2024 Death Valley Gas Stations Guide to Keep You On The Road
If you’re driving to the hottest place on earth, you must know about Death Valley gas stations. You’ll want to keep a full fuel tank when arriving in Death Valley. The distance between gas stations can be quite a distance, and fuel availability is limited.
We’ve traveled through Death Valley several times, so we’re familiar with the terrain and the gas station situation. Use our guide to help you plan your Death Valley road trip and fuel plan for your adventure.
In this post, we’ll inform you where to purchase fuel for your vehicle in Death Valley, where the gas stations are located, the best places to purchase fuel outside of Death Valley National Park, and even charging information for EV electric vehicle owners.
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Driving in Death Valley National Park
It’s one of our favorite National Parks. We love road-tripping inside Death Valley. Whether it’s to the sand dunes, driving through Artist’s Pallete, or venturing to a new hiking trail, your car can take you to a wide range of stunning sites.
The sites in the park are awesome, but one scary thing is the prospect of running out of gas while driving through the park. You can easily find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere, and if it’s a hot day, that is downright dangerous.
Where can you purchase fuel for your vehicle in Death Valley?
You’ll find gas at Furnace Creek Ranch, Panamint Springs Resort, and Stovepipe Wells Village inside Death Valley National Park.
Diesel and propane availability is even more limited. You can typically purchase both at Furnace Creek Ranch.
Gas Stations inside Death Valley National Park
Furnace Creek Fuel and Auto Service – Operating Hours: 24 hours per day. Gas sold at Furnace Creek is typically the most expensive in the national park and the United States. It’s the closest gas station inside the park to some of the most iconic areas, including Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. You’ll pay more for gas here than at the Stovepipe Wells station, but if you need it, you need it.
Panamint Springs Gas – Operating Hours 8 AM – 8 PM. This station is located on 190 in the Panamint Valley. Gas here is typically expensive. Gasoline is available in regular, midgrade, and premium. Diesel fuel is noted as available at this location. There is also a general store here that offers food, camping items, and souvenirs.
Stovepipe Wells Gas Station – Operating hours are 7 AM-9 PM. The Park Service owns this gas station and typically offers the best gas prices within Death Valley National Park. This gas station near the Mesquite Sand Dunes also offers souvenirs, food, and restrooms. This station is located 24.4 miles away from the Furnace Creek Fuel and Auto Service station.
Note: Only Regular gas is sold at Stovepipe Wells Gas Station.
Key locations in Death Valley without gas station access
Death Valley National Park covers a tremendous amount of land. The park spans over 3 million acres. In this space, there are more than 300 miles of paved roads, 300 miles of improved dirt roads, and several hundred miles of unmaintained 4×4 roads. Most of this area does not have a gas station.
Many tourists in Death Valley spend a lot of time driving from one key attraction to another in the park. And there are many miles between the most famous places. Among the iconic locations in Death Valley where you won’t find nearby gas include:
- Badwater Basin
- Scotty’s Castle and Scotty’s Junction
- Ubehebe Crater
Death Valley is one of the last places you’d ever want to see your gas tank on empty and find yourself in need of a tow truck. Not only is gas pricy in this desolate landscape, but towing costs can also be shocking.
Is gas more expensive inside Death Valley National Park?
Death Valley National Park has made headlines through the years as having some of the most expensive gas in the country.
In early 2024, regular fuel registered nearly $2 per gallon less at Stovepipe Wells Gas vs. Death Valley’s Furnace Creek Fuel and Auto Service. Diesel came in at $7.71 per gallon at Furnace Creek Fuel and Auto Service at the same time.
When purchasing fuel within the National Park boundaries, expect to pay more for gas.
Best places to purchase gas for your Death Valley visit
Since gas and diesel will most likely cost quite a bit more inside the National Park, your best bet is to fill your tank before you enter the park boundaries.
Your closest options for fuel outside of Death Valley National Park include:
Amargosa Valley, NV – Longstreet Fuel (open 24 hours)
Beatty, NV – ARCO (Open 24 hours)
Lone Pine, CA – Chevron
Pahrump, NV – Fastrip Gasoline (Open 24 hours)
Shoshone, CA – Chevron
Trona, CA – Kwik Serv
Even though gas is more expensive inside Death Valley National Park, keep an eye on your fuel gauge. Running your fuel levels down to a low level can be downright dangerous. Don’t make the mistake of trying to squeeze every drop from your tank while in the park. The last thing you want to experience is an empty gas tank on the roads within Death Valley National Park.
