Car camping in Death Valley isn’t for the faint of heart. In fact, it shouldn’t be for anyone, but we were those people. Driving across the vast desert wasteland, we drew deeper into what felt like the entrance to eternity. Prickly cacti, Joshua Trees, and tumbleweed glistened in the distance. The places to see in Death Valley called to us. There’s no turning back, I thought.
Stop #1: The General Store
Firewood, we’ve gotta get firewood!
—Harry, the Other Camper
With Harry’s obsession with firewood, this stop was necessary. Not just one bundle, but two per night. Wildfires or not, we were ready! Before heading to Furnace Creek campground, we grabbed happy hour at Ranch 1849 Restaurant. This was another part of the journey—but all too easy. A couple of old fashioneds and we were ready to set up camp.
It was already dark out while we set up the campsite. Hm, something’s missing, I thought. While moving the camper stove and laying out hiking clothes, I looked at Harry blankly. He was perplexed at my perplexity, but then we carried on. Suddenly, it hit me:
Harry, I forgot my tent.
—Me, the Confused Camper
Harry’s 4×4 SUV looked more cozy than ever before. “She’s yours for the night,” Harry says. A sigh of relief took over as I thought I might have been sleeping with the crazy coyotes. Okay, enough survival mode—let’s get into the food! One of the silver linings of this trip was the gourmet menu we prepped from start to finish before hitting the places to see in Death Valley.
As we indulged in the spicy scorpions, we boasted with excitement about all the hikes and the Death Valley adventures to come. Sure, I was tentless, but I was hopeful. I grinned like Chevy Chase, who felt like he’d won the jackpot with the SUV I got to crash in for the weekend! Little did we know what was next.
Stop 2: Furnace Creek Visitor Center
When the sun rose, we didn’t. But shortly after, we did. After a giant cup of camp coffee, we were ready to take on the day! Before starting our hike, we stopped by the Visitor Center to learn more about things to do in Death Valley National Park. I grabbed the wildest, wackiest souvenirs and checked out. The lady at the counter seemed fine until the end of our transaction.
Wild weather is upon us.
—Retired Girl Scout, Death Valley Ranger
We got into the SUV and didn’t say a word. After blasting house music for miles, I turned the music down. “Harry, what do you think she means?” I asked. Harry wanted to check the weather app, but the service was down. “We can try to keep checking,” he says.
Stop #3: Golden Canyon
It was time to feast our eyes on a magnificent sea of golden viewpoints. Not just any viewpoints, Golden Canyon to Zabriskie Point was an area where R2-D2 and C-3PO roamed during the filming of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” It was easy to see why they chose this destination. There was something perfect about the way the mountaintops formed in a seamless pattern.
Harry living his best life at Golden Canyon.
Stop 4: Badwater Basin
We climbed to the top and decided it was time for more Death Valley adventures. We weren’t leaving without seeing the lowest point in North America—one of the best places to see in Death Valley. I couldn’t believe all the incredible nature in this park! We drove a short distance to arrive and wandered down a long, skinny pathway until we overlooked the salt flats in all their wonder.
Death Valley adventures: me doing the most at the Salt Flats.
Stop #5: Artist’s Drive
We raced to see one last stop before sunset: the artist’s palette of the desert. Mother Nature surprised us with colorful hues in the rocks: the oxidation of the minerals created a rainbow of reds, pinks, yellows, purples, and greens. As the sun quickly set, we caught a glimpse of this mountainous canvas, inviting us in for more.
Driving at sunset to find views that make us say, “aahhhhh” at Artist’s Drive.
Stop #6: What Happens at Camp, Stays at Camp 🏕
It was time for a meal of desert varmints. We were exhilarated from having seen so much in one day! It felt nice to relax and soak in the stars. While sipping craft beer under the moonlight, the dust in the air began to frolic, growing with each passing moment. The enjoyment of our evening lingered, but worry arrived without warning.
Suddenly, objects from our camp dinner flew off the table. Harry and I quickly cleaned and decided to take the trash out before it was too late. We walked to find a dumpster and looked off in the distance to see the craziest thing we’d ever seen in our lives: a monstrous windstorm.
