RVing in Death Valley

We rented a 25-foot RV from Cruise America in Bakersfield and drove to Death Valley. We would have preferred a 19-foot RV but it was not available in Bakersfield. We decided to drive a small sedan as well because it's difficult to drive on some of the gravel roads in Death Valley in an RV.

There is a large external storage compartment, where we kept our lawn chairs and grill. The storage space already had a table.

The cab is comfortable but beware that there are no USB ports to charge your phone while you drive.

The bed over the cab is roughly a queen. It can be difficult to crawl in and out in the middle of the night. I recommend bringing fitted sheets, if you don't get the bedding package from Cruise America. Flat sheets don't stay put.

Dining area.

Extra seat behind the passenger seat.

The kitchen has a large sink, 3-burner stove and microwave. There's plenty of storage.

Next to the sink is a 2nd bed. This one is roughly a full-size bed.

The refrigerator is a good size and the freezer is roomy.

There is a closet next to the refrigerator. Be sure to bring your own hangers.

Small sink next to the closet. There is a medicine cabinet and additional storage under the sink.

Toilet with separate shower.

Here's our packing list:

• Extension cord

• Rubber gloves (for use with connecting sewage hose)

• Camplight

• Portable BBQ

• Picnic tablecloth (weighted if you can find it; otherwise, bring clips)

• Lawn chairs

• Trash bags (I like plastic grocery bags—easier to tie to door handle)

• Electric tea kettle/coffee maker. If you will not have electricity, it's better to bring a tea pot.

• Pots, pans

• Wooden spoon, ladle, spatula, tongs

• Cutting board

• Serrated knife/chef’s knife

• Potato peeler

• Sieve/colander

• Dish towels, dish soap, sponge, hand soap

• Pot holder

• Paper plates, glass bowls (usable in microwave)

• Mixing bowl

• Storage containers

• Storage bags

• Plastic wrap/foil

• Can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew

• Lighter

• Knives, forks, spoons

• Mugs, cups, wine glasses

• Paper towels, napkins

• Oil, salad dressing, ketchup/mustard/steak sauce

• Salt & pepper

• Drinking water

• Sheets, blankets, pillows

• Towels, hand towel, face cloth

• Toothbrush/toothpaste

• Shampoo, soap

• Toilet paper (RV safe)

• Bath mat

• Squeegee

• RV toilet treatment drop-ins (drop one in toilet after emptying toilet waste)

• Doormat & Command strips to hold it in place

• Shop towels

• Broom

• Sunscreen

• Mosquito repellant

• Hand sanitizer

• Duct tape (for emergency repairs)

• Slippers

• Hangers

2022 01 17