Death Valley might seem like an impossible place to spend the night, but this desert wonderland offers surprising accommodation options that will make your visit unforgettable. From luxury resorts with palm-fringed pools to rustic camping under the darkest skies in America, you’ll find the perfect base for exploring this extreme landscape.
Choosing where to stay can make or break your Death Valley adventure, especially when temperatures soar above 120°F in summer or drop below freezing in winter. I’ve explored every corner of this massive park to bring you the insider knowledge you need to pick the ideal spot for your budget, travel style, and the incredible experiences waiting in America’s hottest, driest, and lowest national park.
🏠 Best Hotels:
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Inn at Death Valley
- ✨ 5-Star: The Ranch At Death Valley
- 🏨 4-Star: Area 3251 Desert Valley Guest Suite
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pahrump by IHG
- 💸 Cheap: RV Park at Lakeside Casino
- 🏢 Apartment: Tarantula Ranch Campground & Vineyard near Death Valley National Park
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Death Valley Inn
- 🏩 For Couples: Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Casino
Quick guide to the best places to stay: 📋
- 🏜️ Inside Death Valley: Furnace Creek
- 🌵 Gateway Towns: Beatty, Nevada
- 🏔️ Eastern Sierra: Lone Pine, California
- 🏢 Regional Hub: Ridgecrest, California
- ⛰️ Mountain Base: Bishop, California
1. Furnace Creek – Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park for Central Location
Location advantages. Furnace Creek sits at the heart of Death Valley National Park, making it the most convenient base for exploring major attractions. I’ve found this oasis-like settlement offers unmatched access to Badwater Basin, Artists Palette, and the Death Valley Visitor Center within minutes of your accommodation.
Desert activities. The area serves as your gateway to iconic destinations like Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon, and Devils Golf Course. From here, I can easily reach the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for sunrise photography or venture to Natural Bridge for afternoon exploration without lengthy drives.
Must-visit spots. You should definitely check out the Borax Museum – it’s free and tells the story of Death Valley’s mining days. I also love walking through Golden Canyon, especially in the morning when the light hits the colorful rock walls. The Harmony Borax Works ruins are pretty cool too, and you can see the old twenty-mule team wagons.
Where to eat. The Forty-Niner Cafe serves decent American food with burgers around $15 and breakfast plates for about $12. I tried their famous date shake – it’s surprisingly good! The Wrangler Steakhouse is fancier with steaks around $25, but the portions are huge.
| Restaurant | Popular Dish | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forty-Niner Cafe | Date Shake | $8 | 7am-8pm |
| Wrangler Steakhouse | Ribeye Steak | $25 | 5pm-9pm |
Stargazing opportunities. Death Valley’s dark sky preserve status makes Furnace Creek exceptional for night photography and Milky Way viewing. The minimal light pollution creates perfect conditions for astronomical observation, with the nearby salt flats providing ideal foreground elements for astrophotography.
Shopping basics. The Furnace Creek General Store has everything you need – snacks, drinks, camping gear, and souvenirs. They sell ice for $3 a bag and basic groceries, though prices are high since everything gets trucked in. The store opens at 7am and closes at 9pm most days.
Best Hotels
- The Inn at Death Valley – This AAA four-diamond resort since 1927 offers elegant accommodations with spring-fed pool, spa services, and luxurious casitas with golf carts, providing the ultimate desert oasis experience in Death Valley National Park.
- The Ranch At Death Valley – Family-friendly resort featuring 275 renovated rooms, 18-hole golf course at lowest elevation in North America, spring-fed pool, horseback riding, and authentic Last Kind Words Saloon in a classic western town square setting.
2. Stovepipe Wells – Where to Stay in Death Valley for Sand Dunes Access
Sand dunes proximity. Stovepipe Wells sits directly adjacent to the famous Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, making it the closest accommodation to Death Valley’s most accessible dune field. I can walk from this area to the dunes within minutes, perfect for sunrise photography sessions without lengthy drives.
Cool places to explore. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are right here – you can walk on them anytime and they’re amazing at sunset. I also recommend driving to Devil’s Cornfield, which sounds scary but it’s just a field of weird-looking plants. The Sand Dunes Road is unpaved but easy to drive.
Dune exploration options. The Mesquite Flat Dunes cover a vast area despite their modest 100-foot height, featuring three distinct dune types:
- Crescent-shaped dunes
- Linear dunes
- Star-shaped formations
Food options. The Toll Road Restaurant serves simple meals like chicken and fish for around $18. Their breakfast is cheaper at about $10. The Badwater Saloon has cold beer and basic bar food – I had nachos there for $12 and they were pretty good.
