Death Valley on New Years

[Tamnative]

I have been thinking of taking some time off and going down to Death Valley the week of New Years. Will reservations be needed,is this a busy time for the Valley? I really have no clue.
I don't generally make reservations when we camp, EVER. I have a problem with the whole idea and have never had a problem, well I had one this last year when the campground that was in one of the many books we bring wasn't there but we found a real nice one that we probably would never have found otherwise. But being that this is kind of at the last minute camping ( the type I like) I thought it may be prudent to find out if this is a busy area at this time of the year.
Thanks

[Simplygib]

I've camped at Furnace Creek campground several years around Christmas/New Year's and have never seen it more than about a quarter full. I've never had reservations. However, several of those years others have told us about a Jeep get together that we just missed that had the place packed. Whether that means full or not I don't know. But apparently this is a yearly thing for these Jeep enthusiasts. Also, if going to Furnace Creek be prepared for a chorus of generators. If that's not your thing, check out Texas Springs campground, where they are not allowed (edited - I originally said Sunset but was mistaken).

If you are considering backcountry camping, there are restrictions on where and how you can do that.

DV is a great place but it's BIG and attractions are spread out from each other. Be prepared for a lot of driving to see everything it has to offer.

[monkey44]

We're sooooooooo jealous -- we're not getting to DV until February -- tried to make it for New Years, but can't, so doing NY's in Everglades instead - my favorite camping in all of USA = Death Valley - but will have to settle for it on Valentine's Day this time, and bring a nice dinner for my one and only Heart-throb 🙂 🙂 ! And, even cook it myself.

I know, just like the rest, start a future holiday (Valentine's Day) before the present holiday ends ... Like stores starting Xmas before Turkey Day ends every year lately.

So, we're just keeping up with the times - getting the Hearts out before we take down the Evergreens! Kinda neat tho, makes life one continuous holiday with a few work days slipped in between so we can pay truck payment. :):):)

[pezvela]

Just keep in mind that even on the valley floor, it is possible for temps to hit the high 20s/low 30s at night. Rare, but possible, if a cold front has just passed. Anything above 2000 feet is likely.

Mesquite Springs is our favorite developed campground in DV.

Here is the park description of the backcountry roads. Except for the first two miles from the pavement, most of them are legal for boondocking.

http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/upload/Backcountry%20Roads.pdf

[RZAR66]

We had reservations for Furnace Creek for new years but we had to cancel them due to my job. Maybe you can swoop up on the spot we had.

[2oldman]

Tamnative wrote:
Death Valley the week of New Years. Will reservations be needed

Not if you dry camp at Sunset, across the road from Furnace creek.

[RWDIII]

I was there at one of the busiest times,49er weekend and Mesquite springs was almost empty.
if you like the boonies,drive out past teacup junction to the Racetrack

[monkey44]

You can disburse camp almost anywhere in DV -- so, don't need reservations unless you specifically want to camp in a site ... you'll really, really love DV,if you've never been there ... it's like no other place in the USA.

[profdant139]

Go! DV is great in the winter:

Death Valley in Winter

There is a lot of space at Mesquite Springs, near Scotty's Castle.

[soos]

If you don't need hook up, there are TONS of RV spots in the national park. Hard to believe they would sell out.
We went in the spring and went back and forth between hook up and no hook up because we kept extending our stay. Its a beautiful and amazing place!!

have a great time!

Sue

[Buzzcut1]

checked Reserve america and furnace creek still has sites availabe to reserve for new years

http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Furnace_Creek/r/campsiteCalendar.do?page=calendar&search=site&...