Where to Stay Near Death Valley (Best Places)

5 Best Areas to Stay Near Death Valley

Most visitors stay in one of the park lodges, established campgrounds, or remote campsites in Death Valley National Park. There are tons of accommodations near top hiking trails and scenic Death Valley lookouts.

However, visitors shouldn’t overlook small towns across the Nevada border or surrounding cities. Beatty is a small community with affordable options. Pahrump and Bishop are small towns with desirable city amenities. 

Death Valley National Park

👉 Best Area For Proximity to Attractions | ✨ Best Death Valley National Park Hotels: Stovepipe Wells Village • The Ranch at Death Valley • The Inn at Death Valley

Proximity to Death Valley’s top attractions is one of the best reasons to stay in Death Valley National Park. 

Are you someone who wants to photograph the desert sunrise or be the first on the hiking trails? Stay within park boundaries and you can do both. There are plenty of resorts, lodges, and a variety of campgrounds to choose from.

Stovepipe Wells Village is one of my favorite Death Valley accommodations. It’s close to both the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Grotto Canyon, so you don’t have to go far to do some sandboarding or rock climbing. It also has an on-site general store and a swimming pool (a must in the desert).

You’ll have no trouble hitting up the best sights like Dante’s View or learning some park history at the Borax Museum in Death Valley National Park. Just keep in mind that this is a remote and popular area. Book Death Valley hotels early or look at other areas for city amenities or affordable prices. 

Pros of Staying in Death Valley National Park:

• Close to Death Valley attractions
• Wide variety of Death Valley campgrounds and lodging
• Centrally located hotels in Death Valley

Cons of Staying in Death Valley National Park:

• Lodging can be expensive
• Campgrounds fill up during peak season
• Remote location, not near any major town

Beatty, Nevada

👉 Best Area For Affordability | ✨ Best Beatty Hotels: Exchange Club Motel • El Portal Motel • Atomic Inn Beatty Near Death Valley

Beatty is the best place to stay near Death Valley National Park for travelers on a budget. 

Gas, food, and accommodation are more affordable on the Nevada side of the park. Beatty is 45 minutes from Death Valley Junction. It’s best suited for visitors who want to easily explore the desert park without having to face higher California prices.

Beatty is also the best place for off-roading and photographing the resident donkeys. Don’t miss a chance to explore the nearby Rhyolite. It’s a must-see Death Valley ghost town with an abandoned schoolhouse, jail, glass bottle house, and more worth exploring.

Exchange Club Motel in Beatty is a highly-rated and affordable accommodation option. Book a room for under $90 a night to get the most bang for your buck without compromising on the necessities.

Pros of Staying in Beatty:

• Affordable accommodation
• Cheaper gas and food prices
• Plenty of Death Valley lodging, even during peak season

Cons of Staying in Beatty:

• Farther from major Death Valley attractions
• Not as many camping options are available
• Maybe a bit too remote for some travelers 

Bishop

👉 Best Area For Mountain Hiking & Day Trips | ✨ Best Bishop Hotels: The Hostel California • Townhouse Motel • Eastside Guesthouse and Bivy

Bishop is an Eastern Sierra oasis just under 2 hours from Death Valley. It’s a great place to stay if you want to balance time at the park with time exploring the mountains and a cool small city. 

There are hiking trails throughout Death Valley National Park, but Bishop is close to a variety of high-altitude alpine trails. Spend a day exploring some of the trails and sights on Death Valley’s western side, like Father Crowley’s Outlook and Darwin Falls. Then take time to explore closer to Bishop.

I recommend hiking to Blue Lake via Lake Sabrina, which passes turquoise alpine lakes and towering granite spires along the way. After a day of hiking, spend time in downtown Bishop’s restaurants, saloons, cafes, or dessert shops.

The Hostel California is the only hostel in Bishop, but it has incredibly affordable rooms. Traveling solo? Stay in the dorm room to meet like-minded, outdoorsy friends in Bishop.

Pros of Staying in Bishop:

• Affordable accommodation
• Many alpine hiking trails to choose from
• Located near other Eastern Sierra mountain towns
• A cute downtown area with many restaurants, bars, cafes, etc.

Cons of Staying in Bishop:

• Farther from top Death Valley attractions
• No luxurious lodging to choose from
• Fewer desert attractions 

Pahrump, Nevada

👉 Best Area For Entertainment & City Amenities | ✨ Best Pahrump Hotels: Heritage House • K7 Bed and Breakfast • Pahrump RV Park & Lodging

Pahrump is located right between Las Vegas and Death Valley National Park. It’s the best place to stay for city amenities and entertainment near Death Valley. 