Desert activities. Sand boarding is permitted on these dunes, and the polygon-cracked clay floor of the ancient lakebed provides fascinating geological features. The mesquite trees create stable wildlife habitats, offering excellent nature observation opportunities throughout the day.
What to buy. The Stovepipe Wells General Store sells camping supplies, postcards, and t-shirts. They have a good selection of hiking snacks and cold drinks. Gas is expensive here – about $1 more per gallon than outside the park. The store is open from 8am to 6pm.
3. Panamint Springs – Where to Stay in Death Valley for Western Access
Remote desert experience. Panamint Springs sits 32 miles west of Stovepipe Wells in the beautiful Panamint Valley, offering a rustic, western-style atmosphere away from crowded tourist areas. This location provides the most isolated accommodation experience within Death Valley National Park boundaries.
Mountain views. The resort offers spectacular vistas of the soaring 11,000-foot Panamint Mountains and distant sand dunes. I’ve found this setting perfect for those seeking dramatic mountain backdrops and expansive valley views without the bustle of other park locations.
Places worth seeing. Father Crowley Overlook is about 20 minutes away and has incredible views of the valley below. I spent an hour there just taking photos. Darwin Falls is a hidden gem – it’s a real waterfall in the desert! The hike is easy and takes about 30 minutes each way.
Eating here. The Panamint Springs Resort Restaurant serves burgers for around $14 and fish dinners for about $20. Their chili is famous with locals and costs $8. The portions are big and the food is surprisingly good for such a remote place.
| Food Item | Price | What I Thought |
|---|---|---|
| Famous Chili | $8 | Spicy and filling |
| Burger & Fries | $14 | Good quality beef |
| Fish Dinner | $20 | Fresh and tasty |
Off-grid operations. The facility operates completely off-grid using diesel-generated electricity, creating an authentic desert experience. This unique setup means limited modern conveniences but maximum connection with the natural environment.
Shopping and supplies. The general store here is small but has the basics – canned food, drinks, and some camping gear. They sell handmade crafts and local artwork too. Gas is available but expensive. The store opens at 8am and closes when the sun goes down, usually around 7pm.
4. Beatty, Nevada – Where to Stay for Budget Gateway Access
Gateway location. Beatty markets itself as the “Gateway to Death Valley,” positioned just seven miles from the park entrance. This proximity makes it the most convenient budget option for Death Valley exploration without expensive in-park accommodation costs.
Things to see. The Beatty Museum is small but interesting – it shows how tough life was for early miners. Entry is just $2. I also liked walking around the old mining equipment scattered around town. The Rhyolite Ghost Town is 4 miles away and totally free to explore.
Cost advantages. Staying in Beatty offers significant savings compared to in-park lodging, with room rates typically $200-300 less per night than Death Valley accommodations. The trade-off involves a 40-mile drive to Furnace Creek Visitor Center, but the savings make this worthwhile for budget-conscious travelers.
Where to eat. Mel’s Diner serves classic American food with breakfast for around $8 and burgers for $12. The portions are huge! Happy Burro Chili & Beer has good Mexican food – their burritos cost about $10 and are really filling.
Town amenities. Despite its worn appearance, Beatty offers essential services including a shopping center with casino, Denny’s, Subway, ice cream store, and gas station. Local dining options include Gema’s Cafe, Mel’s Diner, and Happy Burro Chili & Beer.
Shopping spots. The Beatty Trading Post sells souvenirs, snacks, and basic supplies. They have a good selection of Death Valley t-shirts and postcards. The Mercantile has groceries and camping gear at normal prices – much cheaper than inside the park.
| Store | What They Sell | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Post | Souvenirs, snacks | 9am-6pm |
| Mercantile | Groceries, camping gear | 8am-8pm |
| Gas Station | Fuel, drinks, ice | 24 hours |
Best Hotels in Beatty, Nevada
Best Luxury Hotels
- Exchange Club Motel – This family-friendly motel in Beatty offers clean, comfortable rooms with refrigerators and microwaves, plus free WiFi and parking just 8 miles from Death Valley National Park entrance.
- El Portal Motel – Family-owned since 1958, this cozy motel features a seasonal outdoor pool, mountain views, and quiet location two blocks from Highway 95 with easy Death Valley access.
