How To Decide Where To Stay In Death Valley

Updated June 2025

Whether you’re camping on a budget or prefer a luxury stay, this is your guide on where to stay in Death Valley no matter your travel style.

Right on the border of Nevada and California lies Death Valley, a magical and majorly underrated desert oasis and adventure destination.

Death Valley National Park boasts some of the most unique and varied landscapes throughout the entire United States, making it one of my top travel highlights in all of California.

I took a trip to Death Valley with a friend during the winter to avoid the scorching temperatures that roll in during the summer months. While I didn’t exactly know what to expect, any expectations that I did have were completely blown away!

From the Sahara-esque sand dunes to the long stretches of snow-white salt flats, Death Valley is an absolute must-see for everyone, whether you live in California or across the country.

While getting to the national park from Los Angeles was pretty painless (it’s only about four hours from the city), deciding on where to stay in Death Valley was a whole other ballgame.

With so many different pros and cons to every accommodation option, deciding on where we’d sleep at night was one of the toughest decisions.

That being said, this comprehensive accommodation guide is here to save you the same frustrations and help you decide where to stay in Death Valley.

Short on Time? Here are My Top Death Valley Accommodations at a Glance:

• The Inn at Death Valley, for the best luxury accommodation (and most convenient) inside Death Valley National Park
• Amargosa Opera House, for quirky and modest accommodations inside the park
• Wild West Airbnb, for the best home stay outside the park in Beatty, NV
• Designed to Death Airbnb, for the most design-centric home stay in Beatty, NV

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Where to Stay in Death Valley: Your Ultimate Guide

What to Know Before Deciding Where to Stay in Death Valley

Covering 3.4 million acres, Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous U.S. (lower 48). Due to its incredible vastness, having the proper accommodations during your stay in Death Valley is pretty important.

After all, you don’t want to end up hours away from all the top highlights on your list.

Here are the top things to consider when choosing accommodation in and around Death Valley.

• Staying Inside or Outside the Park: One of the biggest dilemmas that can come up is deciding between staying in the actual park or lodging in one of the nearby towns like Beatty or Pahrump. Though there are definite advantages to staying inside the park (like spending less time driving in and out), your accommodation options are pretty limited. For the most part, it’s 1) camp or 2) spend a pretty penny on a hotel room. Still, this is the most convenient option by far.
• Direction You’re Arriving From: If you are driving in from the Los Angeles area or Northern California, the town that will be most convenient for your stay will be different than if you are coming in from Las Vegas or Arizona. If you plan on staying outside of the park, don’t choose a town without considering this.
• Time of Year: Summer temps get extremely HOT, so knowing what to expect weather-wise is very necessary when choosing accommodation, especially if you plan on camping. If you see yourself taking a mid-day break at your accommodation in-between hikes, camping is probably not for you. During my trip, I enjoyed the less-scorching temperatures of the winter during the day, but at night time it was shockingly cold and I was grateful to have a real bed and heated cabin to sleep in.

Death Valley Accommodation FAQ

Can you stay overnight in Death Valley National Park?

Yes! There are several different options for overnight accommodations within the park itself. From hotels to camping to RV hookups, there’s something for everyone seeking an overnight experience in Death Valley.

Is it better to stay inside or outside of Death Valley National Park?

I personally think that staying within the park is your most convenient option. It allows you to maximize your time and gives you the most flexibility when compared to some other hotels near Death Valley.

However, there are some great Airbnbs and hotels outside of the park as well. It just depends on what you’re wanting to prioritize during your trip.

If you’re only staying for one or two nights, opt to stay inside the park so you don’t waste time driving in and out.

Where is the most affordable place to stay in Death Valley?

If you’re willing to skimp on comfort, there are several campgrounds in Death Valley that are free including Emigrant, Wildrose, Thorndike and Mahogany Flat.

If you want something more central with better services, camping and RV hookups at Fiddler’s Campground can be reserved for really low prices.

If roughing it is not your thing, Stovepipe Wells Village or The Ranch at Death Valley are pretty affordable accommodations in the park. Depending on the time of the year, you can get a nice room for under $200 at the Ranch or at Stovepipe Wells.

That being said, hotels within the park tend to be more expensive than some of the more affordable (and cool) Airbnbs found outside of the park.

Where should I stay if I’m visiting Death Valley from Las Vegas?

Pahrump is the closest town outside of Death Valley on the way in from Las Vegas.

Where should I stay if I’m visiting Death Valley from Los Angeles?

The fastest route from Los Angeles to Death Valley takes you closest to Stovepipe Wells, Furnace Creek and Beatty, Nevada.

Where did you stay in Death Valley?

I personally stayed in this Airbnb in Beatty called the Wild West cabin. It was perfect and cozy for 2-4 guests but required a bit of a drive in and out of the park each day.

What is the best part of Death Valley?

Some of the most stunning places to explore in Death Valley in my opinion are Badwater Basin, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes as well as Zabriskie Point.

How many days are enough in Death Valley?

