mostly visited the park. It’s a wonderful time of year to explore the park – and instead of grueling heat, pack your warm clothes because it can get chilly during winter.
Get Our Free Death Valley Packing Checklist
Summary – The Best Places to Stay in Death Valley
We share lots of options for lodging in this post – inside and outside the park, hotels, campgrounds, and RV locations. To summarize, here is our short list of the best of the best places to stay in and near Death Valley.
Top 4 Picks: Best Lodging for a Death Valley Visit
Best luxury hotel: The Inn at Death Valley
Best B&B near the park: Shady Lady Bed and Breakfast in Pahrump, Nevada
Best campground: Furnace Creek Campground
Best RV campground: Longstreet Inn and Casino, Amargosa Valley, Nevada
Related Posts to Help You Plan Your Death Valley Itinerary
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6 Awesome Death Valley Sand Dunes – Your Complete Guide
Death Valley Gas Stations Guide to Keep You On The Road
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