Death Valley recommendations?

[Itching2go]

We’ll be leaving Las Vegas on 3/18 and are considering heading over to Death Valley NP for a few days. Never been there, and am looking for some thoughts and suggestions as to what to see, and how long and where to stay. Our rig is a 40’ fiver, and we didn’t bring our generator, so looking for at least W&E hookups. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. TIA...

[JKJavelin]

There's maybe 12 sites occupied right now. And they space them apart so neighbors aren't close. Better than expected.

[Acampingwewillg]

JKJavelin wrote:
Thanks to this thread we are also at Longstreet right now. Ready to start checking out Death Valley tomorrow!

Just curious, is it very busy at the RV Park? As I said before, there were like 3 RV's in the sites when we were there in late Sept.

[JKJavelin]

Thanks to this thread we are also at Longstreet right now. Ready to start checking out Death Valley tomorrow!

[time2roll]

I would have suggested Texas Spring dry camping if only a few days. Enjoy Longstreet.

[ependydad]

We stayed in Pahrump at Nevada Treasure RV Park. It was a nice place, but an hour to get to the edge of Death Valley. Many things were another hour or more to get to.

[Acampingwewillg]

Itching2go wrote:
Thanks, all, for the great information. As many of you had predicted, there is no availability at Furnace Creek, so we’re going to have to look outside of the park. Based on your comments and suggestions, I ended up putting a priority on finding a campground as close to the park as possible. So, this morning, I was able to reserve a site at the Longstreet Casino & RV Park. (Thanks for that recommendation, Acampingwewillgo.). Again, my thanks to all for the good information.

Have a Great trip!
We went over to Longstreet just to have a look while we were in Pahrump...I think you will like it for the price. We checked it out in late Sept and I think they had 3 RV's there out of the 51 sites.

[monkey44]

Be fully prepared to enjoy yourself ... an amazing park.

[Itching2go]

Thanks, all, for the great information. As many of you had predicted, there is no availability at Furnace Creek, so we’re going to have to look outside of the park. Based on your comments and suggestions, I ended up putting a priority on finding a campground as close to the park as possible. So, this morning, I was able to reserve a site at the Longstreet Casino & RV Park. (Thanks for that recommendation, Acampingwewillgo.). Again, my thanks to all for the good information.

[ppine]

The wildflower forecast for DV is below average and nothing special according to several web sites. Places like Anza Borrego or Palm Springs might be better.

[naturist]

NPS says the damage to the road to Scotty's Castle and to the Castle outbuildings and structure will keep it closed until 2020, so don't plan on going there. Do, by all means, buy the video tour of it, however, at the gift shop in Furnace Creek and plan on visiting again after Scotty's reopens. The castle and its history are wonderful.

I don't see news proclaiming a super bloom this year, might only be a (still rare) bloom. Even if it is only a bloom, it is still a sight worth seeing, although to fully appreciate it, one ought to visit sometime when a normally dry year has left the desert its normally desolate appearance. We have visited several times now over the last decade and caught the last super bloom. Got photos of some of the same places from "before" and "after," and they are quite instructive, as well as beautiful in both forms.

Be be aware that while there is fuel to be had at Furnace Creek, it is generally twice the price of fuel anywhere else. You will want to have a full tank of go-juice before you make any attempt to enter the park. Running out while there is a very bad idea.

[profdant139]

It's going to be crowded this March, and for good reason -- the above-average rain should produce a super bloom of wildflowers.

[Lwiddis]

“Definitely check out Scotties Castle.” Been closed, closed now, reopens sometime in 2020.

[time2roll]

Death Valley is primarily about natural earth formations in the desert. There are long distances and slow going dirt roads to get close to many of these features. Some need a hike in.

For instance are you ready to drive three hours of washboard to see the racetrack where the stones 'mysteriously' move across a sometimes wet playa?

https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/the-racetrack.htm

[ppine]

Get out and look around. Disconnect from your trailer and get away from Furnace Creek.
The best jet watching is outside the Park but near it.
I have an RV but rarely take it to Death Valley so we can camp away from people. We see no one at night.
DVNP is the largest park in the Lower 48. You can get as lost as you want.
I like the wild donkeys.