Itinerary and camping advice

Question

Picking up a Sprinter camping van March 18th @ 3 pm from Vegas and will be dropping off March 22nd by 3pm in Las Vegas.

Furnace Creek already shows sold out so looking for camping with restrooms and hopefully showers but won't need electricity or full hookup. Shower is good but not absolute everyday.

We are fairly active and love hiking with about 10 miles max in a day. Need some help with campgrounds and if we should be using more than one campgrounds. Itinerary suggestions would be great!

Answer

With your timeframe of March 18th to 22nd, a Sprinter van is perfect for exploring Death Valley, and camping with restrooms (and occasional showers) is feasible. Since Furnace Creek is sold out, you’ll want alternative campgrounds that are comfortable but still allow for easy access to the main sights.

Recommended Campgrounds:

Stovepipe Wells Village Campground: Located centrally in the park, it has restrooms, pay showers, and is close to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Ideal for 1-2 nights. No hookups needed.
Texas Springs Campground: Near Furnace Creek area, it has restrooms, water, and pay showers. A quieter option if Furnace Creek itself is full.
Panamint Springs Campground: Located on the western side of the park, restrooms and pay showers are available. Good if you plan to explore Telescope Peak or the Panamint Valley.
Sunrise/Sunset Campgrounds: Smaller campgrounds with basic facilities, restrooms only. Can be used for a night if you want to break up driving distances.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1 (March 18): Pick up van in Las Vegas, drive to Stovepipe Wells. Arrive late afternoon, set up camp, short hike to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for sunset photography.
Day 2 (March 19): Explore Golden Canyon/Red Cathedral loop (about 4-5 miles), visit Zabriskie Point, and consider short afternoon hikes in Mosaic Canyon. Overnight at Stovepipe Wells or move closer to Furnace Creek/Texas Springs.
Day 3 (March 20): Drive to Dante’s View for sunrise, then explore Badwater Basin and Artist’s Drive/Palette. Overnight near Furnace Creek or Texas Springs.
Day 4 (March 21): Optional: Hike to Natural Bridge or visit Mesquite Flat again if you move camp. Relax and enjoy the desert scenery. Camp final night at same or a different campground depending on proximity to your exit route.
Day 5 (March 22): Pack up and drive back to Las Vegas by 3 pm for van drop-off. Consider an early morning stop at Harmony Borax Works or scenic viewpoints along the way.

Tips:

March is still cool in the mornings and evenings, so pack layers for warmth.
Water is crucial; make sure to fill tanks and carry extra, especially if venturing on longer hikes.
Using 2 campgrounds can reduce daily driving and maximize your exploration time.
Showers are available at Stovepipe Wells, Texas Springs, and Panamint Springs, but you can alternate days if needed.
Check for any road closures or weather alerts before entering side roads, especially near higher elevations.

With this plan, you’ll see most of the iconic spots while staying comfortable and not overextending on driving or hiking distances.