+ Do I need to organize my own camping or hotel stay?

Yes. Atheists United is not responsible for your camping or hotel arrangements.

The park offers many camping and hotel options. However, we recommend you tent camp or RV near others in our group attending the star party at the Texas Springs Campground & Sunset Campground.

+ Is the cost of camping included in my ticket costs?

No. Participants must plan and pay for their own campaing, transportation, and meals.

All revenue made fom our star talk ticket sales go directly into event organizing expenses, such as reimbursing our star talk speaker's travel expenses.

As a non-profit Atheists United doesn't try to make money off events like these. As long as our members have an amazing time and we're serving our mission we're happy to organize this at a loss. If you'd like to support us financially so we can host more programs like this, please consider a donation today: http://www.atheistsunited.com/donate

+ How much does it cost to camp?

Texas Springs Campground & Sunset Campground (our recommended site):

• $14 (per campsite per night)
• $7 for Senior and Access Pass holder (per campsite per night)
• More info: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/stovepipe-wells-campground.htm

Other campsite details can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/camping.htm

+ Do I need to reserve a campsite in Death Valley?

Short answer:

No, but we recommend you coordinate with our organizers to guarentee you get a site.

Long Answer:

All but one campsite in Death Valley are first-come-first-serve and the largest sites offer hundreds of sites that rarely fill to capacity: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/camping.htm

We recommend you join us at Texas Springs Campground & Sunset Campground (only three miles from our star party location) which has access to flush-toilet bathrooms, showers, a pool, a general store, a welcome center, and offers over 300 campsites. Some volunteers will even be arriving Thursday to secure multiple campsites near each other for our group at Texas Springs Campground & Sunset Campground. Email evan@atheistsunited.org if you'd like us to try and secure you a spot too.

+ Do I need to bring my own tent and camping gear?

Yes. Atheists United will NOT be providing any camping gear or tents for attendees. You're responsible for organizing your all necessary equipment to enjoy your stay in the park. Please google "camping gear list" if this is your first time camping.

+ How many people can share a campsite?

Texas Springs Campground & Sunset Campground allow up to 8 people and two cars per site. We will do everything we can to share campsites near each other to keep costs low and the event communal.

For info on other campsites learn more here: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/camping.htm

+ Do I need to pay a park entrance fee to attend?

Yes.

Death Valley Entrance Fees are $30 per vehicle. More info can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/fees-and-passes.htm

If possible we recommend you save the planet and carpool :)

+ Will Atheists United be organizing any other events or sightseeing that weekend?

Short Answer:

No, not officially. However, Atheists United will be offering a suggested group itenerary for Friday and Saturday excursions.

Long Answer:

If you arrive Thursday or Friday and want to spend time exploring with fellow freethinkers you can join Atheists United's unofficial excursions around the park. Please email Evan at evan@atheistsunited.org if you intend to join our unofficial tours.

+ Will there be grills at the Texas Springs Campground & Sunset Campground campsites?

Texas Springs Campground has firepits with firegrates, but no grills. We recommend you bring your own camp stoves.

NPS Rules: "Gas burning stoves are permitted. Charcoal grills are prohibited. Fires may are permitted in NPS provided rings, however this campground has only 28 tent only sites with firegrates."

+ What should I bring to eat?

That's up to you! Atheists United will not be providing meals for attendees so bring what makes you happy.

Want inspiration for what makes good camping foods? Try these: http://www.camper-van-fun.com/food-to-take-camping.html

Want a weekend camping trip food list? Try these: https://www.thecampingfamily.com/camping-food-list.html

Want 47 easy camping recipe ideas? Try these: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/favorite-camping-recipes/#:~:text=40%20Easy%20Camping%20Recipes%20Ready%20for%20the%20Campfire,Cheese%20Hash%20Brown%20Packets.%20...%20More%20items...%20

On Saturday night before the star party begins we'll be gathering at 5pm in our campsite in Texas Springs / Sunset Campgrounds. If you're comfortable, we encourage you to bring your dinner and any snacks you're open to sharing.

+ Is there cellphone service in Death Valley?

Cellphone service is extremely limited and spotty in Death Valley National Park. Plan to not have internet access or cell signal during most of your visit. A few locations, such as Furnace Creek, have better signal and the occational restaurant or hotel may offer Wifi access but beware these are not video-streaming quality connections. You've been warned!

+ Can I bring my dogs?

Short answer: Yes

Long Answer:

While visiting Death Valley with your pet, follow the rules of BARK:

B: Bag your pet's poop Pet owners are responsible for the prompt removal and disposal of pet waste in trash receptacles. Poop can transmit disease to local wildlife populations.

A: Always wear a leash Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

R: Respect wildlife Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away.

K: Know where you can go Pets are welcome in developed areas, essentially wherever a car can go.

Pets are not permitted on any park trails or in Wilderness

Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/pets.htm

+ Are children welcome?

Yes!

We welcome all ages to our star party but childcare will not be provided. You'll be responsible for the safety and behavior of your children at all times.

+ What camping gear should I bring?

Whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable!

Here's a list we found that might help you pack: https://www.sunrvresorts.com/blog/tent-camping-checklist/

Atheists United will not be prividing any camping gear for participants.

+ Can I purchase gas in the park?

Yes.

Death Valley is MASSIVE and you'll likely need to fill up your tank in the park at least once if you're exploring. Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells each have a gas station.

Note: The price of gas is far more expensive than back in LA.

+ Will there be bathrooms?

It depends where you camp/stay, but most campsites have flush-toilet or vault-toilet access. At Texas Springs and Sunset campgrounds (our recommended sites) there will be flush-toilets in the site with additional flush-toilet and showers accessible at the ranch across the street for a small fee.

+ Will there be showers?

Yes.

Texas Springs & Sunset Campgrounds have access to a pool and showers across the street at the Ranch at Furnace Creek. Electronic cards to access the pool and showers area can be purchased for $5 each.

Note: To save money a group of us plan to share a few access cards rather than buying one for each person. Ask around when you arrive and you can join team SHARE AND SAVE :)

+ Where can I find a list of local hotels?

Hotel nearest to our star party: https://deathvalleyhotels.com/

Other hotel options in and around the park: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/lodging.htm

+ Should I bring a telescope?

Yes! Please bring any and all equipment that will help you and others enjoy the star party.

+ Is the Texas Springs Campground & Sunset Campground ADA accessible?

Texas Springs:

There are paved roadways within the campground with access to two comfort stations located at the upper loop. Wheelchair Access - Paved road throughout the camp, with sites made of hard packed gravel. The two comfort stations at the upper loop are wheelchair accessible.

Sunset:

There are paved roadways within the campground with the exception of the overflow camping areas. There is ADA parking and access to one (1) comfort station located on the west side of the campground at the end of “D” roadway. Wheelchair Access - ADA parking and access to one (1) comfort station located on the west side of the campground at the end of “D” roadway.

More info: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/camping.htm

+ Can I consume alcohol at the campground?

Yes, you can drink at the campground. More info on alcohol regulations in National Parks can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/management/rules-and-regulations.htm#alcoholicbeveragesandcontrolledsubstances

+ More questions?

Email evan@atheistsunited.org