Site M4, Loop Marble Canyon Road

Death Valley National Park | Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping

Type: STANDARD NONELECTRIC

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Site Details

• Pets Allowed: Yes
• Shade: No
• Site Rating: Basic
• Water Hookup: No
• Campfire Allowed: Yes
• Capacity Rating: Group
• Check-In: 12:00 PM
• Check-Out: 12:00 PM
• Min Num of People: 1
• Proximity to Water: N/A
• Site Access: Drive-In
• Condition Rating: Basic
• Max Num of People: 12
• Location Rating: Good

Permitted Equipment

• Tent
• Pickup Camper
• Vehicle
• Caravan/Camper Van

Driveway Details

• Driveway Entry: Pull-through
• Driveway Grade: Slight
• Driveway Length: 80
• Driveway Surface: Gravel
• Max Vehicle Length: 22
• Is Equipment Mandatory: Yes
• Max Num of Vehicles: 3
• Min Num of Vehicles: 1
• Site Length: 80

Need to Know

• Marble Canyon Backcountry Roadside Camping

  Site M4 provides a primitive camping experience for visitors looking for solitude and adventure in a remote section of the park. The site includes a narrow gravel space for vehicle parking and camp set up. Very little shade, little protection from the elements, and no other amenities will be found in the lower canyon. This site provides some privacy, quiet, and excellent stargazing. Generators are not allowed in the backcountry. 

• Capacity:

  M4 can accomodate 3 vehicles and 12 people. For the purposes of capacity, any trailer counts as a vehicle. 

• Access:

  This site is located down the un-improved gravel Cottonwood-Marble Road, which is accessed from CA-190 just west of the Stovepipe Wells Campground. The Cottonwood-Marble Road is unimproved and requires high clearance (over 8 inches measured from the ground to the lowest part of the undercarriage), 4-wheel drive and off-highway driving experience. Much of the road, especially near the start, include areas of deep, soft sand. All vehicles must remain within the roadbed during travel and within the graded campsite. Off-road driving is prohibited throughout Death Valley National Park.  

• Fires:

  Natural fire pits are not allowed in the backcountry. Portable fire pits that burn propane, methane or other gasses are allowed. Fire pans are allowed below 3,000 feet year round and above 3,000 feet between September 16 and June 14, provided the fire does not come in contact with the natural surface and all ash and burnt wood is removed. No wood gathering is allowed and ashes must be removed.

• Vegetation:

  There is little shade and very sparse creosote ground cover in this site. 

• Views:

  This site provides excellent views of the Cottonwood Mountains. Visitors will find opportunities for backcountry travel by foot up side-canyons and the trailhead for the Marble Canyon Narrows. 

• Cautions:

  Self-reliance and self-rescue (including communication technologies) are strongly recommended. Do not rely on cellular network coverage in the backcountry. Always plan ahead and inform an emergency contact of your itinerary. Ravens, coyotes and other scavengers are common in this area, so make sure to keep food, trash and other scented items secured in a vehicle or other hard-sided container. 

• No toilet facilities exist in this area. All human solid waste must be either packed out or buried at least 6 inches deep. Toilet paper and all other trash must be packed out for disposal. Remember to Leave No Trace!

• You are responsible for obeying all park rules and regulations. All Backcountry Regulations are strictly enforced.  

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