Gateway Town

Furnace Creek

Gateway Town

Park HQ and visitor hub. 2 hotels, 6 eateries. Stock supplies before heading into the desert.

Quick facts

Town Type
Supply Depot
Population
136
Best Known For
Death Valley National Park visitor center and headquarters
About This Town
Furnace Creek is the official headquarters of Death Valley National Park, home to the visitor center, museum, and park administration. With 136 residents and just 2 hotels, this tiny hamlet offers minimal amenities. Stop here to access park information, maps, and lodging before entering the park.

Town overview

Town Type
Supply Depot
Population
136
Best Known For
Death Valley National Park visitor center and headquarters
About This Town
Furnace Creek is the official headquarters of Death Valley National Park, home to the visitor center, museum, and park administration. With 136 residents and just 2 hotels, this tiny hamlet offers minimal amenities. Stop here to access park information, maps, and lodging before entering the park.
What Makes It Special
Home to Death Valley National Park's official visitor center, museum, and headquarters

Park access

Distance From Park
23.8 km east

Where to stay & eat

Hotel Count
2
Bnb Count
0
Lodging Variety
2 hotels
Restaurant Count
6

More details

Visitor Center Location
At Furnace Creek
Nearby Facilities
Park visitor center, museum, and headquarters; 2 hotels; 6 restaurants, cafes, and bars

Location

Beatty

Small but solid: motel rooms, fuel, and dining before Death Valley—with Rhyolite ghost town nearby for detours.

Death Valley Junction

Closest town to Death Valley—one legendary artist-built theater with hand-painted murals.

Lone Pine

Whitney climbing hub and Death Valley west gateway. Fill your tank and gear here before the high desert.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Sources

  • YourNPGuide Editorial

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.