Car camping in Death Valley felt like a scene from Wizard of Oz. Photo credit.
Some would call it a tornado, but I’ve never seen anything like it!
—Me, Feeling Like Dorothy from Wizard of Oz
Harry and I could barely get the trash into the dumpster as the wind attacked from all angles. I screamed profanity into the night sky. This moment was too wild to be true! We found ourselves turning our backs to the wind and walking backward just to reach our campsite. While we only had to walk 200 feet, this felt like crossing the Sahara.
The wind was so powerful that we could only take single strides to move from one point to another. I laughed at the absurdity of it all and suddenly envied our neighbors in RVs. While Harry’s tent ripped and roared in the distance, he looked concerned. “How am I going to sleep in that?” he mutters.
Harry, it’s fine! I’ll give you permission
to sleep in your own vehicle.
—Me, That One Camper
We both laughed and then went into survival mode to get everything packed into the car for safety. I checked the weather and couldn’t believe the advisory I was reading: Death Valley: Windstorm Advisory for up to 60 to 75 mph. Are you kidding me? We just casually walked through that windstorm, no big deal! I was in shock.
During the night, the winds fought and sent every object flying: branches, dust, coyotes, and even our camp table, which wouldn’t fit in the car. It dinged the side of Harry’s SUV—flying about 20 ft—ouch! We managed to get naps between the wind’s fury, until it was sunrise.
Stop #7: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
One of the last places to see in Death Valley on our list was Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. From the car, we stared into the oblivion of dunes, hoping for a sign. It started to rain. We waited ten more minutes until finally, our patience was rewarded with an opportunity to waltz into the vast wasteland of sand. Bravely, I brought my camera.
This place was incredible and shouldn’t be missed for amazing things to do in Death Valley National Park! The surrounding dunes were a mirage of perfection. We climbed over the highest peaks and the lowest valleys to explore new perspectives. That was until Mother Nature had another surprise: a sandstorm.
Before and after the dunes released their grains of fury!
I packed my snowboarding goggles, and when the wind picked up, it felt like the grains of sand were like a million tiny little needles scratching against my face! AHHHHH!
—Harry, the Firewood Fanatic
Harry wondered how I was dealing with the sandstorm. I was winging it. Wrapping my scarf around my head and covering my camera the best I could, it was like an episode of Ginger vs. Wild. We couldn’t see each other, but we knew each other was there as we battled the winds to trek back to the parking lot.
Full Send to the End
Now, when you hear the words Death Valley, it’ll have a different meaning for you, like it does for me. Not only were there unexpected places to see in Death Valley, but there were unexpected experiences that made us question why any brave nomad would come here. We lived to tell the tale and do not regret our decision to see this place in all its splendor.
My face after a victorious weekend in Death Valley.
Would I visit Death Valley again? The answer is yes.
Sincerely,
That One-Ginger-Nomad Named Sydney
_________
If Death Valley adventures are calling to you and you’re ready to visit—here are some tips for safe camping! 🏕
Car Camping Death Valley: Tips for Safety
- Don’t talk to the coyotes unless you howl like you mean it!
- Avoid Car Camping in Death Valley around washes and canyons—flash floods are risky business.
- Gas stations are limited! Fill your tank up before entering the park.
- Stay in developed campsites only: Furnace Creek (with limited capacity), Emigrant, and Mesquite Spring.
- Due to dangerously high temperatures of 134°F (57°C), you’ll want to avoid car camping in Death Valley from May to September!
- During summer, try the higher-elevation campgrounds for a cooler experience: Emigrant, Wildrose, or Mesquite Spring.
- Don’t hang with rattlesnakes and scorpions! Watch your step around rocks and vegetation to dodge these small, pesky beasts.
- Abandoned mines can be dangerous. Entering the premises is no bueno!
- Cell service is limited in the park; consider bringing walkie-talkies or a satellite device if you just need to flex on the Gram.
See a dark cloud? It may be a sign of an approaching windstorm. Be sure to stake camping chairs and tents down for safety.
