Wondering where to stay near Death Valley? Our guide covers the top camping spots, gorgeous Airbnbs, and cosy hotels in and around Death Valley National Park.
Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Mojave Desert, Death Valley holds an undeniable allure for those seeking a unique and unforgettable escape.
From hiking among vast salt flats and towering sand dunes or simply admiring the colourful canyons and rare desert blooms, Death Valley promises adventure and serenity in equal measure. Picking the best place to bed down is key to getting the most out of your trip.
Where to Stay Near Death Valley
The BEst Death Valley Hotels
The Ranch
If you’re looking to spend a night or two somewhere a little bit more luxe, head to The Ranch at Death Valley. Standard rooms come with two double beds, perfect for small families or groups of friends – each of which is decorated in a classy style.
There’s a stunning terrace with dramatic mountain views and a golf course for budding golfers to let loose. While the huge pool and American diner-style restaurant are a couple of wonderful touches that make staying here well worthwhile.
The Inn
The Inn is a country club-esque getaway that’s ideal for couples dreaming of a romantic getaway near the park. The charming rooms, expansive grounds, and bougie sauna are extra special touches that make this Death Valley hotel a standout.
If you’ve got a slightly bigger budget, opt for the one-bed casita, which comes with its own private entrance, jaw-dropping views of the surrounding scenery, and easy access to the pool. What’s not to love?
The Best Death Valley Campsites
Furnace Creek Campground: Best Campsite in Death Valley
Not sure where to stay in Death Valley? If in doubt, make a reservation at Furnace Creek. And be sure to make your booking in advance – this is the most popular campsite in the entire park, and reservations are snapped up quickly.
With a total of 136 (rather spacious) sites, it caters to both tents, RV campers, and even has a small number of group sites. Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, fire grate, and nearby flush toilets. Though, there are no showers or hookups available on-site (so make sure you bring plenty of supplies along!)
Read Next: Unmissable Things to do in Death Valley National Park (+ Map)
Fiddlers’ Campground: Best Campsite for a Backcountry Camping Experience
We highly recommend Fiddlers’ Campground; it offers a convenient location and is a tranquil place to relax and unwind. With 35 well-maintained sites, this spot caters to tent campers as well as small RVs or trailers. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring – did somebody say cosy campfires?
The only negative: whilst there are pit toilets on-site, there are no showers or hookups. Plus, the campground offers on a first-come, first-served basis and you cannot make reservations in advance.
TRAVEL TIP ✈️
This campground belongs to The Oasis at Death Valley Hotel, so you’ll need to register at the front desk before you stay. We love that you get to use the hotel facilities during your stay, too.
Stovepipe Wells Campground: Best Campsite for Visiting the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Looking to stay near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes? We know the perfect spot, and it’s nestled in the heart of the Stovepipe Wells Village area within Death Valley. You’ll have a range of amenities including lodging options, a gas station, a restaurant, and a general store.
With 190 sites available, Stovepipe Wells Campground accommodates tents, RVs, and trailers. Some (but not all) come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, while the campground provides essential amenities such as flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station – no showers, though.
Wildrose Campground: Best Campsite for Hiking in Death Valley
Wildrose Campground offers a serene escape with 23 well-maintained sites for both tent campers and small RVs or trailers. You’ll need to be quick to snap up a site, though, as you can’t reserve in advance.
There’s plenty to see and do nearby – the historic Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, Wildrose Peak Trail, and the magnificent Panamint Dunes are just a couple of unmissable attractions. Though the campground is usually open year-round, access may be limited during the winter months due to snowfall and road conditions.
Panamint Springs Campground: Best Campsite for Stargazing in Death Valley
Another gorgeous spot for camping in Death Valley is Panamint Springs Campground. It’s located near the Panamint Springs Resort, giving you easy access to amenities such as lodging, a restaurant, a gas station, and a general store.
Whether you prefer tent camping or have an RV or trailer, Panamint Springs Campground has you covered with a variety of campsites. It’s not the most primitive of campgrounds, with vault toilets and fire rings, though there are no showers or hookups available.
