Death Valley National Park: Our Second Night at Texas Spring Campground
After spending the day exploring Death Valley, we made our way back to Texas Spring Campground hoping for a better campsite than the one we'd landed on the night before.
This time we were lucky. A site had opened in the lower loop, the tent-only section of the campground. Compared to our first campsite, it felt much more inviting. A few desert trees offered a little privacy, the ground was softer, and there was actually enough soil to drive our tent stakes completely into the ground without wrestling with solid rock. At the time, we had no idea how much we'd appreciate that improvement.
An Unexpected Desert Storm
Most people don't think about rain when planning a trip to Death Valley. That evening, though, dark clouds rolled in, the wind picked up, and before long we were dealing with powerful gusts that shook the tent for much of the night. Rain followed shortly after. For one of the driest places on Earth, it certainly didn't feel like it.
Fortunately, our tent handled the weather beautifully. Even with strong winds buffeting the campsite throughout the night, it stayed secure and kept us dry. It ended up being a great reminder that desert weather can still be unpredictable. Winter storms occasionally move through the park, and being prepared for changing conditions is just as important here as it is anywhere else.
A Better Campsite
The lower loop quickly became our preferred part of Texas Spring Campground. The campsites feel a little more tucked into the landscape, with scattered trees providing a bit of separation between neighbors. The tent pads are also noticeably better than many of the sites in the upper loop, making setup much easier.
Behind our campsite, a small seasonal creek trickled through the campground. Listening to the water after spending the day surrounded by dry desert landscapes felt completely unexpected. Between the creek, the wind moving through the trees, and the occasional gust rattling the tent, it made for a memorable evening.
Campground Amenities
Texas Spring Campground has flush toilets, sinks, and utility sinks for washing dishes. While there was running water available in the campground, always verify current water availability before arriving, as services can change.
Our second night ended up being a much better experience than our first. We found a more comfortable campsite, watched Death Valley remind us that deserts aren't always dry, and settled in for another night before continuing our adventure through the park.
