Furnace Creek

Right near the dead center of Death Valley National Park, Furnace Creek Campground is a pawfect base camp for pups and people visiting America’s most famous desert. Furnace Creek doesn’t have all mod-cons -- you won’t find a shower station -- but 18 of the 136 sites have water and electricity hookups. If you’re dying to get clean, Furnace Creek Ranch is just five minutes away, and $5 gets you access to their pool and showers for 24 hours. 

Visitors flock to Furnace Creek in the winter and early spring (the sizzling summer temperatures are best avoided), so if you’re planning on visiting then, it’s best to book well in advance to make sure that you get a site that suits your needs. Reservations are required during this period; at other times of the year, sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of the sites are shaded by groves of mesquite trees, but in general, shade is sparse (another great reason to arrive or book early).

The main draw to Furnace Creek is its proximity to some killer sightseeing and recreation options. Hound-dog hikers and history buffs might get a kick out of a nearby trail that leads to a historic borax mine. You’re also just a bone’s throw away from the striking scenery and furrific trails of the Golden Canyon badlands. It’d be a real faux paw to miss a chance to hike the Badlands Loop, a 3-mile, moderately difficult loop that features some of the best views in the entire national park! And of course, the sight of the stars in Death Valley is one you’ll not soon forget.

Wifi is available at Furnace Creek, and cellular coverage for most networks varies from fair to good. Campfires are allowed within designated rings. There are drinking fountains on-site, so fill up those bottles -- heading out without enough water would be a grave error. Remember to bring waste bags for your doggo, and have a pawesome vacation!