Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP

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

Location: Death Valley National Park, CA, CA

Price: From $30 per night

Price range: $30–$44 per night

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (2234 reviews)

Elevation: -196 feet

Season: October through April only (summer is dangerous)

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.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: AT&T.

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

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/furnace-creek-death-valley to be notified when sites open up.

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.

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.

What is new at Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP: Furnace Creek Visitor Center renovated 2022.

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

Fire rules: Campfires in provided fire grates only. Check nps.gov/deva on arrival.

Things to do 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.

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

Skip Furnace Creek — Death Valley NP if: You’re coming May–September — temperatures routinely exceed 120F, dangerous without air conditioning.

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..

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

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

Nearby campgrounds: Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping (Death Valley, CA), Mcwilliams (Las Vegas, NV), Diaz Lake Campground (LONE PINE, CA), Foxtail Grp Picnic Area (Las Vegas, NV).