Overnight parking at Stovepipe Wells

[bbbb]

I took last year off, but might make a trip to Death Valley later this month for a backpacking trip. I am looking at possibly leaving a car at Stovepipe Wells for a few nights. I've previously left a car in the large paved parking lot next to the general store there, which is right next to the campground. This was many years ago, though.

For some reason, I have a vague memory of a "no overnight parking" sign the last time I was in the area. But this could be something I only imagined too. Does anyone know what the parking situation is in that area? Or any suggested overnight parking spots nearby?

[TacoLand]

I would give a call to NPS and ask them if either the Stovepipe Wells gas station parking lot or ranger station next to it are appropriate spots to park overnight. Stovepipe Wells has new ownership based upon signs I saw on the door a few weeks ago, so previous rules may no longer be applicable there.

[DVexile]

You might try calling the VC at Furnace Creek for advice. We needed to leave a car around FC for a number of days and they were able to tell us where to park it down there. There is a NPS VC up at Stovepipe as well and so you might be able to park there, but hours vary so calling the Furnace Creek one first might be more helpful.

Most of Stovepipe is run by the concession which probably with their own parking regulations. If the NPS VC can’t help you then you might call the hotel and ask them if there is a recommended place to park a vehicle for a few nights.

[Beardilocks]

Call the hotel at SPW. The FC VC will know nothing of their policies over there as they are an independent vendor.

Second option of course is to ask NPS if you can leave a car at the VC kiosk in SPWs. They have a HUGE parking lot there.

Either way I'm sure both places would happily accommodate if you ask permission.

[bbbb]

Thanks, All. The FC VC said that parking at the SPW ranger station and letting the rangers know was their recommended option. If I get in before they open that would be tougher to do obviously. I'll also check with the hotel and see what they recommend.

[Beardilocks]

The hours at the SPW station are vague at best. So don’t lean on that.

I wouldn’t worry about leaving it there with a “hiking” sign in the window.

[bbbb]

It looks like winds gusts are forecasted to be in the 30 and 40+ mph range Fri. and Sat. so I think my Stovepipe Wells trip is getting called off unfortunately. I've had unpleasant nights camping in high winds previously and my guess is they were in the 20-25 mph range, so anything faster than that would not be bearable.

[MojaveGeek]

Stiff winds. Blowing dust. Stress on tent.. Hope you get another date with better weather!