Death Valley NP in Winter — RV camping guide
PickRV Editorial
The small team behind PickRV
winter warmth
39°–73°F
Highlights
5
RV advisories
4
Permits
1
Winter at Death Valley is the most comfortable season. Daytime 60s-70s; nights 30s-40s. Snowbirds discover this. Hiking is ideal. Furnace Creek + Sunset + Stovepipe Wells all operate. Reservation needed. Higher elevations may have snow.
Same park, other seasons
Pack for this
Typical weather, month by month
December
Pleasant · clear · short days
January
Coldest · still pleasant
February
Warming · ideal
What's special now
Highlights this season
Peak hiking season
All major trails comfortable. Mosaic Canyon, Golden Canyon, Telescope Peak.
Mosaic Canyon
1.5-mile slot canyon. Polished marble walls.
Star-gazing peak
Cold winter nights = exceptional transparency.
Snow on Telescope Peak
11,049 ft. Snowcapped against desert below.
Borax Works historic site
1880s borax mining. Self-guided tour.
Time it right
When to go
Best window to plan
December through February for peak conditions.
Before you tow in
RV-specific considerations
Reservation essential
Sunset + Stovepipe Wells reservation in winter. Furnace Creek too.
Snowbird crowds
Texas + California RV snowbirds discover this.
Cold nights
Lows in 30s-40s. Mild winterization.
Day-trips to higher elevations
Wildrose, Telescope summit have snow.
Reserve ahead
Permits + reservations
Stay safe out there
Safety considerations
- Snakes mostly dormant but warm days can bring some out.
- Hypothermia at higher elevations.
- Sun exposure intense even in winter.
- Cell service patchy.
- Heat still possible January-February afternoons.
No surprises
Honest pricing reality
What it actually costs
Furnace Creek: $14-22. Sunset + Stovepipe Wells: $14. Outside RV parks: $40-80 winter.
Quick answers
Frequently asked
Is winter the best time at Death Valley?
Many would argue yes — mild temperatures, peak hiking, comfortable nights.
Are winter campgrounds open?
Furnace Creek year-round. Sunset and Stovepipe Wells open October-April.
Is it cold at Death Valley in winter?
Mild — daytime 60s-70s. Nights 30s-40s. Higher elevations colder.
Does it snow?
Higher elevations (Telescope Peak, Wildrose) yes. Valley floor rarely.
What the NPS site won't tell you
Locals know: the drive up Emigrant Canyon to Wildrose Charcoal Kilns + Wildrose Peak gives you a winter snow experience just 30 minutes from Furnace Creek's desert warmth. 8,000+ ft elevation, often snow-laden in winter.
Sources we checked
Keep planning