Going from Bakersfield to Death Valley NP..

I go from Bakersfield then on Hwy 58 to Hwy 14, hear Mojave, then left on Hwy 14, then right on hwy 178 to Inyokern, stop and buy gas there and then on to Ridgecrest and take hwy 178 to Trona and then after a few miles turn left on to Panamint valley road, then right on Hwy 190 over Towne pass and down into Death Valley at stovepipe wells. Towne pass is pretty steep, 11 % grade but just downshift and you will be allright. I drive a 32 ft class A towing a CRV and I am down to first gear, 25 MPH pulling that short section of 190 and make sure you downshift going down the other side into Death valley to save your brakes
Just a note, Panamint valley road is under repair and might be one lane in some areas. If you miss the fuel stop in Inyokern, make sure you fill up in Ridgecrest as fuel in Death Valley is HIGH. You can usually find an open camp spot at Stovepipe wells.
Death Valley

Thanks Texas Shadow...

Wouldn't worry about reservations this time of year. It's getting hot there.
You can go north out of Mohave on 178 and continue north on 178 through Ridgecrest
up to 190 in the park. go east over the pass and down to Stove Pipe Wells.
If you want electric hookups, there are a few there. Otherwise, head for Furnace Creek and see if they have any. If it isn't too hot for you, you can probably be ok at night when the temps will drop quite a bit.
it's a very big park, so Stove Pipe Wells is about the best location as a center.
Be sure and go up and tour Scotty's Castle. It's a nice drive and an interesting Spanish casa grande in the desert and the docents do a good job.