News Release

Free Entrance to Death Valley National Park on April 16, 2022

Viewing the colorful hills at Artist's Palette

NPS/Kurt Moses

News Release Date: April 11, 2022

Contact: Jennette Jurado, 760-786-3289

DEATH VALLEY, CA – To celebrate the start of National Park Week, all national parks, including Death Valley, are waiving entrance fees on April 16^th to celebrate America’s “best idea.” Fee Free Days only apply to park entrance fees; camping fees still apply.

While the rest of the nation is ramping up operations for National Park Week, Death Valley National Park is preparing for increasing temperatures and a hot summer ahead. Visitor operations are winding down in response to recent above-average weather and dwindling seasonal park staff.

Due to increasing heat, Sunset, Texas Springs, and Stovepipe Wells campgrounds are scheduled to close for the summer season at noon on Monday April 18^th, 2022. 

Visitors should take the following precautions if Death Valley is their destination of choice during National Park Week:

• Drink plenty of water: Drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per day to replace loss from sweat, more if you are active. Be aware of balancing fluid and electrolyte levels.

• Avoid hiking in the heat: Do not hike in the low elevations when temperatures are hot. Mountains can offer some relief from the heat but can have snow and ice in winter/spring.

• Travel prepared to survive: Stay on paved roads if temperatures are excessively high. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Carry extra drinking water in your car in case of emergency.

• Watch for signs of trouble: If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink water or sports drinks. Dampen clothing to lower body temperature. Be alert for symptoms in others.

• Travel smart: More people die in single-car accidents than by any other means. To avoid an accident, follow the speed limits, shift to a lower gear on steep downhill grades, and wear your seatbelt.

When visiting during hotter times, consider seeing the amazing vistas and overlooks that provide views of stunning scenery and wilderness while keeping you safely close to the cooling air conditioning of your car. Visiting iconic places like Badwater Basin, Artist’s Drive, Zabriskie Point, Dantes View, and the Mesquite Sand Dunes are great places to start!

Additional Fee Free Days in 2022 include:

• Thursday, August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act 
• Saturday, September 24 – National Public Lands Day 
• Friday, November 11 – Veterans Day