What are the fire rules at Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP?

Fire rules at Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP: Campfires in provided fire grates only. Check nps.gov/deva on arrival.

What is the best time to visit Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP?

Nov–Feb: Coolest temperatures. Stargazing at its best. Mar–Apr: Wildflower super-bloom in good rain years. Still hikeable.

What are the best things to do near Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP?

Near Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP: Badwater Basin (17 mi south) at sunrise — lowest point in North America, salt flats extend 5 miles. Zabriskie Point at sunrise (5 mi) — golden badland formations at first light. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (20 mi) — best at sunset when shadows define the dune ridges.

Is there wildlife at Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP?

Wildlife alert for Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP: Coyotes active around the campground at night. Kit foxes visit sites. Sidewinder rattlesnakes present — shake out shoes in the morning.

What are the common problems at Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP?

At Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP: Extreme heat May–September makes camping dangerous. Solution: Camp only October through April. Even “fall” can see 100F+ days in October.

What are the insider tips for Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP?

Insider tips for Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP: Stovepipe Wells (24 mi north) has better prices than the Furnace Creek store Fill up on gas in Beatty NV (45 mi) before arriving — fuel is expensive and limited

What makes Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP unique?

The Harmony Borax Works trail (1 mile RT, 0.5 miles from camp) passes the remains of an 1880s borax mining operation with 20-mule team wagons still on display, almost always empty of visitors. The desert light on the salt flats at sunrise from this spot is extraordinary. ⇒ Water: The Travertine Springs (2 miles from camp) flows at 85°F year-round through palm groves and is free to access — the best natural hot spring experience at Death Valley. The ranch pool at Furnace Creek Ranch is open to non-guests for a fee ($5) and is fed by the same 87°F spring.

How do I book a campsite at Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP?

Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP is a federal campground — book at Recreation.gov (search "Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP"). Sites are released 6 months in advance and sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/furnace-creek-death-valley to be notified the moment a site opens up.

Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP

The lowest campground in North America — extreme desert stargazing and surreal landscapes

Death Valley National Park, CA4.5 (2234)-196 ft

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Furnace Creek Campground sits at -196 feet below sea level — the lowest campground in North America — in the heart of Death Valley National Park. 136 sites in an oasis of tamarisk trees. October through April only — summer temperatures regularly exceed 120°F (the hottest place on Earth). Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 and an International Dark Sky Park with extraordinary stargazing. Access to Badwater Basin, Artist’s Palette, Zabriskie Point, and the sand dunes.

Things to do nearby

Badwater BasinZabriskie PointArtist’s PaletteBadwater Basin

Best For

Dark sky enthusiastsDesert photographersGeology buffsWinter desert escapesRV campers (electric hookups available)

Site Types

TentRV

Amenities

Flush toilets

Water

Picnic tables

Fire grates

Dump station

Near Furnace Creek Visitor Center

Pool access nearby (fee)

Gas station nearby

Dark sky park

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Season

October through April only (summer is dangerous)

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

Absolutely do not visit May–September — dangerous heat. Very remote. High winds in spring can make camping miserable. No shade at most sites.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov standard policy.

Why campers love Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP

The only campground in North America below sea level — -196 feet in the heart of Earth’s hottest place. The surrounding landscape is surreal: salt flats, colorful badlands, sand dunes, and desert mountains. An International Dark Sky Park with extraordinary stargazing.

What's new in 2026

Furnace Creek Visitor Center renovated 2022.

What campers say about Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP

"Badwater Basin at sunrise when the salt flats glow pink. Nobody else there at 6am. One of the most alien landscapes I’ve ever seen."

— Recreation.gov reviewer

"Dark skies unlike anything. The Milky Way is so bright it casts a shadow."

— Recreation.gov reviewer

"Only viable October through March. Do not attempt this campground in summer."

— Recreation.gov reviewer

Not the right fit if…

✕You’re coming May–September — temperatures routinely exceed 120F, dangerous without air conditioning

Frequently asked questions

How much does Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP cost per night?+

Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP costs $22 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: Some sites with electric hookups (30-amp). Dump station available.

What season is Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP open?+

Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP is open October through April only (summer is dangerous). Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 11:00 AM.

Does Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP have hookups?+

Some sites with electric hookups (30-amp). Dump station available.

What is the maximum RV length at Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP?+

Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP?+

Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.

What is the cell service like at Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP?+

Limited AT&T service around the Furnace Creek oasis. Zero service in the backcountry. Download content before leaving Las Vegas (130 miles).

How far is Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Furnace Creek Ranch Store — 0.5 miles

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