Death Valley Dark Sky Festival 2026
Death Valley Dark Sky Festival — one of darkest skies in US.
2026 dates · concluded
Feb 6–8
Furnace Creek (Death Valley NP) · California
See what's coming up in California →Where to sleep in California
California campgrounds we keep verified — rig limits, fees and booking windows straight from the operator. Distances to Furnace Creek (Death Valley NP) vary, so check the map before you commit.
- Upper Pines Campground (Yosemite NP)Nearest town: Yosemite Valley · National Park Service$36/nightRigs to 35 ftBooks 5 months ahead on the 15th 7am pt via recreation.gov
- Jumbo Rocks Campground (Joshua Tree NP)Nearest town: Twentynine Palms · National Park Service$20/nightRigs to 35 ftBooks 6 months ahead via recreation.gov
- Lodgepole Campground (Sequoia NP)Nearest town: Three Rivers · National Park Service$32/nightRigs to 42 ftBooks 6 months ahead via recreation.gov
- Furnace Creek Campground (Death Valley NP)Nearest town: Furnace Creek · National Park Service$22–$36/nightRigs to 35 ftBooks 6 months ahead via recreation.gov for reservable season
Going to Death Valley Dark Sky Festival? Tell us the nights.
Local owners list their own rigs here. Pick your nights and we'll email you when one is listed for them.
What you need to know
Death Valley NP hosts annual Dark Sky Festival in February. Furnace Creek + Stovepipe Wells campgrounds RV-accessible.
Official source: nps.gov/deva
Safety + legal
February nights in basin = 40F-60F; mid-elevations colder. Carry extra water (NPS recommends 1 gal/person/day even in winter).
Insider tip
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at midnight = best Milky Way photography in DVNP.
Concluded · Feb 6–8, 2026
Death Valley Dark Sky Festival 2026 has ended
This edition ran Feb 6–8, 2026. Next year's dates have not been published yet. Nothing on this page can be booked for the dates above any more.
- Dates
- Feb 6–8, 2026
- Status
- Concluded
- Location
- Furnace Creek (Death Valley NP)
Own a rig near Furnace Creek (Death Valley NP)? List it now and be on the map for the next edition.
List your rig →This edition is behind us
The window on this page is closed. What is still live: the next edition, and the campgrounds that take bookings year-round.
Ran
Feb 6–8
Death Valley Dark Sky Festival 2026 is over for this edition.
Next
Not yet dated
No published dates yet. The California calendar has what is confirmed.
Best rigs for Death Valley Dark Sky Festival
First pick first — each row opens the class's browse page.
Plan it by rig
Each class above has its own planning page for Death Valley Dark Sky Festival — class fit and booking guidance in one place.
Frequently asked about Death Valley Dark Sky Festival
When is Death Valley Dark Sky Festival 2026?
Death Valley Dark Sky Festival 2026 runs Feb 6–8, 2026 in Furnace Creek (Death Valley NP), California.
Where is Death Valley Dark Sky Festival held?
Furnace Creek (Death Valley NP), California.
What are the exact 2026 dates?
Feb 6–8, 2026.
What RV should I rent for Death Valley Dark Sky Festival?
Best categories: rv, trucks-vans. Death Valley NP hosts annual Dark Sky Festival in February. Furnace Creek + Stovepipe Wells campgrounds RV-accessible.
How early should I book an RV?
Recommended lead time: 12 weeks. Event windows book up early, so search and lock your dates as soon as your plans firm up.
What safety and legal guidance applies?
February nights in basin = 40F-60F; mid-elevations colder. Carry extra water (NPS recommends 1 gal/person/day even in winter).
What's an insider tip?
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at midnight = best Milky Way photography in DVNP.
More California + cultural events · 5
Cross-discover same-state events you can stack with your trip, plus cultural events in other states.
PickRV is an independent RV-rental marketplace and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the NFL, FIFA, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee, or any event organizer. All event names and marks are the property of their respective owners and are used here only for factual, descriptive reference.
Plan around the event · 4
Hub state · nearest city · nearest park · recommended rig category — one click each.
State rules, safety and legalLicence + towing rules, insurance basics and the non-affiliation notice.
Important: travel + safety + insurance disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. PickRV is not an insurer, legal advisor, or vehicle-safety authority. Trip planning, route selection, rig suitability, weather, and emergency decisions are the renter's responsibility. Always consult the rig manufacturer's owner's manual, your insurance provider, the U.S. National Park Service (nps.gov), NOAA / NWS weather alerts (weather.gov), state and local emergency-management agencies, and current local regulations before and during travel. Cost figures, season windows, road conditions, and fee references on this page are estimates as of May 2026 and vary by season, location, rig, carrier, and operator. Mentions of brand names, state-tourism marks, national-park feature names, or third-party programs are informational only and do not imply affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement.
Before you rent in California — key local rules
Noncommercial Class B for motorhomes > 40 ft or > 3 axles — California Vehicle Code §12804
California Boater Card mandatory by 2025 (all ages) — California State Parks — Boater Card
Green sticker / red sticker required for OHV use on public land — California State Parks OHMVR Division
0.08% BAC limit; open container prohibited in passenger area — California Vehicle Code §23222
Editorial summary, not legal advice. Verify with California DMV before relying. Reviewed in the last 3 months (as of 2026-05-24).
California rules · last verified 2026-05-10
- State rental tax
- 9.75% · not collected by PickRV
- Min driver age
- 21+ std · 25+ Class A
- Gravel roads
- Permit required
- Generator quiet
- 22:00-06:00