"My wife and I are planning to go to Death Valley next month. It's our first time there and I don't have a FWD truck. My Raven is on a standard Ram 1500. Can anyone recommend a good first timer DV campground? Is Furnace Creek too over crowded to be enjoyable?"
Bob, I'll cover other places we stayed on this trip and feel free to checkout our other stories about staying in Death Valley. In my experience, to get to many of the places we have been in Death Valley 4x4 has not been necessary. But, I grew up with a father that took us everywhere in a 56 and then 59 Ford stationwagon. We did have to use bubble gum to patch holes in the gas tank a few times. That always made Mom nervous. With the weight of the camper our truck climbs well. I do like 4x4 low when the grade is steep on the way back down to hold the truck back. Honestly, most of the campgrounds in Death Valley are pretty nice with good neighbors, so don't let the idea of campground hold you back. Where we choose to stay is based on access to where we want to to explore/see. In the central Furnace Creek area Texas Springs and Furnace Creek campgrounds are good. Sunset Campground is more an overflow parking lot or used by the big motorhome/trailers/fifth wheels because of access. Furnace Creek Campground is central. You can walk to the Visitors Center or the amenities at Furnace Creek Ranch. Don't worry too much about it being crowded. Much of the visitors are driving through or day tripping. Visit the big ticket items early in the morning or later in the day. The light is nicer and it is quieter. Stovepipe Wells is a parking lot affair similar to Sunset at Furnace Creek but it is close to the amenities at Stovepipe. Have a great trip.