Mahogany Flat Campground: Best Campsite for a Primitive Experience
Wondering where to stay near Death Valley? Mahogany Flat Campground is our personal favourite. Located in the stunning Panamint Mountains of Death Valley, this campground sits at an elevation of approximately 2,500 metres.
With 10 primitive sites available, Mahogany Flat Campground caters to tent campers seeking a back-to-nature experience. The real reason to stay here, though, is that Mahogany Flat Campground is renowned as the trailhead for the popular hike to Telescope Peak, the highest point in Death Valley National Park.
Top Areas to Stay Near Death Valley
Pahrump: Best for Staying Close to Las Vegas
If you’re looking for a no-frills place to stay near Death Valley, K7 B&B has got you covered. Rooms are simple yet spacious and, although there isn’t much in terms of amenities, the complimentary continental breakfast makes for a pretty stellar start to the day.
Looking for somewhere to park up near Death Valley? For awe-inspiring mountain views, we highly recommend this chilled-out RV park at Lakeside Casino. There are a number of sites to park your campervan (they’re not provided, sorry!) and you’ve got access to a restaurant and bar on site.
If you fancy somewhere a little more swish, the Holiday Inn fits the bill. Rooms are spacious and modern, while the communal areas are the perfect place to chill out after a long day in Death Valley. The pool onsite and majestic views of Mount Charleston are huge bonuses.
Tecopa: Best for Visiting Hot Springs
Once you’ve headed out on some of the sweat-inducing Death Valley hikes, rest your aching muscles in the hot springs at Delight Resort. You can opt for an RV or cabin and, although they’re slightly dated, they’re super clean and comfortable.
If you’re looking to really immerse yourself in Cali’s wilderness, this Airstream campervan has been pimped to perfection. We’re talking about the likes of a Smart TV, coffee machine, comfy double bed, and huge wraparound windows. The shared pool is a huge bonus, too.
TRAVEL TIP ✈️
Tecopa is actually known for its hot springs, rich in magnesium and other minerals. They were once used as part of sacred rituals for Indigenous people many centuries ago, but are now a huge tourist draw to Tecopa.
Beatty: Best for Staying near Rhyolite Ghost Town
Looking for a budget-friendly place to bed down in Death Valley? The Exchange Club Motel is a Beatty favourite. You get what you pay for in terms of amenities, but this is far from the dingy motels you see in the movies.
If you don’t quite fancy staying in a motel, this Inn and RV Park is perfect. Rooms are simple but fully equipped with everything you could possibly need, while the outdoor pool is a tiny but adorable place to cool off under the Californian sun.
This stunning Death Valley Airbnb is described as a luxury desert getaway… And we totally agree. Surrounded by stunning red peaks, this three bed, two bath home is the ultimate pad for a group of friends embarking on an adventure.
Ridgecrest: Best for a More Comfortable Stay
If you want to explore Death Valley but stay somewhere a little more comfortable, the Best Western in Ridgecrest is our top choice. Rooms are simple but fully-equipped with everything you need for a chilled-out stay.
Springhill Suites is a mid-range hotel boasting spacious and bright rooms. Plus, there’s an outdoor pool and hot tub where you can soak your aching muscles after a long day of hiking.
Or, for a simple but cosy place to bed down near Death Valley, we love Heritage Inn. This hotel is just ten minutes away from the nearby Heritage shopping centre and around five minutes by car from the Death Valley Tourist Centre.
Where to Stay Near Death Valley Map
Where to Stay Near Death Valley1: Things to Know Before You Go
Which is the closest big city to Death Valley National Park?
We get it – sometimes you don’t quite fancy staying in the sticks. You’re in luck, as Death Valley has a couple of bigger cities within reach. Las Vegas and Los Angeles are the two closest big cities, though Vegas is half the distance and the one we recommend you stay in.
How far is it from Vegas to Death Valley National Park?
If you don’t fancy the 4+ hour drive from LA, opt to stay in Vegas instead. It takes around two hours to drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley. And it’s an easy route – just drive north from the city and head out along the US-95 N.
