Camping in Death Valley?

[Janice]

Unfortunately our son dislocated his shoulder skiing and can't ski for awhile. The silver lining is that he asked if we wanted to meet him in Death Valley in hopes of seeing the super bloom. I was able to say yes, so in a little more than a week, we'll meet in Vegas, drive to DV on Friday morning, and camp for 3 nights. I assume it will be crowded, but we can only go for a long weekend or not at all. We had hoped to stay at Mesquite Spring or Emigrant, but both are closed due to flood damage. I'm not comfortable driving difficult, rocky roads in a rental (well, not at all, really), so some of the campgrounds are off limits to us. Reservations aren't possible at this late date. Any tips for finding non-reservable sites that might be available when we arrive Friday morning? Unless I'm missing something, it appears that spots in the park that could work for us are limited to Texas Springs, Stovepipe Wells, and Sunset. Which of those 3 should we try for first? Or do you have other recommendations that aren't obvious? Should we consider staying outside the park? If so, on the eastern side would work best.

Also, any favorite spots to see flowers blooming, especially on longer hikes or areas that may be less crowded?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[balzaccom]

Stovepipe Wells campground is large and as one ranger told me "I have never seen it completely full,." It is basically one large parking lot, but you can camp there, it has restrooms, and it's centrally located for lots of good hikes: Mosaic Canyon, Marble Canyon,e tc.

Sunset is simllar and is across the road from Furnace Creek, and there is a large overflow area. Also an option.

Texas Springs is our favorite, and sits above Sunset, with great views. But it fills up early and the lower section is tent camping only, Since Sunset and Texas Springs are on your way to Stovepile Wells, stop in and see if you can get a spot there first. Chances are good if you arrive early in the morning and find someone who is leaving.

Check with the park service when you arrive (you can check in at Frunace Creek or Stovepipe Weills) for current conditions, the big storms closed some of the roads--although it looks as if most are opened again.

Our favorite hikes are Golden Canyon/Gower Gulch loop, Sidewinder Camyon (make sure you hike the right canyon out of the parking lot!) , Mosaic Canyon, Titus and Falls Canyons. But give yourself time to explore the Borax works (best late in the day) Slat Creek to see the pupfish, and Mesuite Dunes to get sand in your shoes.

Hiking - Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

hope that helps.

 

[Janice]

Stovepipe Wells campground is large and as one ranger told me "I have never seen it completely full,." It is basically one large parking lot, but you can camp there, it has restrooms, and it's centrally located for lots of good hikes: Mosaic Canyon, Marble Canyon,e tc.

Sunset is simllar and is across the road from Furnace Creek, and there is a large overflow area. Also an option.

Texas Springs is our favorite, and sits above Sunset, with great views. But it fills up early and the lower section is tent camping only, Since Sunset and Texas Springs are on your way to Stovepile Wells, stop in and see if you can get a spot there first. Chances are good if you arrive early in the morning and find someone who is leaving.

Check with the park service when you arrive (you can check in at Frunace Creek or Stovepipe Weills) for current conditions, the big storms closed some of the roads--although it looks as if most are opened again.

Our favorite hikes are Golden Canyon/Gower Gulch loop, Sidewinder Camyon (make sure you hike the right canyon out of the parking lot!) , Mosaic Canyon, Titus and Falls Canyons. But give yourself time to explore the Borax works (best late in the day) Slat Creek to see the pupfish, and Mesuite Dunes to get sand in your shoes.

Hiking - Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

hope that helps.

Great info - thanks so much!