Depending on how fast you like to explore, 2-3 nights should be plenty to explore Death Valley and see all the highlights. If you prefer slow travel, you can certainly stay longer and explore lesser frequented spots.

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Death Valley Campgrounds vs Hotels?

You might be asking yourself, should I camp in Death Valley or book a hotel or home rental? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each below so you can make the right choice for you.

Pros of Camping in Death Valley

• By far the most affordable accommodation option
• Convenience in proximity to some of the best sites (depending on the campground)
• Enjoy nature to the fullest, including stargazing at night—Death Valley is a Dark Sky Park!
• A more peaceful and remote experience, depending on where you camp

Pros of Staying at Hotels in Death Valley

• Better comfort overall (especially mid-day in hotter months)
• Air conditioning
• Potential amenities like pools and restaurant access
• Easier access to meals and kitchens to cook for yourself
• Showers

Where to Stay Inside Death Valley National Park

Pros and Cons of Staying Inside Death Valley National Park

The biggest benefit to staying within Death Valley National Park is having the ability to maximize your time exploring. There truly is so much to see, and being able to have the freedom to explore on your own time and not be bound by a driving schedule is definitely a plus.

If you stay inside Death Valley borders, you’ll have the convenience of being able to change clothes or grab something you may have forgotten, or just have the freedom to take a nap or grab food during the hottest times of day in the park.

These are all useful pros to take into account when narrowing down where to stay in Death Valley. However, nothing is ever perfect…staying in the park is pricier on average.

While some hotels offer very affordable rooms, your chances of finding something that is comfortable without breaking the bank is much more difficult.

The Best Hotels Inside Death Valley National Park

• The Ranch at Death Valley – The Ranch at Death Valley is the part of the Oasis at Death Valley that offers cheaper accommodations right in the heart of the park. If a comfortable yet affordable stay (compared to other options) is what you’re seeking when deciding where to stay in Death Valley, The Ranch will give you the best of both worlds. Plus, it is right next to some cute restaurants, a coffee bar, and a general store.

check rates for the ranch

• The Inn at Death Valley – For those looking for a more luxurious hotel in Death Valley, The Inn at Death Valley is both exclusive and an historic inn. The Inn is the more expensive section of The Oasis at Death Valley resort, and while it is definitely a splurge, it is a stunning setup for those able to afford it. The Inn is a bit more secluded and private than The Ranch, offering a more peaceful retreat in the desert. There is even a golf course here for those that want activities beyond exploring the desert landscape.

check rates for the inn

From both of these hotels, you’re within 20 minutes drive to some of the most popular sites like Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin and Artist’s Palette.

Other Hotel Options Inside Death Valley

• Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel – The Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel is a 3-star that’s been offering accommodations right in the center of Death Valley National Park since 1926. It has an Old Western theme and rustic aesthetic that provides basic accommodations for the area and is a 5 minute drive from Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

check rates for stovepipe wells

• Panamint Springs Resort – Located in Panamint Valley on the tip of Death Valley National Park, the Panamint Springs Resort is a western-style resort with a unique atmosphere that provides the option for lodging, camping or RV services. From here, it takes about 30 minutes to drive to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

check rates for panamint springs

• Amargosa Hotel – The Amargosa is a small, quirky hotel that has only 16 rooms and sits in a very private and secluded part of Death Valley Junction. While it’s not technically inside the park, it sits just on the eastern outskirts so it’s closer than staying in the other towns I’ll mention below. It’s about 35 minutes drive from the Furnace Creek center of Death Valley.

check rates for amargosa hotel

Camping Inside Death Valley National Park

If you find yourself drawn to the idea of camping out in the vast landscapes of Death Valley, you’re in luck! With nine different campgrounds to choose from, there are plenty of options.

From the more comfortable and popular Furnace Creek Campgrounds to the more secluded Wildrose Campgrounds in Panamint Mountains, each spot has something unique to offer, and a handful of them are even free!

Important Note: Temperatures in Death Valley can get scorching outside of the winter months, so take this into consideration before deciding on whether you’ll camp inside the park.