Best Middle-Range Hotels
- Death Valley Inn – Located at the historic Burro Inn site, this motel offers over 60 rooms, a beautiful pool with jacuzzi, barbecue area, and on-site laundry facilities within walking distance of restaurants.
- Atomic Inn – This retro-themed motel features newly remodeled rooms with microwaves, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs, located just 6 miles from Death Valley’s Hell’s Gate entrance with unique atomic-era charm.
5. Lone Pine, California – Where to Stay for Eastern Sierra Access
Eastern Sierra gateway. Lone Pine serves as the primary access point to the Eastern Sierra region, positioned perfectly for exploring both Death Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The town sits less than 100 miles from both Mount Whitney (highest point in continental US) and Badwater Basin (lowest point).
Cool places nearby. The Alabama Hills are amazing – you’ll recognize them from old Western movies. It’s free to drive through and great for photos. Whitney Portal is worth the drive up the mountain for incredible views. The Manzanar site is heavy but important history about Japanese American internment.
Mountain access. From Lone Pine, I can access numerous Sierra Nevada trails and attractions:
- Whitney Portal National Recreation Trail
- Meysan Trail (difficult rating)
- Lone Pine Lake hikes
Food in town. Alabama Hills Cafe serves great breakfast for around $9 and has the best coffee in town. Seasons Restaurant does steaks and pasta for about $16-20. The Mount Whitney Restaurant is cheap and cheerful – burgers for $8 and they’re open late.
Transportation hub. The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) provides bus service from Reno airport directly to Lone Pine, making it accessible without rental cars. This public transportation option appeals to hikers and budget travelers seeking car-free access to the region.
Shopping for supplies. Joseph’s Bi-Rite Market has everything you need for camping and hiking. They sell permits, maps, and good trail snacks. Elevation Sierra sells outdoor gear and gives great advice about local trails. Both stores open at 7am for early hikers.
Best Hotels in Lone Pine, California
Best Luxury Hotels
- Quality Inn Lone Pine near Mount Whitney – This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms with mountain views, complimentary breakfast, and outdoor pool, perfectly positioned for Death Valley access and Mount Whitney adventures.
- Dow Villa Motel – Historic motel dating back to 1923 featuring Western movie memorabilia, spacious rooms with kitchenettes, and authentic Old West atmosphere in the heart of Lone Pine’s film history district.
- Lone Pine Budget Inn – Clean, affordable accommodations with basic amenities including free WiFi, air conditioning, and convenient location near restaurants and shops with easy highway access to Death Valley.
Best Middle-Range Hotels
- Mount Whitney Motel – Family-owned motel offering comfortable rooms with refrigerators, stunning Sierra Nevada mountain views, and personalized service from hosts who provide local hiking and sightseeing recommendations.
- Portal Motel – Cozy motel featuring renovated rooms with modern amenities, outdoor seating areas, and prime location for exploring Alabama Hills filming locations and accessing Death Valley’s eastern entrance.
- Trails Motel – Budget-friendly motel with clean rooms, friendly staff, and convenient downtown location within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the Museum of Western Film History.
6. Death Valley Campgrounds – Where to Stay for Outdoor Adventure
Stargazing paradise. Death Valley’s dark sky preserve status makes camping the ultimate choice for astronomical observation. The park’s remote location and clear skies provide exceptional conditions for spotting celestial wonders, even with naked-eye viewing.
Best spots to visit. From the campgrounds, you can easily walk to amazing places. Zabriskie Point is perfect for sunrise – I set my alarm for 5am and it was worth it. The Natural Bridge is a short hike from some campgrounds and feels like you’re on another planet.
Campground variety. The park offers multiple developed campgrounds with different characteristics:
- Furnace Creek Campground (hookups available at 18 sites)
- Sunset Campground (270 sites, gravel lot design)
- Stovepipe Wells Campground (190 sites, basic amenities)
- Texas Springs Campground
- Wildrose Campground
- Mesquite Spring Campground
Camp store basics. Most campgrounds have small stores selling firewood for $8 a bundle, ice for $3, and basic snacks. The Furnace Creek store is the biggest with camping gear, propane, and groceries. Prices are high but convenient when you forget something important.
Seasonal operations. Most campgrounds operate from late fall through early spring due to extreme summer temperatures. Furnace Creek offers reservations from mid-October through mid-April, while others operate first-come, first-served.