You’ll find an assortment of casino resorts, affordable motels, RV parks, home rentals, and hotels in Pahrump. Heritage House is great for big groups and is located near the heart of town. Pahrump RV Park & Lodging is for intrepid travelers. Bring your recreational vehicle or rent one at the RV park for a more primitive Death Valley experience.

Expect plenty of familiar big-box chain stores in Pahrump and several stores for restocking on groceries. Grab a bite to eat in town at places like El Jefe Restaurant or Mom’s Diner. Then test your luck at the casinos or try to impress the crowds during karaoke night at one of the bars.

There are hundreds of miles of off-road OHV trails around Pahrump, making it easy to explore the park this way. And it’s only an hour away from Zabriskie Point, one of the prettiest places in the Death Valley.

Pros of Staying in Pahrump:

• Many city amenities are available
• Great entertainment options
• Affordable dining

Cons of Staying in Pahrump:

• It can get loud at night
• Farther away from the national park attractions
• There can be traffic on the weekends

Death Valley Camping

👉 Best Area For Solitude | ✨ Best Death Valley Camping Hotels: Furnace Creek Campground • Texas Springs Campground

There’s no better way to experience the magnitude of the desert than by camping in Death Valley.

The Death Valley lodges are ideal for first-time visitors, but camping under the desert stars enhances the experience. Death Valley camping is perfect for stargazers and people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.

Stay at an established campground like Furnace Creek Campground, which allows campfires and has a swimming pool. Or camp at a primitive site like Eureka Dunes Campground.

Camping is available in the national park year-round, although it’s way more enjoyable in the fall and early winter months. Death Valley often receives snow in the winter. Be prepared with a heavy sleeping bag if you plan on camping at this time.

Pros of Staying in a Death Valley Campground:

• Quieter than staying in national park hotels and lodges
• Beautiful views of the night sky
• The most affordable accommodation option

Cons of Staying in a Death Valley Campground:

• Fewer amenities are available
• Not every campground has restrooms
• No close food options

Tips for Staying in Death Valley

Consider Spring and Winter Visits

The month you visit Death Valley will drastically alter your national park experience. I highly recommend visiting Death Valley in the winter and spring months for the most pleasant weather.

You may be tempted to use your time off during summer to visit on a California road trip. But I advise skipping the park in the summer due to extreme temperatures. Visiting in the winter means you may have to endure snow on some hiking trails but it’s still one of the safest times to hike in Death Valley. 

Plan at Least 2 Days

There are so many Death Valley hikes, lookouts, and other attractions to choose from. I recommend devoting at least 1 night and 2 days to exploring the park. Bookmark my complete Death Valley National Park guide for more info that will help you plan your trip.

Two days will give you enough time for two hikes and a visit to Badwater Basin, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and maybe even a Death Valley ghost town. You’ll also be able to stargaze in the park on an overnight excursion.

Bring the Hiking & Camping Essentials

Don’t forget the hiking essentials at home when visiting Death Valley. You’ll need a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking poles, at least 3 liters of water, and plenty of snacks to tackle the Death Valley trails. Want to do an overnight camping trip? You’ll want to bring all of the above, plus the proper camping essentials.

FAQs About Where to Stay Near Death Valley

What is the most visited place in Death Valley?

Badwater Basin is the most visited place in Death Valley. Badwater Basin is an expansive salt flat with incredible photo opportunities. It’s famously known as the lowest point in the lower 48 states. 

What is Death Valley known for?

Death Valley is known for being one of the hottest places in the United States. Death Valley holds the record for hottest air temperature ever recorded at a whopping 134 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I sleep in my car at Death Valley?

You can sleep in your car at designated campgrounds and on off-roading dirt roads in Death Valley. 

What is the prettiest place in Death Valley?

Zabriskie Point is one of the prettiest places in Death Valley. It is a Death Valley overlook with sweeping views of stratified desert layers.

What is the best month to Visit Death Valley?

The best month to visit Death Valley is any month between December and April. The best time to hike high Death Valley peaks without as much snow is between April and May.

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That’s it for my guide on where to stay near Death Valley. Death Valley National Park is one of the most incredible California national parks. Visiting will be a one-of-a-kind adventure. Leave a comment to let me know where you want to stay and have fun exploring!