About Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley NP
The lowest campground in the Western Hemisphere sits at 178 feet below sea level. Furnace Creek is the gateway
to the most extreme landscape in North America — salt flats, sand dunes, volcanic craters, and the site of the
world's highest recorded air temperature.
Highlights
- Below sea level — the lowest campground in the US
- Badwater Basin salt flats (17 mi)
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (20 mi)
- Zabriskie Point for sunrise photography
- Absolutely zero light pollution for stargazing
Directions & How to Get There
From Las Vegas: Take I-15 N to I-15 W toward Baker, then CA-127 N to CA-190 W, approximately 2.5 hours. From
Los Angeles: Take I-10 E to CA-62 N to CA-177 N to CA-62 W and US-395 N, approximately 4 hours. Alternatively,
take I-15 N to the Baker route.
Nearby Attractions
- Badwater Basin (17 mi)
- Artist's Palette Drive (20 mi)
- Mesquite Flat Dunes (20 mi)
- Zabriskie Point (5 mi)
- Scotty's Castle area (50 mi)
Insider Tips
- NEVER camp here in summer — temperatures reach 130°F and have killed visitors
- Bring more water than you think you need
- Car AC is essential — service stations are very limited
- Sunrise and sunset photography at Zabriskie Point is world-class
Best Time to Visit
Best months: November–February
Season: October–April
Access difficulty: Easy access (remote location)
What to Pack for California Camping
- Navigation: downloaded offline maps, compass, and GPS device
- Water: at least 3 liters per person per day (more in desert parks)
- Food: bear canister or use provided bear boxes where required
- Shelter: 3-season tent, rain fly, and ground tarp
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- First aid kit: including blister treatment, pain reliever, and any personal medications
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Lighting: headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp
- Safety: whistle, emergency bivy, and knowledge of your emergency exit route