Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping

Death Valley National Park

Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley! In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Death Valley has sunk below sea level through geologic processes over time. It lies within the Mojave Desert and is the hottest, driest and lowest location in North America. Despite its extreme climate, the park boasts a diversity of ecosystems, including colorful badlands, snow-covered peaks, desolate sand dunes, rugged canyons and flat, dry basins called playas.

Backcountry Roadside camping in Death Valley provides a primitive backcountry experience in the park's premier wilderness. All of these designated sites are located in remote locations and campers must be self-sufficient. Visit the park's Backcountry Camping page for more information.

Please note:

These are primitive sites that do not offer water, electricity, toilet access, or any amenities.
Most primitive roadside campsites require a high clearance vehicle, and 4-wheel drive is highly encouraged. Road conditions can change quickly. High clearance vehicles are defined as a SUV or truck with at least 15 inch tire rims AND at least 8 inches of ground clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, or suspension.

Backcountry Roadside Campsites: Primitive roadside camping with your vehicle in designated campsites along rugged backcountry dirt roads.

These are primitive, roadside campsites which require extra trip planning. Please take the time to plan and carefully prepare your itinerary.
Roadside campsites are intended for high clearance vehicles only. Trailers, RVs and passenger vehicles will not be able to access most of these campsites. High clearance vehicles are defined as a SUV or truck, with at least 15 inch tire rims, and at least 8 inches of ground clearance, as measured from the lowest point of the vehicle (frame, suspension, body, differential).

Need to Know

It is the responsibility of all trip participants to understand and obey all park rules and regulations.
Wilderness travel in Death Valley National Park is inherently dangerous, and users assume complete responsibility for their own safety. There is minimal cell reception in most areas of the park, and rescue is not a certainty. Plan ahead and be prepared.
Vehicle Requirements

- High clearance and 4x4 vehicles are required for most backcountry travel. Check specific campsite descriptions for vehicle requirements to access the site you have selected. Trailers, RVs and passenger vehicles will not be able to access most of these campsites.

- Flat tires are common hazards of backcountry travel. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with all-terrain tires. Carry at least one inflated spare tire, a can of tire inflator or a plug kit, a 12-volt air-compressor, a complete jack, and a lug wrench. Know how to use your equipment before you head out.

- Most vehicle rental agreements restrict vehicles to paved roads. Be aware that rental companies can charge for damage to the vehicle obtained while operating outside of contractual agreements.

- Tow service out of backcountry roads can cost upwards of $1000.
Planning

- Plan your trip thoroughly. Know your routes ahead of time and plan for alternates. Utilize trip planning resources.

- Although permitting is available year-round, temperatures frequently range above 100F (38C) May through September. Prepare appropriately.

- Natural water sources are unreliable, and travelers should have contingency plans. Purify all water before consuming.

- Death Valley National Park is within a dynamic environment where natural events occur and conditions can be unpredictable. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to remain aware of current park conditions.

- In addition to your reservation fee, you are required to pay a park entrance fee. See Death Valley National Park’s Fees and Passes page for information on rates and qualifying passes.
Advise your emergency contact to notify National Park Service emergency dispatch at 760-786-2330 if you are overdue.
Permit holders are required to carry a digital or printed copy of their permit at all times during their trip.

Permit holders must present this copy at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to acquire their campsite tag.
Driving off designated roads is prohibited! No off-road driving permitted. All vehicles must stay on designated roadways (36CFR 4.11(a)). All OHVs are prohibited (Compendium/36CFR 4.2(b)).
Leave No Trace guidelines should be followed to minimize impacts on the fragile desert environment.
Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of a flowing stream, spring, or other natural body of water, and areas otherwise closed to camping. Human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet from water. Do not leave behind used toilet paper or exposed human waste. (36CFR 2.10).
Pack out all trash and leftover food.
Constructed fire pits are not permitted in the backcountry. Portable fire pits that burn gas are allowed. Fire pans are allowed below 3,000 feet year round and above 3,000 feet between September 16 and June 14. Wood gathering is prohibited. All ashes and burnt wood must be collected and removed if fire pans are used.
Natural objects and cultural artifacts are protected and must be left where found. (36CFR 2.10)
Group size is limited to 12 persons and no more than 4 vehicles. Larger groups will need to split up to camp and travel at least ½ mile apart (36CFR 2.10).
Pets are prohibited greater than 50 feet from roads or developed areas. Pets are prohibited on trails and from entering wilderness areas (36CFR 2.15)
The trip leader and/or participants can be cited and/or fined for violation of 36 CFR Regulations.

Natural Features

Death Valley National Park contains the largest wilderness in the contiguous United States (over 3,190,400 acres or roughly 93% of the entire National Park!). Nearly a thousand miles of paved and dirt roads intersect the wilderness, providing ready access to all but the most remote locations.

Backcountry travel in Death Valley National Park can be challenging, but the opportunities for experiencing solitude, sweeping vistas, dark night skies, and awesome geology abound within the three million acres of designated wilderness in the park. There are few established trails in the park, but hikers can follow canyon bottoms, open desert washes, alluvial fans, and abandoned dirt roads to get around.

Nearby Attractions

Recreation

There are over 3.4 million acres of Death Valley to explore. The popular main attractions are accessible by paved roads and more remote areas of the park will require high clearance, 4-wheel drive. Please visit the park's website for helpful tips when planning your trip.

Changes & Cancellations

Changes/Modifications

Changes may be made prior to the day the reservation begins.
If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.
There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation.
If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.

Cancellations

Customers may cancel their reservation prior to day of arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 cancellation fee will be withheld from any refund due back the customer. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below).

Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window

A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will have a $10.00 cancellation fee withheld from their refund AND will forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

Review Rules and Reservation Policies for additional details about changes and cancellations.

Contact Information

Mailing

Death Valley National Park P.O. Box 579 Death Valley CA 92328

Physical

Death Valley National Park Death Valley CA 92328

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 760-786-3200

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Note: Do not exclusively rely on GPS navigation while travelling in Death Valley National Park. Travelers should always carry up-to-date road maps and be aware that there is no cell phone service along most park roads. Always travel prepared to self-rescue as help may be hours away.

There is no specific street address for the park.

Furnace Creek Visitor Center coordinates: 36.46171, -116.86682
Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station coordinates: 36.608048, -117.144504

Paved Entrances

East Side:

CA 190 from Death Valley Junction, CA
SR 374 from Beatty, NV
CA 178 from Shoshone, CA

West Side:

CA 190 from Olancha, CA (SR 136 from Lone Pine, CA)
SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA

Cottonwood – Marble Canyon Rd

From CA-190 enter Stovepipe Wells Campground. Turn left on the Cottonwood Marble Road marked by a sign for the airport. Check conditions prior to travel.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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