Death Valley National Park: planning guide
Hot, dry basin and range in California. Salt flats, sand dunes, and colorful badlands; summers are extreme.
Death Valley National Park is in CA, United States. The nearest town is Death Valley — roughly 0.5 mi (0.8 km) out, about 1 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: March through May, then October through November. Shoulder season: February and early December.
Summer highs regularly clear 100 °F / 38 °C. Winter is pleasant by day but nights drop below freezing at elevation.
Summer heat is the real hazard, not the crowds. Hike at dawn, skip exposed trails after mid-morning, and never rely on finding water.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Death Valley | 0.5 mi (0.8 km) | 1 min |
| Searles Valley | 46.2 mi (74.3 km) | 1 hr 32 min |
| Ridgecrest | 63.9 mi (103 km) | 1 hr 58 min |
| China Lake Acres | 67.1 mi (108 km) | 2 hr 2 min |
| Fort Irwin | 67.9 mi (109 km) | 2 hr 4 min |
| Inyokern | 69 mi (111 km) | 2 hr 5 min |
| Lone Pine | 73.7 mi (119 km) | 2 hr 12 min |
| Weldon | 91.3 mi (147 km) | 2 hr 37 min |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping | Reservable | — |
| Furnace Creek | Reservable | — |
Permits
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death Valley National Park Wilderness Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
Where Death Valley National Park sits
Official Death Valley National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- Sequoia National Park
Giant sequoia groves on the western Sierra slope in California. Big trees, granite, and shared access with Kings Canyon.
- Kings Canyon National Park
Deep granite canyon and giant sequoia groves in California’s Sierra. Shares a boundary with Sequoia National Park.
- Joshua Tree National Park
Mojave and Colorado desert meeting in southern California. Twisted Joshua trees, boulder piles, and clear night skies.
- Yosemite National Park
A granite valley and high Sierra country in California. Waterfalls in spring; valley floors get crowded in summer.
Common questions
Where is Death Valley National Park?
Death Valley National Park sits in CA, United States, and the closest town of any size is Death Valley — about 1 min away.
When is the best time to visit Death Valley National Park?
Generally March through May, then October through November, with February and early December quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Death Valley National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 2 campgrounds at Death Valley National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.