Host: “eBay” Bob Bencsko
Host E-Mail: nomad@amcben.com
Host Phone: (702) 277-3969

Co-Host: Vic “Doc” Moss
Co-Host E-Mail: vjmoss@earthlink.net
Co-Host Phone: (702) 493-3028

Location: Texas Springs Campground, Furnace Creek, CA.
Cost: $20.00 a night or $10.00 a night with a lifetime pass. Camping is first come/first serve and site can be shared.
Visitor’s Center Phone: (760) 786-3200
Website: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/texas-springs-campground.htm

Attractions: Death Valley National Park is the lowest, hottest, and driest place in North America, although heat is not a problem in January. Attractions include Badwater Basin (at 282 feet below sea level), Dante’s View (which has a spectacular view of the valley), Scotty’s Castle, the Ubehebe Crater, and the Racetrack (where rocks seem to move for no reason). Gambling is available in Beatty, NV about 45 miles away, and there are several ghost towns or abandoned sites, in and near the park.

Directions: There are many ways into Death Valley, and all are paved except the road through Wild Rose Canyon. From the Visitors Center and Furnace Creek Ranch (both on West side of SR190), ride about 1/4 mile south. Look on the East side of the road for the turnoff to both Sunset and Texas Springs Campgrounds. Ride past the entrance to Sunset Campground, and up to Texas Springs (the road ends 1/2 mile up) Camp in any site, but we try to go as far up the campground as possible, near the restrooms at the top of the campground, spots 68-76.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/wF4WgdfLB58HjAE37.

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 36.4566, -116.8410

Elevation and Weather Notes: Furnace Creek is below sea level, and the campground is only a bit higher. Although Death Valley is very dry, the park can get occasional rainstorms. Daytime temperatures can range from 40 to 75 degrees, depending on where you go sightseeing. Nights are cold and can drop down to freezing, so plan accordingly.

What to Bring: Bring a warm sleeping bag or blankets. There is drinking water in the campground, otherwise, bring whatever you need for a great weekend getaway. We’ll have firewood for a campfire at our site and will have a hotdogs and chili gathering on Friday evening. Bring a side dish if you’d like.

Conveniences/Services: The campground has flush toilets, cold running water, and decent cell service, but there are areas in the park that are dead zones. Showers are available at Furnace Creek Ranch, and almost everything is within 1/2 mile, including fuel and dining.