Panamint Springs Resort

Overview

About Panamint Springs Resort

Remote, simple, and useful—that’s the vibe here. Panamint Springs sits along CA‑190 on the park’s west side, about 10 miles inside the boundary and roughly 32 miles west of Stovepipe Wells. It’s a privately owned, low‑key base with big sky views across Panamint Valley and up to the 11,000‑foot Panamint Mountains.

Why stop

One-stop outpost with lodging, camping, food, fuel, and a store
Big desert views and excellent stargazing from the property
Range of options: motel rooms, cabins, tent cabins, RV and tent sites

Heads up

Rustic and basic; not a luxury stay
Spotty cell service and Wi‑Fi limited to common areas
Long drives to major sights across the valley

Map

Where it is

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LodgingPanamint Springs Resort36.33941, -117.46812

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Panamint Springs Resort

Book spring and fall dates early—this small outpost fills fast.
Refuel here before long west‑side drives; stations are sparse.
Expect limited cell coverage; download maps and confirmations in advance.
If tent camping, stake and weigh your tent—winds can build by evening.
Darwin Falls is just down the road; start early to enjoy shade and solitude.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

For comfort, aim for spring and fall. Summer heat is extreme and can linger overnight.
For crowds and dining, late afternoon into dinner sees the most activity; mornings are quieter and great for sunrise light on the valley.
For stargazing, stay up after restaurant hours when lights and traffic drop to a minimum.

3 active Death Valley alerts

ClosurePark roads closed or hazardousPlan around multiple closed roads and use extra caution on damaged routes. - Paved roads: North Highway and Beatty Cut-off are closed due to flooding and debris from the October 22 storm.Official details
ClosureSaline Valley Lower Springs closed after wildfireLower Springs at Saline Valley Warm Springs remains closed after the September 15 wildfire; stay out because the fire left safety hazards, including potential hazardous chemicals.Official details

See all 3 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Death Valley Tour Guide

Your drive to Panamint Springs Resort, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Death Valley National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Death Valley audio tour

Recorded for this place

Panamint Springs: A Remote Desert Outpost

Listen

“You're nearing the remote outpost of Panamint Springs. This place is pretty much the only all-in-one stop on this side of the park, with gas, a small general store, and a restaurant all in one spot.”

Plays as you drive up to Panamint Springs Resort in the Parkwolf Death Valley Tour Guide.

More about Panamint Springs Resort

What You’ll FindLodging spans motel‑style rooms, wood‑paneled cabins, and tent cabins, plus RV hookups, dry…

Lodging spans motel‑style rooms, wood‑paneled cabins, and tent cabins, plus RV hookups, dry camping, and standard tent sites.
On‑site essentials include a sit‑down restaurant and bar, a well‑stocked general store, and a gas station—rare to have all in one place on this side of the park.
Expect an honest, dusty desert outpost: comfortable enough to reset, but decidedly no frills.

Why Stay HereThis is the park’s west‑side lifeline—fuel, food, beds, and a campsite all together.

This is the park’s west‑side lifeline—fuel, food, beds, and a campsite all together. If you’re road‑tripping in or out via the Sierra/Whitney side or exploring Panamint Valley, it’s the most convenient hub around. Sunsets can glow over the valley, and the dark skies make stargazing a highlight.

Nearby and WildlifeDarwin Falls is just down the road, a rare year‑round spring and waterfall that’s a stark…

Darwin Falls is just down the road, a rare year‑round spring and waterfall that’s a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. Around the property and near water sources you might spot desert birds, lizards, and the occasional coyote.

Trade‑offs to KnowRemoteness cuts both ways: solitude and stars, but long hauls to marquee sights (think about 75…

Remoteness cuts both ways: solitude and stars, but long hauls to marquee sights (think about 75 miles to Badwater Basin).
Rooms and facilities are simple and can show wear. Manage expectations and you’ll be fine.
Cell service is limited; Wi‑Fi is available mainly in public areas and can be inconsistent.

Practical TipsThe gas here matters—fill up before tackling long west‑side drives.

The gas here matters—fill up before tackling long west‑side drives.
The general store covers a lot of gaps (ice, snacks, basic supplies), but bring special‑diet items.
Spring and fall book up; reserve early for cabins or popular RV sites.
Wind can kick up in the afternoon—secure tents well and weigh them down if you’re day‑tripping.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Death Valley

All Death Valley wildlife maps

71 sightingsBighorn SheepMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

101 sightingsDesert TortoiseMost seen around 8 AMSighting map

458 sightingsCoyoteMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

28 sightingsFeral BurroMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

30 sightingsMule DeerMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

62 sightingsKit FoxMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Death Valley. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.