Adventurer, outdoorsman, four-wheeler, author, and defender of sustainable outdoor motorized recreational access.
 |
| Not closed, but too full for you |
Capacity Closures are the next threat to access when it's not closed, but just full. Now what?
By Del Albright | delalbright.com
When the morning sun kisses the mountains and the chill still hangs in the desert air, there’s nothing more satisfying than the sound of breakfast sizzling in a cast-iron skillet. For overlanders, this isn’t just a meal — it’s a ritual, a reward, and a reminder of why we chase trails and sleep under stars. And yes, I realize we don't all have room or weight options for cast iron, but if you do, there's nothing like it.
Death Valley National Park is not known for trees, rest rooms, amenities and cool camping spots. On the other hand, there are some really nice camping spots if you look hard enough. And I'm talking besides Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells.
This privately owned and operated resort has nice camping (tents, RVs, dry RV, and mini cabins) as well as bathrooms (not to brag on, but usable). Sunsets and sunrises here can be spectacular, let alone the jet fly bys.
Remotely located a long ways down the Saline Valley road, these hot springs are world famous for camping and soaking. Palm trees and several clean soaking tubs compliment the camping. Originally a 1960s naked hippy hangout, the Park Service still warns folks that clothing is optional here.
A Death Valley camp ground for tents and small RV (trailers), with a nice bathroom, this camp is located up near the turn off to Scotty's Castle.
Panamint Springs Resort
Amenities:
Reviews: Guests appreciate the peaceful environment and the convenience of the on-site facilities. The restaurant is noted for its selection of craft beers and as a pleasant spot to watch sunsets. However, some reviews mention that the bathrooms and showers are basic but serviceable, and the food, while expensive, is satisfactory.
Saline Valley Warm Springs
Amenities:
Reviews: Visitors highlight the remote beauty and unique experience of the natural hot springs. However, reaching the springs requires navigating challenging roads that can be tough on vehicles, especially tires. Travelers recommend using high-clearance 4WD vehicles equipped with full-size spare tires and traction aids. It's also advised to carry ample supplies due to the area's isolation.
Mesquite Springs Campground
Amenities:
Reviews: Campers appreciate the spacious sites and the presence of basic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables. The campground is noted for its quiet atmosphere and scenic surroundings.
Summary
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
Death Valley National Park is an incredible desert environment because it’s one of the most extreme and diverse landscapes in the world. Much of it can be enjoyed by backcountry camping or overlanding. Just make sure you have whatever necessary permits fit your adventure (entrance fees, tour permits, camping, etc.).
Death Valley National Park is 3.4 million acres (about 5,270 square miles or 13,650 square kilometers), making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States. It stretches across eastern California and western Nevada and features vast desert landscapes, sand dunes, mountains, and salt flats, including Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.
By Del Albright
First of all, follow ALL rules and regulations for your area when it comes to campfires. If they are banned/prohibited, find an alternative!
A simple browser search will tell you what is legal in your area. Type something like: "campfire restrictions eldorado national forest" to see the latest news.
If, and this time of year, that's a big if campfires are allowed, you will need a campfire permit on most federal and state lands. Usually, the permit will say things like:
TERMS OF THE PERMIT
Permittee agrees to the following:
For motorized recreation friends, it's easy to bring a shovel and fire extinguisher that you can have handy by any fire. Please take care with fire -- only You.
##
Preparing for the Rubicon Trail -- packing the Jeep, getting the camping gear loaded up on the Olympic4x4 rack, making sure the lug nuts are tight, checking the tire pressure in the BFG's, and doing the once-over on old Red, when the moon decided to pay me a visit. Big work party this weekend on the Rubicon Trail with the Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR), the most famous off-road coalition in the world, dedicated to just one trail -- the Icon of Four-Wheeling!
FOTR folks are feeding us with a great dinner Saturday night and there is still time to sign up and help with some very productive trail work right here at : http://www.rubiconfriends.com/Happy Veterans Day, you old (and young) warriors! We're still here, still standing, and still proud to have served. To my fellow...
