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Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park: Best Death Valley Lodging, Hotels & More

Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park: Death Valley Lodging, Hotels & More

California is famous for her postcard-perfect beaches and epic Sierra Nevada mountains, but adventurous travelers know that Death Valley National Park is the state’s most underrated gem!

If you’re planning a trip to this epic playground in the remote Mojave Desert, choosing where to stay in Death Valley can definitely be overwhelming!

I spent last winter exploring Death Valley – including their newly renovated hotels and lodging – and this guide is sharing the best places to stay in Death Valley, both inside and outside the park.

This guide includes Death Valley lodging options at all price ranges – from budget camping, convenient chain hotels outside the Park, and luxury Death Valley hotels.

Disclosure: This page may contain sponsored content or affiliate links, including Amazon links, where I earn a small commission from any purchase – at no extra cost to you. This commission helps keep Brooke In Boots up and running. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and my own!

A Quick Look at the Best Places to Stay Near Death Valley

There are dozens of convenient places to choose from when picking where to stay in Death Valley – but if you want the best-of-the-best, these are my top picks:

This guide includes details on all of these spots, plus suggestions for more hotels, motels, campgrounds, and RV parks for your Death Valley adventure.

Where to Stay When Visiting Death Valley

Death Valley is massive. At over 3 million acres, it’s the largest National Park outside of Alaska. It is also, very much, in the middle of nowhere.

That makes deciding where to stay when visiting Death Valley a little more complicated.

Inside the park, most hotels and campgrounds are concentrated in Furnace Creek area of the Park. Here you’ll be centrally located to the park’s main sites, like Badwater Basin, but prices for lodging are quite high and reservations can be hard to get.

Accommodations outside Death Valley means you’ll have to drive a decent amount (1-2 hours one-way) to enter the Park. But most of these hotels near Death Valley are way more budget friendly than staying inside the park, and you don’t have to book quite as far in advance. I’ll be brutally honest, these are remote and sparsely populated towns – don’t expect luxury lodging or amenities. I suggest embracing the remoteness and remember that you’re experiencing a taste of the “wild west” in the 21st century!

Outside the park, most visitors stay in one of five towns: Lone Pine, CA, Ridgecrest, CA, Beatty, NV, Pahrump, NV, depending on how you’re getting to Death Valley and what airport you’ll fly into.

This map shows the approximate locations of each of these towns, and the entrances you’ll use to access the park:

This guide looks at lodging inside the park first, and then some suggestions for good spots to stay outside the park.

Hotels Inside Death Valley 

I’ll be honest: Death Valley hotels are pretty expensive for what you get when staying inside the park. Rooms and especially food and gas are very pricey inside remote Death Valley, and even this jaded Californian had sticker shock looking at the food prices for dinner!

But you can’t beat the convenient location of Death Valley lodging, especially when staying in the nearest towns adds hours to your drive every day.

If you can afford it, I’d still recommend staying inside the park to make the most out of your Death Valley itinerary.

The Ranch at Death Valley

  • Price: $$ / Starting at $165
  • Amenities: Wifi, on-site dining, general store, outdoor pool, golf course, horseback and Jeep rentals

For a classic, family-friendly stay right in the heart of the park, The Ranch at Death Valley is my top pick. The Ranch at Death Valley is where I stayed during my recent 2 day trip, and I would absolutely stay there again.

Located in Furnace Creek, this historic ranch offers a laid-back vibe with comfortable rooms, a spring-fed swimming pool, golf course, and even a Western-themed town square. You’re just a short drive away from Death Valley’s iconic sights like Badwater Basin and Dante’s View, making it a convenient base for your adventures.

>> Book the Ranch at Death Valley

My room at The Ranch when I stayed in 2023

The Inn at Death Valley:

  • Price: $$$ / Starting at $367
  • Amenities: Wifi, on-site dining, outdoor pool, spa, golf course, horseback and Jeep rentals

Hands down the most luxurious accommodation in Death Valley is The Inn at Death Valley. This luxury resort delivers a pampered experience in one of the most rugged landscapes in the country – with a price tag to match.

The Inn at Death Valley is a legit oasis!

This historic, AAA Four-Diamond resort offers elegant accommodations with stunning desert views, all while surrounded by lush gardens and natural springs.