What to bring. You’ll want to stock up before coming here. The nearest big grocery store is in Ridgecrest or Pahrump. I always bring extra water, good snacks, and warm clothes for nighttime – it gets cold even when days are hot.
| Campground | Sites | Hookups | Open Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace Creek | 136 | 18 sites | Oct-Apr |
| Sunset | 270 | None | Oct-Apr |
| Stovepipe Wells | 190 | None | Oct-Apr |
7. Ridgecrest, California – Where to Stay for Southern California Base
Strategic location. Ridgecrest sits at the southern tip of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California’s high desert, providing excellent access to both the Eastern Sierra and Mojave Desert regions. The city serves as a jumping-off point for multiple recreational destinations.
Must-see attractions. The Trona Pinnacles are incredible – these tall rock spires look like something from Mars. It’s about 30 minutes away and totally free. Red Rock Canyon State Park has amazing colors and easy hiking trails. The Maturango Museum in town shows local history and Native American artifacts.
Multi-park access. From Ridgecrest, I can reach several renowned national parks:
- Death Valley National Park
- Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park
- Yosemite National Park (3-hour drive to Mammoth Mountain skiing)
Places to eat. Kristy’s Family Restaurant serves huge portions of comfort food – their chicken fried steak is $12 and feeds two people. Casa Mexico has good Mexican food with combo plates around $10. Both places are popular with locals.
Outdoor recreation. The area offers diverse recreational opportunities beyond national parks:
- Kern River Valley (rafting, fishing, sailing, swimming)
- Jawbone OHV Area (7,000 acres of open-use public land)
- Rock climbing at Fossil Falls
- Chimney Peak Wilderness exploration
Shopping and supplies. Walmart and Stater Bros have everything you need for camping and road trips. High Desert Outfitters sells outdoor gear and gives good advice about local trails. The stores here have normal prices, so stock up before heading to Death Valley.
| Store | What They Have | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Everything | 6am-11pm |
| High Desert Outfitters | Camping gear | 9am-6pm |
| Stater Bros | Groceries | 6am-11pm |
Best Hotels in Ridgecrest, California
Luxury Hotels
- SpringHill Suites Ridgecrest – This modern all-suite hotel features spacious rooms with separate living areas, complimentary breakfast, fitness center, and outdoor pool, perfect for extended stays near China Lake Naval Station.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ridgecrest - China Lake by IHG – Contemporary hotel offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities, free hot breakfast, fitness center, and business facilities, ideally located for military personnel and Death Valley visitors.
- Best Western China Lake Inn – Full-service hotel featuring well-appointed rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant, providing reliable comfort and quality service in Ridgecrest’s hospitality scene.
Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels
- Red Roof Inn Ridgecrest – Budget-friendly hotel offering clean, comfortable rooms with essential amenities, pet-friendly policies, and convenient location near shopping and dining options in central Ridgecrest.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Ridgecrest near China Lake Naval Station – Affordable accommodation featuring renovated rooms with modern amenities, complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, and proximity to China Lake Naval Station and local attractions.
- Clarion Inn Near China Lake Naval Station – Mid-range hotel providing comfortable rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, and business facilities, catering to both military guests and leisure travelers exploring the Mojave Desert region.
Best Budget Hotels
- Hotel Ridgecrest An Extended Stay Studio – Extended stay hotel offering studio apartments with kitchenettes, perfect for long-term visitors to China Lake Naval Station or Death Valley explorers needing affordable weekly rates.
- Baymont by Wyndham Ridgecrest – Value-oriented hotel featuring clean rooms with basic amenities, complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, and pet-friendly policies, ideal for budget-conscious travelers and military families.
- Howard Johnson by Wyndham Ridgecrest, CA – No-frills budget hotel offering simple, clean accommodations with essential amenities, outdoor pool, and convenient location for accessing Death Valley and local military facilities.
8. Bishop, California – Where to Stay for Eastern Sierra Gateway
Heart of Eastern Sierra. Bishop sits in the center of the magnificent Eastern Sierra region, surrounded by high desert valleys and spectacular mountain ranges. This location makes it the perfect base for exploring the diverse landscapes of eastern California.
Amazing places to visit. The Laws Railroad Museum is really cool – you can walk through old train cars and see how people lived here long ago. Entry is $5. Buttermilk Boulders is famous for rock climbing, but even if you don’t climb, the huge rocks are fun to explore. The Owens River is great for fishing and has pretty walking paths.
Geographic advantages. The town is positioned in the broad, fertile Owens Valley with the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White and Inyo mountains to the east. This dramatic topography provides access to varied elevation zones and climate conditions.
