Death Valley NP

[er78mph]

Good Afternoon,

I'm planning a trip to Death Valley and never been in that area. I was wondering the best staging area to camp, preferably an hour or so outside the park? I have a 9 month old so would like to limit the miles from San Diego to the park (w/o the little one I would just drive all the way inside the park). We're open to boondocking or can check in to a campsite. Also, should I enter the park on the west or eastern side? Any general knowledge of the area would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance! I have an F150 with a Jayco Jayfeather.

[mwachel]

time2roll wrote:

mwachel wrote:
Death Valley is on my list for sure! I have been waiting for California to open up so I can get to camping!

DVNP is definitely open, no reservations needed. Most CA camping is open for reservations. And yes people are travelling in RVs all over CA. Make some reservation and bring a mask.

Well, then! Party on Wayne! Party on Garth! 😄

[time2roll]

mwachel wrote:
Death Valley is on my list for sure! I have been waiting for California to open up so I can get to camping!

DVNP is definitely open, no reservations needed. Most CA camping is open for reservations. And yes people are travelling in RVs all over CA. Make some reservation and bring a mask.

[mwachel]

Death Valley is on my list for sure! I have been waiting for California to open up so I can get to camping!

[slider45]

#1Flyboy wrote:
If you go through Baker, CA & head up to Shoshone, CA there is a Wonderful little campground with a volcanic heated swimming pool. In Shoshone there is 1 motel, 1 gas station mini mart 1 restaurant... The fuel is definitely costly in Shoshone... Also camping in Tecopa about 12 miles South of Shoshone...

My buddy has been on there once. He highly recommends the volcanic swimming pools.

[rirish1]

We stayed at Shoshone Village RV park outside the east entrance to Death Valley in 2018. It was a smaller RV park but we were very happy with it. Camped under the trees and used their swimming pool which was fed by a warm spring. They also had a nice nature trail which we enjoyed. Nothing really fancy but all the basics were there. We drove through Death Valley NP the next day. We had trouble finding a campground on the west side of Death Valley.

[Rocky2]

The OP did not say when he planned to go. If in the winter, I would avoid the western entrance. Townes Pass is not for the faint of heart in snow and/or icey conditions. Shoshone or Armagosa Junction are probably better alternatives to stop for the night without entering the park directly.

[Acampingwewillg]

Although I never have stayed at this campground I'm going to mention, I did check it out. In Armagosa Valley at Long Street Casino they have a nice RV Park, all full hook ups and when I was visiting out of 50+ sites about 2 were occupied. Beautiful grounds, small Casino and very close to the road into Death Valley.

[_1Flyboy]

If you go through Baker, CA & head up to Shoshone, CA there is a Wonderful little campground with a volcanic heated swimming pool. In Shoshone there is 1 motel, 1 gas station mini mart 1 restaurant... The fuel is definitely costly in Shoshone... Also camping in Tecopa about 12 miles South of Shoshone...

[older_fossil]

er78mph wrote:
Good Afternoon,
I'm planning a trip to Death Valley and never been in that area. I was wondering the best staging area to camp, preferably an hour or so outside the park? I have a 9 month old so would like to limit the miles from San Diego to the park (w/o the little one I would just drive all the way inside the park). We're open to boondocking or can check in to a campsite. Also, should I enter the park on the west or eastern side? Any general knowledge of the area would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance! I have an F150 with a Jayco Jayfeather.

Do you have any idea of what you'd like to see in the park? The park is huge and getting to some areas can involve a lot of driving time. We've spent many winter seasons exploring 4x4 trails all over that area. As a first timer, I'd probably suggest staying in the Furnace Creek area and visit some of the well known sites out of there. I would suggest not trying to visit between about May through September for a first visit. From SD, I'd think the easiest/fastest route would be I-15 to Baker then 127 to Death Valley Junction and 190 into the park. 190 from the east is an easier descent/climb than going over Townes Pass from the west. Feel free to ask questions about the park.

Art

[time2roll]

Pahrump you have already overshot DVNP.

I am in OC and I take 395 to Trona road to Searles Valley and up over the hill on CA190.

I always see people with motorcycles etc boondocked along Trona Road. You could find something there. Not sure about permits as I go in one swoop.

CA190 has a long 7% to 9% grade both up and down. Downshift and go slow and you will be fine. I make it. All roads in require a steep grade.

You could stop in Yermo KOA and visit the touristy Calico Ghost town if you want to get about half way. I think you can camp at Calico too.

https://parks.sbcounty.gov/park/calico-ghost-town-regional-park/

From Yermo you can continue on 15 and turn left at Baker to enter from the SE. Or cut back onto 395 and enter from the West. Or go in one, out the other for a big loop.

No need to try and see it all. Too big. Give yourself extra time with that little one.

[azdryheat]

er78mph wrote:
Good Afternoon,

I'm planning a trip to Death Valley and never been in that area. I was wondering the best staging area to camp, preferably an hour or so outside the park? I have a 9 month old so would like to limit the miles from San Diego to the park (w/o the little one I would just drive all the way inside the park). We're open to boondocking or can check in to a campsite. Also, should I enter the park on the west or eastern side? Any general knowledge of the area would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance! I have an F150 with a Jayco Jayfeather.

How about a short review of the new Costa Vista RV Resort at E street?

[jdc1]

Look for something around Pahrump Nevada.

[Lwiddis]

“and never been in that area...”

If entering from the West, Lone Pine is close with Tuttle Creek BLM Campground (water and dump) and, of course, the Alabama Hills.

[er78mph]

I should have put Campground/campsite instead of staging. Thanks for your feedback!