Originally built in the 1920s, the Inn hosted Old Hollywood celebrities and recently underwent an impressive renovation.

Stroll through the manicured date palm gardens or relax in the spring-fed pool (87 degrees year round). You can also play a round of golf, pamper yourself at the spa, enjoy fine dining and drinks – this is the ultimate luxury National Park experience.

>> Book the Inn at Death Valley

No roughing here at the Inn at Death Valley!

Stovepipe Hotel

  • Price: $$ / Starting at $144
  • Amenities: Wifi, on-site dining, general store, outdoor pool

Located near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, this charming Western-themed hotel offers simple, comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

It has wifi, a pool, as well as a restaurant, saloon, gas station, and general store on site. This is a good alternative to the Ranch while still staying centrally located in the Park.

>> Book the Stovepipe Hotel

Visit the Mesquite Sand dunes – a short drive from Stovepipe Hotel

Panamint Springs Resort

  • Price: $$ / Tent Cabins Starting at $65, Rooms Starting at $203
  • Amenities: on-site dining, gas station, general store (limited wifi/ cell service)

For a remote and scenic getaway on the park’s western edge, Panamint Springs Resort offers a retreat away from the crowds.

This budget-friendly option provides a range of accommodations from motel rooms to campsites, all with sweeping views of the Panamint Valley. The rustic charm of this resort is perfect for those looking to unplug and reconnect with nature. There’s also a casual restaurant and bar where you can grab a bite after a day of exploring. If you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience, Panamint Springs is an excellent choice.

>> Book Panamint Springs Resort

Camping In Death Valley

Camping is very popular in Death Valley, and with plenty of RV, tent, and car camping spots. There are spots located right in the heart of the action, like Furnace Creek Campground, and the Stovepipe Wells RV Park, and some extremely remote 4×4-only access spots if you truly want to get away from civilization.

It probably goes without saying, but I don’t recommend camping here in the summer. In fact, most campground close during the hot season, and there’s a very good reason for that.

Death Valley is unique in that there are both private and park-operated campgrounds inside the Park. If you’re looking for the best budget-friendly tent camping, check out the NPS sites. If you’re bringing an RV and want access to more amenities, I suggest looking at the private campgrounds instead.

RVs and tents at Furance Creek Campground in Death Valley
RVs and tents at Furance Creek Campground in Death Valley

Private Campgrounds in Death Valley

Ohyu RV Park at Stovepipe Wells: Features 14 full service RV hookups, including electric, water, and sewer adjacent to the Stovepipe Wells general store. Shower and Pool passes can be purchased from the Stovepipe Hotel.

Panamint Sprints RV and Tent Cabins: Features both RV hookups and tent cabins, as well as a restaurant and small store on site. 6 full service RV hookups and 26 dry RV sites (no hookups). Tent cabins are basic, with 2 cots (no bedding), a firepit and picnic table outside and not much else.

Fiddlers’ Campground: Next to the Ranch at Death Valley and Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center, Fiddlers’ Campground is ideal for RVs and campervans. There are no RV hookups. Guests have access to The Ranch’s wi-fi, swimming pool & showers, coin operated laundry and sports facilities. It’s not the most glamorous campground – it’s basically a parking lot. But you’re in a good location with access to tons of facilities.

NPS Campgrounds in Death Valley

The National Park operates 7 developed campgrounds within Death Valley National Park.

Furnace Creek Campground is the only NPS campground that accepts reservations. It’s open year-round and has RV hook ups, as well as dry sites & tent sites.

Not all campgrounds are open year-round, and not all campgrounds accept reservations. Use this chart to see what campgrounds are open during your visit, how to score a spot, and what amenities are available:

CampgroundOpen SeasonLocationReservationsAmenities
Furnace Creek CampgroundOpen Year-RoundFurnace CreekReservations required October 15 to April 15*, Otherwise no reservationsCell Phone Reception, Camp Store, Potable Water, Flush Toilets, Dump Station, RV hook ups & dry sites.
SunsetOpen Mid-October – Mid-AprilFurnace CreekNo ReservationsCell Phone Reception, Camp Store, Potable Water, Flush Toilets, Dump station, Not all sites have firepits or tables
Texas SpringsOpen Mid-October – Mid-AprilFurnace CreekNo reservationsPotable Water, Flush Toilets, Dump Station, No generators, No RV hookups, RV dry camping OK
Stovepipe WellsOpen Mid-October – Mid-MayStovepipe WellsNo reservationsPotable Water, Flush Toilets, Dump Station, Camp Store, No RV hookups
Mesquite SpringOpen Year-RoundScotty’s CastleNo reservationsPotable Water, Flush Toilets, Dump Station, No RV hookups, Fire grates & Picnic Tables at all sites
EmigrantOpen Year-RoundPanamint MountainsNo reservationsGas and charcoal stoves prohibited, Potable Water, Vault Toilets. Elevation 2100′
WildroseOpen Year-RoundPanamint MountainsNo reservationsNon-potable water, All grills and fires prohibited, Flush Toilets. Elevation 4,000′

Death Valley Planning Tip: Reservations for Furnace Creek Campground are completely booked most days during reservation season, often 6 months in advance. Make sure to book early!

Primitive Campgrounds: There are a number of primitive campgrounds (no amenities, no water) throughout Death Valley National Park, most of which require a high-clearance and 4×4 vehicle to access.

Grabbing a drink at the Last Kind Words Saloon at the Ranch at Death Valley

Hotels & Lodging Outside Death Valley: Nevada 

If you’re planning to stay outside the park but still want easy access to Death Valley’s highlights, Nevada has some great options. These are the most convenient places to stay if you’re driving to Death Valley from Las Vegas, Joshua Tree, Zion or the Grand Canyon.

Most visitors staying on this side of the park base themselves in the small towns of Pahrump or Beatty, NV, or make Death Valley a day trip from Las Vegas.

Pahrump is about an hour’s drive (60 miles) to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, while Beatty is just under an hour (40 miles). For those coming from Las Vegas, the drive takes roughly two hours (120 miles).

Below are some good options for hotels near Death Valley on the Nevada side. Or, use this map to compare prices and availability for hotels near Death Valley in Nevada:

Best Western Pahrump Oasis (Pahrump, NV)

  • Price: $$ / Starting at $116
  • Distance to Death Valley (Furnace Creek Visitor Center): 1 Hour / 60 Miles

If you’re looking for comfort and convenience outside Death Valley, the Best Western Pahrump Oasis is a good pick.

Located just about an hour’s drive from Furnace Creek Visitor Center, this pet-friendly chain hotel offers spacious rooms, free wifi, a refreshing pool, and a complimentary breakfast. It’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a comfortable place to crash.

>> Book Best Western Pahrump Oasis

Holiday Inn Express Pahrump (Pahrump, NV)

  • Price: $$ / Starting at $131
  • Distance to Death Valley (Furnace Creek Visitor Center): 1 Hour / 60 Miles

For a reliable and comfortable stay near Death Valley, the Holiday Inn Express in Pahrump is a solid choice.

It’s just an hour from the park entrance, making it a great home base for day trips. This hotel offers modern rooms, free wifi, pet-friendly rooms, pool and hot tub, and, of course, that all-important free breakfast to fuel up before your adventure.

>> Book Holiday Inn Express Pahrump

Cotton candy pink clouds visible from Zabriske Point and Golden Canyon at Sunrise
Zabriske Point and Golden Canyon at Sunrise

Atomic Inn (Beatty, NV)

  • Price: $ / Starting at $90
  • Distance to Death Valley (Furnace Creek Visitor Center): 45 Min / 40 Miles

Looking for quirky and unique? The Atomic Inn in Beatty might be just the vibe you’re after. With a retro, atomic-age theme and a location only 45 minutes from Death Valley, this budget-friendly motel is perfect if you prefer “quirky” over “modern”.

Rooms include free wifi, pet-friendly rooms, mini fridge and microwaves.

Beatty itself is a small town with a lot of character—don’t miss the local diner or the ghost town of Rhyolite nearby.

