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Old 03-01-2021, 02:49 PM   #1
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Death Valley 2021

I am interested in going through Death Valley National Park this year. Is anyone there now? My thought was to be there end of April and beginning of May. Since I have a 40 ft. 5th wheel, any recommendation of where to stay.
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Old 03-01-2021, 03:04 PM   #2
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That time frame could well be way too late in the year. The temps could well be (probably) in the triple digit range by then.
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Old 03-01-2021, 03:16 PM   #3
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That time frame could well be way too late in the year. The temps could well be (probably) in the triple digit range by then.
Oh No! Thank you. When would be the optimal time to go?
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Old 03-01-2021, 10:30 PM   #4
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I go to DV yearly, usually on my motorsickle - October is usually OK as well as February and March.
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Old 03-01-2021, 10:49 PM   #5
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We spent Christmas (2019) there and it was awesome.
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Old 03-02-2021, 01:19 AM   #6
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Too hot by May 1. I like Feb. Even March can be 95 degrees some years. You can gain some elevation and be okay, but that is where everyone else goes in warm weather. You could pass through in April, but the heat and the steep grades are hard on RVs.
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Old 03-02-2021, 12:17 PM   #7
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Thank you all for your responses. I guess I am not going this year. Now planning for 2022, would probably go February or March. Has anyone taken their fifth wheel here (mine is 40 feet)? I will be coming from the East (Maryland).

Any recommendations for route, as well as campgrounds to stay?

Thanks, again.
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Old 03-02-2021, 03:30 PM   #8
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IIRC, coming at it from the east is reasonable. Review the videos of the western approach/exit through the mountains, I suspect you could make it although it would be a but hairy.
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Old 03-02-2021, 06:44 PM   #9
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IIRC, coming at it from the east is reasonable. Review the videos of the western approach/exit through the mountains, I suspect you could make it although it would be a but hairy.
I give up. What is IIRC?
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Old 03-02-2021, 06:55 PM   #10
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Quote:
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IIRC, coming at it from the east is reasonable. Review the videos of the western approach/exit through the mountains, I suspect you could make it although it would be a but hairy.
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I give up. What is IIRC?
I think Curt means this from the abbreviation list - IIRC = If I Remember Correctly

IIRC I have to say that alot anymore too.

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Old 03-02-2021, 07:02 PM   #11
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I think Curt means this from the abbreviation list - IIRC = If I Remember Correctly

IIRC I have to say that alot anymore too.

Yup, IIRC = If I Recall (or Remember) Correctly. Those iif us with CRS have to say that a lot (CRS = Can't Remember uh.. Stuff)
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Old 03-02-2021, 07:13 PM   #12
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If I come in from the East, don't I exit to the West. Is there more than one road to Death Valley? Is there an interstate? I am looking for someone who has actually done this with a 5th wheel.

Thank you.
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Old 03-02-2021, 11:52 PM   #13
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I did it with a 23' TT. Didn't phase me. The officer verifying I had tire chains on exit was a new one though. It snowed, but not a ton. Got into about a foot of snow later in the trip. THAT sucked.
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Old 03-03-2021, 08:17 AM   #14
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I did it with a 23' TT. Didn't phase me. The officer verifying I had tire chains on exit was a new one though. It snowed, but not a ton. Got into about a foot of snow later in the trip. THAT sucked.
What time of the year was it?
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Old 03-03-2021, 08:33 AM   #15
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What time of the year was it?
Would have been December 26th.
(I posted above about spending Christmas there.)

I don't remember the map or routes. We'd have come in from the Grand canyon and left to go to Pinnacles NP. So whatever Google or Garmin says that route would be... I recall it being a LONG time after we left before we weren't in the boonies. I was GLAD that I paid $5/gal to top off the diesel juice.
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Old 03-03-2021, 08:50 AM   #16
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We towed our 33’ fiver there in November of 2015. We came in from the east through Las Vegas and Pahrump. No problem with the roads.
We stayed in Stove Pipe Wells with FHU’s. Had a fun time driving all over the park.
Weather was nice the entire time, mid-80’s daytime and low 50’s at night. And WOW! the stars at night are spectacular.
Diesel fuel was $5.49!! and only available at one place in the park. There were three gas stations in the park but only one with diesel.
We plan to go again next year, perhaps in Feb/ March to hopefully see wildflowers.
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Old 03-03-2021, 10:23 AM   #17
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There are at least 3 main routes into Death Valley. Be ready for a lot of steep grades, curves and up and down. The heat makes it worse. I have stopped plenty of times to either cool off my brakes or drivetrain when towing.

At the right time of year, a trailer is not really necessary. My favorite way to camp in DV is with a cot and no tent. Above the rocks, the sky for a roof. The stars are really good. No need for a campground.
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Old 03-05-2021, 10:56 PM   #18
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If you come in on I-40 and take the road to Pahrump (over the hump to Pahrump), there are several good RV parks to at least spend a night or two, lots of fueling stations and grocery stores. Preferred RV has long, easy in/out pull thru's and accept Passport America for up to 14 days.
There are some festivals/events in Death Valley during the winter so be sure to check dates and make reservations if necessary before you venture there. Enjoy your trip.
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Old 03-06-2021, 01:52 AM   #19
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We've taken our motorhome there about a dozen times. Had to cancel this last year because of Covid. We always go between November and February and always stay at Furnace Creek. November has 49er Days event and it gets packed. It's right next to the FC ranch and their mini market. The visitor center is right next door to our campsite and there is a walk thru museum at Ranch. They have great ranger talks at the vistor center and at sites in the park.
As for where you can stay, Furnace Creek has some hook up sites and others that are pull thru for super large RVs, reservations required. Sunset is across the street from Furnace Creek and it's a First come basis. It's just a huge parking lot lined out for RVs. Can't really put your slides out or awning if it gets crowded and no outside setup. There is also Texas Canyon up the hill , but we've never stayed there. Stove Pipe Wells at the west center of the park has some hook up I think and has a mini market and vistorinformation center. Fuel can be bought at Stove Pipe Wells and reasonable prices. Furnace Creek has a station, but it's way over priced $1.50 per gallon over Stove pipe Wells. We come from LA and go up 395 to Olancha and go over the mountains to Panamint Valley and then over the pass into DV. That route is not for trailers or 5ers as it very windy and climbs for miles and miles. But I have seen foolhardy TT's and 5er's doing it. If the climb doesn't get you the long,long, road down will.
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Old 03-06-2021, 08:16 AM   #20
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Where to stay in Death Valley

Stay outside of DV , go to Panamint Springs ! Rv hook ups . Panamint Springs Resort
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