Desert
Where to Stay Near Death Valley: Best Bases Compared
Where to stay near Death Valley: Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Panamint Springs, Beatty and Tecopa compared, with drive times and heat safety tips.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48, its sights are hundreds of miles apart, and in-park lodging is limited to a few properties.
This guide compares Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs inside the park, plus Beatty, Nevada, and the hot springs towns of Tecopa and Shoshone.
In This Guide
How to Choose Where to Stay in Death Valley
Furnace Creek is central, closest to Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artists Palette and Golden Canyon. Stovepipe Wells is best for the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Mosaic Canyon, and Panamint Springs is on the west side near Highway 395.
For one or two nights, stay in Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells.
- Furnace Creek: central, most services
- Stovepipe Wells: sand dunes, usually cheaper
- Panamint Springs: west side, near Highway 395
- Beatty: budget gateway from Las Vegas
- Tecopa and Shoshone: hot springs, quiet
Furnace Creek Hotels: The Inn and The Ranch at Death Valley
The Oasis at Death Valley runs two properties a mile apart in Furnace Creek.
The Inn at Death Valley
The Inn is a 1927 stone hotel with a spring-fed pool, palm gardens and formal dining.
The Ranch at Death Valley
The Ranch is the casual option, with a store, restaurants and a pool. Badwater Basin is 30 minutes away and Zabriskie Point 10.
Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel has a pool, restaurant and store, minutes from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
It’s 30 minutes from Furnace Creek, usually cheaper, with a campground next door.
Panamint Springs Resort
Panamint Springs Resort is a small motel with a restaurant on the west edge, convenient from Highway 395. Darwin Falls and Father Crowley Vista Point are nearby.
Beatty, Nevada: Budget Base Near Death Valley
Beatty is an hour from Furnace Creek, with simple motels like the Atomic Inn and the Exchange Club Motel.
The Rhyolite ghost town is just outside town.
Tecopa and Shoshone Hot Springs
Tecopa has Delight’s Hot Springs Resort and Tecopa Hot Springs Resort, and Shoshone has the Shoshone Inn. Both are an hour or more from Furnace Creek. My natural hot springs guide covers soaking etiquette.
Camping in Death Valley
Furnace Creek Campground takes reservations on Recreation.gov from roughly mid-October to mid-April. Texas Spring, Sunset, Stovepipe Wells and Mesquite Spring are the others.
Best Time to Visit and Heat Safety
November through March is the season. Book in-park lodging three to six months ahead for holidays and spring break.
My 3-day winter itinerary covers the classic loop, and the Death Valley and Eastern Sierra itinerary adds Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills. See also the California stargazing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to stay in Death Valley?
Furnace Creek, the most central. Stovepipe Wells is second.
Is Beatty a good base for Death Valley?
Yes, for budgets or trips from Las Vegas. It’s about an hour from Furnace Creek.
Can you visit Death Valley in summer?
Yes, but it’s dangerously hot. Stay near your car, skip midday hikes and carry plenty of water.
Is The Inn at Death Valley worth it?
For a special trip. The Ranch is cheaper and just as central.
Where can you get gas in Death Valley?
Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs.