• Furnace Creek – Furnace Creek is by far the most popular campground in Death Valley National Park. While they are open all year, they only take reservations from October to April. Their standard rate is $30 per night (though RV hook-up sites and group sites cost more). Furnace Creek offers electricity, cell reception and flushing toilets, making it one of the nicer and more updated campgrounds in the area.
• Sunset – Sunset Campground is located within an area of Furnace Creek. This dry area offers little to no vegetation and does not offer any tables or electrical outlets. It can be reserved for as little as $18 but is only open in the late fall through early spring.
• Texas Springs – Texas Springs is a first come first served campground that is also located at Furnace Creek. With a few amenities such as tables and firepits, visitors can rent a space in the fall and spring for $20.
• Stovepipe Wells – Located about 30 minutes from Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells is a campground that is open through late fall to early spring and features views of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. They do not take reservations but spots can be booked for $18 per night.
• Mesquite Spring – Sitting at an elevation of 1,800 feet, Mesquite Spring is open all year long on a first come first serve basis. It is a smaller campground that offers decent amenities such as running water, flushing toilets, tables, and firepits. Mesquite Spring can be visited year-round for $20 per night.
• Emigrant – Emigrant is a campground that offers tent-camping only all year round with no reservations. It is a smaller campground with only 10 campsites available, but best of all, it’s the first Death Valley campsite that’s free (though you’ll still have to pay your entrance fee to the park).
• Wildrose – Wildrose is a free campsite that will provide you with a true camping experience—it’s in an area that is higher elevation and can be prone to high winds. There is no running water here or flushing toilets (there are only pits).
• Thorndike – With only six sites, Thorndike campground is the smallest campsite in Death Valley National Park and stands at 7,400 feet. Similar to Wildrose and Emigrant, Thorndike is a free campsite. However, it is only open in the late spring through the fall – no reservations taken.
• Mahogany Flat – The last of the Death Valley campgrounds is Mahogany Flat. Standing at a massive 8,200 feet elevation, with no running water or flushing toilets, Mahogany Flat is not for the faint of heart. However, it is a beautiful and free spot that serves up stunning views of Death Valley.

Where to Stay Outside Death Valley National Park

The Pros and Cons to Staying Outside the Park

Similarly to staying inside Death Valley National Park, there are a few pros and cons to finding accommodations outside of the park.

The biggest con to staying outside of the national park is definitely the added driving time. While it isn’t the worst issue, you will have to plan your days around traveling back and forth from your lodging to the park.

This means packing everything you’ll need for the entire day as heading back to your accommodation “for a break” or if you forget anything isn’t so simple.

If you’re a photographer and want to explore places at sunrise and sunset, this also means earlier wake-up calls or later nights driving out of the park.

With that said, there are some pretty great Airbnbs and hotels outside of Death Valley that are more affordable than what you’ll find inside the park!

Weighing these pros and cons will help you figure out what you specifically need and want for your trip.

I opted for staying outside of Death Valley National Park, and though the driving did cut into our exploration a bit, the Airbnb that we chose was the perfect option for us.

Where to stay in Beatty, NV

Beatty is an incredibly small town of under 900 people located about 30 miles outside of Death Valley National Park. It’s a 45 minute drive from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

If you’re traveling from Las Vegas, Beatty is only 120 miles away, making it a viable option for those looking to stay outside of the park (although, it might be a bit more out of the way for Vegas residents when compared to Pahrump).

For those coming in from Northern Nevada or California wanting to stay outside of park borders, Beatty is a good option.

Though the town of Beatty doesn’t have a ton to offer, it does have some pretty adorable Airbnbs that provide their own unique experience (and for a pretty fair price)!

• Wild West Airbnb – The Wild West Airbnb is where I stayed during my trip. We chose this option because we wanted to spend our days at the park exploring all the magnificent landscapes and taking photos from sunrise till sunset, meaning we weren’t planning on spending much time at our accommodations anyway. I was also traveling with one of my guy friends, so having a two-bedroom was a priority for us. If you don’t mind staying a bit outside of the park, then I would highly recommend this clean and cozy Airbnb.

• Designed to Death Airbnb – The Designed to Death Airbnb is a modern and stylish Airbnb that’s perfect for larger groups visiting Death Valley! It can fit up to seven people, and it’s truly a diamond in the rough for design-lovers.
• Death Valley Inn and RV Park – Whether you’re looking for a decent place to sleep at night or you’re in need of a solid spot to park your RV, the Death Valley Inn Motel and RV Park is a quaint and convenient accommodation in Beatty.
• Atomic Inn – With a retro style that somehow fits perfectly in the Wild West pioneering town of Beatty, Nevada, the Atomic Inn has been offering lodging to guests in Death Valley since 1979. It is also one of the cheapest hotels in all of Beatty. That being said, manage your expectations here—it’s extremely basic.
• Exchange Club Motel – Created in 1906, the Exchange Club Motel is an actual Beatty/Death Valley landmark. It’s also a super affordable and easy place to find lodging outside of the park, but again—nothing super fancy here.

Where to stay in Pahrump, NV

If you’re looking for more affordable accommodations but like the reliability of a chain hotel, Pahrump, Nevada might be perfect for you. It’s a bit further outside of the park than Beatty, but the hotel options are dependable and cheap.

Pahrump is slightly over an hour drive to reach the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

• Holiday Inn Express – With simple yet clean rooms, Pahrump’s Holiday Inn Express is a great spot to get a good night’s sleep and eat a large breakfast before heading out on your adventure in the park all day. The rooms aren’t much to write home about, but for a Holiday Inn, but they get the job done.

check rates for the holiday inn

• Best Western Pahrump Oasis – Just like the neighboring Holiday Inn Express, the Best Western Pahrump Oasis also offers a full breakfast for guests so that you can get your fill before strolling along the stunning salt flats and sand dunes. They even have a decent pool to help you cool off from the desert heat (if you’re visiting during the warmer months)!

check rates for best western

I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Death Valley. If you have any questions, drop a comment below!

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