2023-02-08, 12:29 AM
Hi all, I was doing some research on Death Valley road conditions and found this forum. Lovely that there is a forum just for Death Valley!
Death Valley is one of my favorite places in the state, but unfortunately with all life's obligations I've not been able to get there as often as I'd like. In fact, other than a quick stop there a couple years ago, I haven't had a real trip there for 6 years! Well I have an opportunity to go in early March, so I am starting to plan the trip.
I like to camp outside of standard campgrounds when possible, but I only have a 2WD, and my experience in the past on Death Valley dirt roads reduced my likelihood to take chances there (stuck in sand once, flat tire another time). So, I tend to want to stick to well graded dirt roads without "issues" like "sharp rocks that can puncture tires." Given this limitation, and adding the damage to many Death Valley roads from the 2022 storms, noted on the Death Valley park site, I am wondering if I'll be able to find any camping opportunities other than the designated campsites.
What has others' recent experience been, particularly if you also are limited by having 2WD?
If I do need to stick to standard campgrounds, is it likely I'll find spots open? Eg at Stove Pipe Wells, Furnace Creek, Sunset, Texas Spring campgrounds?
Death Valley is one of my favorite places in the state, but unfortunately with all life's obligations I've not been able to get there as often as I'd like. In fact, other than a quick stop there a couple years ago, I haven't had a real trip there for 6 years! Well I have an opportunity to go in early March, so I am starting to plan the trip.
I like to camp outside of standard campgrounds when possible, but I only have a 2WD, and my experience in the past on Death Valley dirt roads reduced my likelihood to take chances there (stuck in sand once, flat tire another time). So, I tend to want to stick to well graded dirt roads without "issues" like "sharp rocks that can puncture tires." Given this limitation, and adding the damage to many Death Valley roads from the 2022 storms, noted on the Death Valley park site, I am wondering if I'll be able to find any camping opportunities other than the designated campsites.
What has others' recent experience been, particularly if you also are limited by having 2WD?
If I do need to stick to standard campgrounds, is it likely I'll find spots open? Eg at Stove Pipe Wells, Furnace Creek, Sunset, Texas Spring campgrounds?