>> Click here to book the Atomic Inn

Death Valley Inn & RV Park (Beatty, NV)

  • Price: $ / Motel Rooms Starting at $102
  • Distance to Death Valley (Furnace Creek Visitor Center): 45 Min / 40 Miles

The Death Valley Inn & RV Park in Beatty is a solid option if you want to stay in Beatty. They offer comfortable motel-style lodging, and RV parking with 39 pull-thru spaces, fully equipped with 50-amp hookups, a dump station, showers, and a restroom.

With an outdoor pool, wifi, and proximity to local restaurants, it’s a relaxing spot to unwind after a long day exploring the desert.

>> Click here to book the Death Valley Inn

Hotels & Lodging Outside Death Valley: California

If you’re coming to Death Valley from Los Angeles, there are plenty of popular chain hotels and family-friendly lodges in the towns of Lone Pine and Ridgecrest.

Lone Pine, California is the closest “big” town to Death Valley on the California side of the Park – and even that isn’t saying much.

Lone Pine and nearby Independence are famous as the gateway to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 (permit required), incredible eastern sierra hiking, and the underrated Alabama Hills recreation area.

Ridgecrest is a larger city, thanks to nearby China Lake military base, and has a solid offering of chain hotels, fast food, and grocery stores.

Below are some good options for hotels near Death Valley on the California side. Or, use this map to compare prices and availability for hotels near Death Valley in California:

Mt Williamson Motel (Independence, CA)

  • Price: $$ / Starting at $155
  • Distance to Death Valley (Furnace Creek Visitor Center): 2 Hours / 120 Miles

A hiker’s favorite hotel, the Mt. Williamson Motel & Basecamp in Independence is the perfect basecamp if you want to explore the Alabama Hills Recreation Area and California’s “hot springs highway” 395 – as well as Death Valley.

This small, family-owned motel offers clean, comfortable cabins with stunning mountain views. The laid-back vibe makes it feel like a cozy retreat after a long day of adventuring.

>> Book Mt Williamson Motel

Best Western Plus Frontier (Lone Pine, CA)

  • Price: $$ / Starting at $165
  • Distance to Death Valley (Furnace Creek Visitor Center): 2 Hours / 100 Miles

The Best Western Plus Frontier Motel in Lone Pine offers solid convenience, plus an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast.

Rooms are pet-friendly and include free wifi. The town is about two hours from Furnace Creek and minutes from the Alabama Hills, this spot is perfect for travelers looking to split their time between Death Valley and the breathtaking Eastern Sierra. Plus, you can’t beat the views of Mount Whitney!

>> Click here to book the Best Western Plus Frontier

a visitor stands on the windy white salt flats of Badwater Basin in Death Valley

Hampton Inn & Suites Ridgecrest (Ridgecrest, CA)

  • Price: $$ / Starting at $147
  • Distance to Death Valley (Furnace Creek Visitor Center): 2 Hours / 120 Miles

For those looking for a bit more modern amenities outside Death Valley, the Hampton Inn & Suites in Ridgecrest is a good option.

This hotel is located about 2 hours from Furnace Creek, making it a great stopover or base if you’re visiting other nearby attractions. Rooms include free breakfast, wifi, an outdoor pool. Pet-friendly rooms are available.

>> Click here to book Hampton Inn & Suites Ridgecrest

Springhill Suites by Marriott Ridgecrest (Ridgecrest, CA)

  • Price: $$ / Starting at $
  • Distance to Death Valley (Furnace Creek Visitor Center): 2 Hours / 120 Miles

Another good Ridgecrest option is the SpringHill Suites by Marriott.

This all-suite hotel is perfect for travelers who like a little extra space, with rooms featuring separate living areas and kitchenettes. It’s an ideal spot for families. The hotel’s pool, hot tub, and free breakfast are a nice bonus.

>> Book Springhill Suites Ridgecrest

Conclusion: Where to Stay in Death Valley

Whether you’re looking for a cozy motel, a charming resort, or a budget-friendly spot outside the park, Death Valley has a range of lodging options for every traveler.

No matter where you stay, one thing’s for sure—your Death Valley adventure will be nothing short of spectacular!

More Posts & Resources for Visiting Death Valley

Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park: Best Death Valley Lodging, Hotels & More

How to Spend 2 – 3 Epic Days in Death Valley National Park

How to Get to Death Valley: Closest Airports & Directions

One Unforgettable Day in Death Valley: 1 Day Itinerary

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