Have you ever thought about camping below sea level? Furnace Creek Campground in Death Valley is the one! The campground in the desert sounds so unreal, but also exciting! We experienced a tent camping at Furnace Creek in Death Valley around late November. In this article, I am introducing things you should know and what the campground in Death Valley looks like, based on our experience.
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Location of Furnace Creek Campground
Death Valley is along the border between California and Nevada. It is about four hours from Los Angeles and two and a half hours from Las Vegas, Nevada. Since the campground is in the center of the Death Valley, it is very accessible to many locations.
FURNACE CREEK CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE
There are 9 campgrounds inside of Death Valley National Park. Furnace Creek Campground is the only campground that you can reserve in advance. Since we drove far from the SF Bay area, I didn’t want to take a risk to try a Walk-in campground, especially during holiday time.
Furnace Creek Campground has 136 campsites in a convenient area that is the center of Death Valley. This campground is a famous camping spot at 190 feet below sea level!
When you get to the entrance, you will have to check in here first.
DEATH VALLEY FURNACE CREEK CAMPGROUND MAP
We got # 116 campsite, which was only available when I booked. The campground seems huge in the picture above, but it is not so big if you drive.
How the Furnace Creek campsite looks like
What I liked about this campground is this view! Again, we arrived in Death Valley late after the sunset and were busy as usual setting up our tent and cooking. So, we all got to see this amazing view the next day when we woke up.
First, wow! What a gorgeous campground we stayed at! Campsites have no boundary between the sites but there is enough space for each area. There was no party for two nights while we stayed. We enjoyed nice and quiet camping. Death Valley is a desert. The dirt is very dry and hard. Putting stakes into the ground wasn’t easy.
WEATHER IN DEATH VALLEY
We brought all the seasonal clothes to Death Valley, and they helped! It’s cold in the morning and at night in late November. Extra layers and beanies help when you go to bed in tents. As soon as the Sun is up, it gets hot! Don’t forget to bring anything like sunscreens, hats, and sunglasses that protect you from sunburns.
Although the weather was nice and calm while we camped, It got a little windy sometimes. I brought tarps but gave up on them. Do not leave light stuff on the table when you leave your campsite. They might be blown away.
FURNACE CREEK CAMPGROUND FACILITIES
Restrooms
There are enough restroom facilities on the campground. There was no soap at all. Bring your soap with you when you go to the restrooms. There are no shower facilities at Furnace Creek Campground. If you need one, you can go to the lodge (The Ranch at Death Valley) outside of the campground, which takes only 3 minutes by car. They have showers at the outdoor swimming pool. Open during 8 am-10 pm.
$ 14.00 Shower & Pool Pass per person
Water Sink at Furnace Creek Campground
Water spigots are located next to the restrooms. I think there are enough numbers of water spigots for the campground but we walked a quite bit. If we had a water tank, it would not have bothered us so much. I highly recommend taking lots of water or a water tank so that you can wash your hands and do dishes at the campsite.
Water pressure is strong. Every time I washed my hands, I was worried if the noise might wake up a camper staying right next to it. If you are a light sleeper, get sites away from water spigots.
Campground Amenities
Campground Rules
STORES AND RESTAURANTS NEARBY
The Ranch at Death Valley
The ultimate retreat place in the desert, ‘The Ranch at Death Valley ” is only three minutes away from the campground. Once you go inside the resort, it is a definite oasis. Even if you don’t have to buy anything, just stop by there to enjoy the atmosphere.
General Store in The Ranch at Death Valley
The general store at The Ranch at Death Valley carries ice, firewood, camping stuff, sandwiches, basic groceries, and souvenirs. Firewood costs $14.00.
Restaurants in The Ranch at Death Valley
There are two restaurants, buffet style, and a saloon-themed diner (Last Kind Words Saloon & Steakhouse), and also ice cream parlor is in the same building as the general store. I know many of you enjoy camping cooking too; however, there are so many great places to visit and you might feel like not cooking, or even with the desert heat, you might feel more tired. Here are some options you can dine or take out at The Ranch at Death Valley.
Those pictures of the inside restaurant and steak (Yum!) were from a couple of years ago when we stayed at The Ranch at Death Valley. When we camped at Furnace Creek, we cooked a whole meal. As I mentioned earlier, I regret not taking out food from the restaurant so that we could have enjoyed the park more!