Are there EV charging stations in Death Valley?
Absolutely! Several electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are available at The Oasis at Death Valley to accommodate Death Valley National Park visitors. Additional EV charging stations are available at The Ranch at Death Valley and The Inn at Death Valley.
The EV charging stations are free and powered by the onsite solar field in Death Valley. It’s all part of a larger effort to help minimize pollution in the park and nearby communities.
Why do you need to watch fuel levels in Death Valley?
Death Valley National Park is fascinating. It’s a place that inspires driving. The landscape is immense, and you can easily find yourself racking up the miles in your car and not even realize how many miles you’re going. Next thing you know, your fuel levels can read dangerously low.
Inside the park, you’ll see a sign on Badwater Road just south of the 190 turnoff reading “Next Services 72 miles.” Pay heed to this warning. If you are low on gas when you drive by this sign, that’s a signal for you to go back to Furnace Creek and fill up on fuel before continuing to drive a longer distance.
Finding yourself stranded due to running out of fuel can be fatal on a hot day. With summer temperatures possibly hitting over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, that’s no condition for a stranded tourist.
Who is at risk of running out of fuel in Death Valley?
Gas guzzlers, beware. If your vehicle is on the lower-than-average for miles per gallon, you need to pay attention to gas levels in the park.
Owners of super-duty trucks, RV owners, and folks towing trailers or vehicles are most at risk of running out of fuel. Motorcycle riders may also have a low amount of miles per tank available. If you fall into these categories, have a gas game plan before venturing into Death Valley National Park.
Drivers of cars with relatively smaller size fuel tanks should be cautious.
People who stay within the park boundaries and spend time driving to various sections of the park from north to south and east to west should be mindful of their fuel levels at all times.
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Primary Rating:
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4.3
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$48.73
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$69.85
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Why is gas so expensive in Death Valley National Park?
Transporting fuel into Death Valley is challenging. It can also be dangerous due to winding highways, lengthy roads amid desolate conditions, treacherous mountain passes, and blistering temperatures.
World record temperatures have been recorded in Death Valley National Park, the hottest place on earth. The record here was on July 10, 1913, when the barometer hit 134 degrees Fahrenheit on the thermometer. Transporting gas in super hot temperatures is perilous as road conditions and tire safety are issues, and the risk of engines overheating is high.
How long is the travel time through Death Valley National Park?
A direct drive from the west to the east of Death Valley National Park is about a 2.5-hour venture. But most people will stop to explore various landmarks within the park, so that will add to the total time. It can also add to the total distance as you explore the nooks and crannies of this beautiful destination.
The drive inside Death Valley National Park on California Highway 190 is only about 131 miles. But that distance will easily increase as you add ventures for backroad locations or drive back and forth inside the park between landmarks.
Leave the driving to someone else
When spending time in Death Valley National Park, know several tour options, including vehicle transport, are available. Here are some top-rated tours:
Small-Group Death Valley National Park Day Trip from Las Vegas
Death Valley Day Tour From Las Vegas
Death Valley Explorer Tour by Tour Trekker
Enjoying your drive within Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a gem of the National Park system. Rest assured, gas is available within the park. Remember that if you plan to fill up inside the park, you’ll pay more than filling up outside.
Preplanning your Death Valley adventure can help you keep fuel costs in check. It helps to know about Death Valley gas stations before you arrive in the park. Fill your tank before entering this desert landscape, and get ready to see one of the most amazing places on earth.
Great places to visit in Death Valley are the numerous dune areas. Read our post to plan your trip to the dunes:
6 Awesome Death Valley Sand Dunes – Your Complete Guide
Recommended lodging in Death Valley National Park
Find more lodging options for your Death Valley stay
Death Valley National Park – Know Before You Go
✈️ Closest Airport: Las Vegas McCarren (LAS)
⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)
Recommended reading for your Death Valley trip
See a preview of sites in Death Valley National Park
More articles about Death Valley
Death Valley Packing List
One Day Death Valley Itinerary
Where to Stay in Death Valley – Your Guide to the Best Places to Stay
Your Guide to the Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park
Thanks for reading this article. We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
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