Death Valley National Park
5 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Death Valley National Park is a protected area in Nevada with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ Bortle 2), among the very darkest measurable skies we have rated: the Milky Way casts visible shadows on moonless nights. The best month to come is typically September, when about 89% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 41/100. The moon is 93% lit and above the horizon 92% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 89%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Death Valley National Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 56% | 60/100 |
| February | 68% | 69/100 |
| March | 61% | 64/100 |
| April | 72% | 72/100 |
| May | 74% | 74/100 |
| June | 82% | 80/100 |
| July | 81% | 79/100 |
| August | 83% | 81/100 |
| September ★ | 89% | 85/100 |
| October | 82% | 80/100 |
| November | 75% | 74/100 |
| December | 58% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Death Valley National Park: sleep under a dark sky
We measured the night sky over each stay below, not just over the spot: the darkness score is computed at the hotel's own location, so you know what you'll see from the door. Sorted darkest sky first, with the distance to Death Valley National Park for each.
#1Darkest sky of these staysEl Portal Motel
7.3Well rated(1,068 reviews)
Nestled in Beatty, the Gateway to Death Valley, El Portal Motel offers a seasonal outdoor pool and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and convenient work spaces. Located just 8 miles from Death Valley National Park's North East Entrance, the motel provides free parking and easy access to this stunning desert landscape.
- Sky darkness
- 63/100
- To the spot
- 58.9 km
- Location
- Beatty
#2Death Valley Inn
8.1Very well rated(2,931 reviews)
Located in Beatty, Nevada near Death Valley National Park, this motel features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and a furnished terrace with BBQ facilities and shaded seating, perfect for unwinding under the stars. Modern rooms include free WiFi, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee machine, with pet-friendly options available.
- Sky darkness
- 63/100
- To the spot
- 59.1 km
- Location
- Beatty
#3Exchange Club Motel
8.3Very well rated(1,931 reviews)
Located in Beatty, Nevada, this motel sits just 9.5 miles from Death Valley National Park and offers comfortable rooms with free WiFi, coffee-making facilities, and modern amenities including flat-screen TVs. All guest rooms feature a fridge and microwave, with convenient on-site launderette and fax services available.
- Sky darkness
- 63/100
- To the spot
- 59.3 km
- Location
- Beatty
More stays nearby
- Check availability →
The Atomic Inn
Darkness: 63/100 · 59.4 km from Death Valley National Park · Beatty
- Check availability →
Motel 6 Beatty / Death Valley
Darkness: 63/100 · 59.9 km from Death Valley National Park · Beatty
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Live prices around Beatty
Beatty is the closest base to Death Valley National Park with rooms to book. The map shows everything available there right now, including the hotels, apartments and cabins we do not rate. Use the stays above when darkness decides, use the map when price or availability does.
Prices and availability come from the booking partners shown on the map, and we earn a commission on bookings made through it. Sky darkness is measured only for the stays listed above.
Nearby spots in Nevada
- Grapevine Mountains Wilderness Study Area 72 km · Sky Score 72/100
- Queer Mountain Wilderness Study Area 79.2 km · Sky Score 73/100
- Pigeon Spring Wilderness Study Area 112.6 km · Sky Score 71/100
- Spring Mountains National Recreation Area 129.6 km · Sky Score 50/100
- Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument 165.2 km · Sky Score 39/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).