WHAT’S NEAR FURNACE CREEK CAMPGROUND?
Furnace Creek Visitor Center
The big benefit of staying at Furnace Creek Campground is the location! It is the center of the park. Visitor Center is also found near the campground. Gather all the information on the weather and road conditions here. Also, ask park rangers about where to go and hike. if you don’t know. You can’t expect a good cellphone signal inside Death Valley. Visitor Center is a must-stop in the desert.
Gas Station in Death Valley
The gas station is found right outside of Furnace Creek Campground. Death Valley is such a huge park. Long-distance driving is required to travel between sightseeing spots. I was happy to have a gas station inside the park.
ACTIVITIES NEAR THE CAMPGROUND
Jeep Rentals and Tours offers a variety of tours and jeep rentals. We saw people enjoying driving off roads in the park. Main roads are mostly paved and you don’t need 4DW. I haven’t tried Jeep yet. I would like to try one next time to explore more areas of Death Valley.
WHERE TO GO NEAR FURNACE CREEK CAMPGROUND
Zabriskie Point
A ten-minute drive from the campground will take you to the breathtaking erosional landscape view, Zabriskie Point. Easy access to the viewpoint from the parking lot. Hike or just go take pictures. You won’t regret it!
Bad Water Basin
While you are in Death Valley, you can’t miss standing at the lowest point in North America, the Bad Water Basin. It’s only 30 minutes from the campground by car. Bad Water Basin is also known for its Salt Flats. Try some fun camera tricks with an all-white salt background!
Artists Palette
You can find Artist’s Palette along Artist Drive ( A one-way 9.7-mile scenic drive ). If you are coming from the campground, you will have to drive past the exit. The beginning of the Artist Drive is only 15 minutes from the Furnace Creek campground. Enjoy the drive with a colorful landscape!
Bad Water Basin is known for its Salt Flats. Try some fun camera tricks with an all-white salt background!
IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
This is my son’s favorite place in Death Valley. They kept rolling and running in the Dunes. It is wide open and kids can be as wild as they want! It is 25 minutes drive to Northwest.
Ubehebe Crater
You have to drive over an hour to get to Ubehebe Crater, but it is so worth it if you have time! This view can be seen with a short walk from the parking lot. Also, you can go down to the bottom of the crater.
Keane Wonder Mine
It’s so cool to get to see an abandoned gold mining structure inside Death Valley. We can learn history there. Also, you will get surprised by the breathtaking panorama when you go to the top! To get to Keane Wonder Mine, it is 10 miles west about a 30-minute drive but the last 3 miles are off-road. 4WD is highly recommended.
Top 5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Death Valley Camping Trip
All I want to say first is WOW!! We camped in Death Valley! Death Valley is one of my favorite National Parks and I am so grateful to be able to camp in Death Valley with my family. We enjoyed every single moment from the time when we woke up in that amazing view to the night that was full of stars in the sky. Let me tell you some tips from my experience of camping in Death Valley.
If you are a first visitor to Death Valley. You should be aware that the park is bigger than you see. It’s a dessert and since there are almost no covers, it seems that everything looks close to you. But, you will have to drive so much to get to each destination. To explore the park,
THINGS TO CONSIDER TO BRING FROM OUR EXPERIENCE
For the ultimate camping gear guide, don’t miss our blog post: “What to Bring for Tent Camping: Your Complete Checklist”
What to Bring for Tent Camping: Your Complete Checklist
Embarking on a tent camping adventure? Preparation is key! This post provides a comprehensive packing list for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Happy camping!
Don’t Forget: Park Entrance Fee Is Required Separately
Even with a reservation at Furnace Creek Campground, you’ll still need to pay the entrance fee for Death Valley National Park, as it’s not included in your campsite booking. If you plan to visit several national parks in a year, the America the Beautiful Pass is a smart choice. It grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all U.S. national parks, and can save both time and money.
BOOK A DEATH VALLEY CAMPSITE AT RECREATION.GOV
Furnace Creek Campground is the only reservable campground during the high season. All other campgrounds are First Come First Served. Book campsite early as possible.