Food favorites. Erick Schat’s Bakery is famous for their sheepherder bread – a whole loaf costs $4 and it’s amazing. Black Sheep Coffee Roasters has the best coffee in town for $3 a cup. Whiskey Creek serves great steaks and burgers for around $15-18.
Multi-park proximity. Bishop offers access to four major national parks within two hours:
- Yosemite National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Death Valley National Park
Shopping for adventures. Wilson’s Eastside Sports has all the outdoor gear you could want – hiking boots, camping equipment, and fishing supplies. They rent gear too if you don’t want to buy. Vons grocery store has everything for camping and road trips at normal prices.
| Business | What I Liked | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Erick Schat’s Bakery | Fresh bread daily | $2-6 |
| Wilson’s Eastside Sports | Helpful staff | $10-200 |
| Black Sheep Coffee | Local roasted beans | $3-5 |
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Best Hotels in Bishop, California
Luxury Hotels
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bishop by IHG – This modern hotel offers spacious rooms with mountain views, complimentary hot breakfast, fitness center, and indoor pool, perfectly positioned for Eastern Sierra adventures and Death Valley access.
- Cielo Hotel Bishop-Mammoth, Ascend Hotel Collection – Boutique hotel featuring contemporary rooms with premium amenities, stunning Sierra Nevada views, fitness center, and upscale atmosphere in the heart of Bishop’s outdoor recreation hub.
- Comfort Inn Bishop – Full-service hotel offering comfortable accommodations with mountain views, complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, and convenient downtown location near shops and restaurants.
Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels
- Quality Inn Bishop near Mammoth – Mid-range hotel providing clean, comfortable rooms with basic amenities, outdoor pool, and strategic location for accessing both Mammoth Lakes and Death Valley attractions.
- Vagabond Inn Bishop – Family-owned motel offering affordable accommodations with refrigerators, microwaves, outdoor pool, and personalized service from local hosts who provide excellent area recommendations.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Bishop – Budget-friendly hotel featuring renovated rooms with modern amenities, complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, and convenient highway access for Death Valley and Eastern Sierra exploration.
Best Budget Hotels
- The Hostel California – Unique budget accommodation offering dormitory-style rooms and private options with shared facilities, perfect for backpackers and budget travelers exploring the Eastern Sierra region.
- Trees Motel – Simple, clean motel providing basic accommodations with essential amenities, friendly service, and affordable rates for budget-conscious travelers visiting Death Valley and surrounding attractions.
FAQ
What lodging options exist inside Death Valley?
The Inn at Death Valley and Ranch at Death Valley provide luxury accommodations within death valley national park. Camping in death valley offers budget-friendly alternatives with nine developed campgrounds throughout the park.
Where should I stay near Death Valley?
Towns near death valley like Beatty, Nevada and Lone Pine, California offer hotels near death valley at lower rates. These locations require daily driving but provide full services unavailable within the park.
Is Ranch at Death Valley worth staying?
Ranch at Death Valley offers family-friendly accommodations with golf course access in the heart of the park. This lodging option provides excellent value compared to premium Inn rates while maintaining convenient park access.
What’s the best time to visit Death Valley?
Best time to visit death valley spans October through April when temperatures remain comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer visits require staying inside death valley national park with air conditioning due to extreme heat.
Should I stay inside Death Valley National Park?
Staying within death valley national park eliminates daily entrance fees and maximizes exploration time. However, lodging in death valley costs significantly more than accommodations in surrounding gateway towns.
What camping options exist in Death Valley?
Campground in death valley ranges from developed sites with hookups to primitive backcountry locations. Furnace Creek remains the only reservable campground, while others operate first-come-first-served throughout the park.
How do I get to Death Valley?
Vegas to death valley requires 2 hours driving via Highway 160, while Los Angeles access takes 4-5 hours. Multiple entrance points provide access to the park depending on your chosen accommodations.
What’s available at Oasis at Death Valley?
Oasis at death valley encompasses both Inn and Ranch properties offering diverse accommodation styles. This resort complex provides the only full-service lodging option within death valley national park.
Where can I find Death Valley Junction?
Death valley junction sits at the park’s eastern entrance providing basic services and historical significance. This small community offers limited lodging but serves as a gateway for park access.
What makes Death Valley special among parks?
Death valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states covering 3.4 million acres. This us national park holds records for hottest temperature and lowest elevation in North America.
