Going from Bakersfield to Death Valley NP..

[John_S2]

Any suggestions as to best route to take and best entrance?

Driving our 24 ' class C.

Any suggestions as to best camping sites, etc.. Things to see and do?

Do not have a reservation.. Will that be a problem tomorrow?

Just my DW and myself without a toad.

TIA for any and all tips

[John_S2]

We ended up staying at Stovepipe Wells without hookups and it wasn't bad... Loved the Scotty's Castle tour...

[Texas_Two_Stepp]

Still at Furnace Creek campground. All 19 full hookup sites are reserved through this weekend. It cooled down to 70 early this morning. In my humble opinion, it is to hot to camp without hookups. Our rig has as good of insulation as any and our main ac is running nonstop. You can sit in shade and survive but at 101 in sun, forget it.

[Wavesprite]

There are 18 full hook up sites at Furnace Creek, and lots of non-hook up sites, and if the campground is full "Sunset" across the street has TONS of overflow camping. You can use the pool at the Furnace Creek Ranch (the gates usually unlocked).

[Texas_Two_Stepp]

We are campground hosts at Furnace Creek Campground. It is a reservation only campground but I think you would be able to get a full hookup site because people cancel with this heat. I can't imagine camping here without it. Checking early (9:30am)is your best chance. You can call or go on internet if you are five days out. Yes it is going to be hot this week. There is a lot to see and do in this area.
Scotty's castle is a must. Stop to see the pupfish at Salt Creek and then come to Furnance Creek.

[bobjogone]

Stovepipe Wells Campground lets you use the Motel Pool.

[n7bsn]

othertonka wrote:
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.......

It's also winding the grade up and down Towne is steep. I'm told the view is great, but it was raining in Death Valley, and snowing/sleeting when we went over the pass. Made it less fun

[John_S2]

Wow, did not expect it to be that hot yet!! Thanks toobold

[TOOBOLD]

John S,

It's starting to get hot out there. I just check the forecast and by Thurs it will be 102 and high 90's thereafter. Stay cool.

[John_S2]

Thanks for the great suggestions!

[2gypsies1]

Mesquite Springs is a pretty campground close to Scotty's Castle. You could then move down to the Furance Creek area with more choices of campgrounds. You won't need reservations.

From Bakersfield you could take Hwy 58 to Mojave and get over to Ridgecrest and drive through Trona into Panamint Springs and east into the park.

Also, Lone Pine on Hwy 395 is a neat area to explore. It's where old-time westerns were filmed. With your 24' you could easily take 136 east out of Lone Pine to 190 into the park. There's a steep grade coming down into Death Valley but very doable - just shift down when you get to the top. Don't wait until you're on your way down. There's not much traffic so you won't have a line behind you. Just take it nice and slow. We've done it with our 40' motorhome and many, many RVers do it. Have a great trip!

[othertonka]

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

[John_S2]

Thanks Texas Shadow...

[TexasShadow]

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.