Echo Canyon Backcountry Roadside Camping

Site E3 provides a primitive camping experience for visitors looking for solitude and adventure, all while staying near the heart of Death Valley. The site includes a small 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. Sites are spaced at minimum 1/2 miles apart and allow for some privacy, quiet, and excellent stargazing. Generators are not allowed in the backcountry.

Capacity

Echo Canyon Site E3 can accommodate 1 vehicle and 12 people. For the purposes of capacity, any trailer counts as a vehicle. 

Access

This site is located 2.0 miles down the un-improved gravel Echo Canyon Road, approximately 5.5 miles east of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center along CA-190. Lower Echo Canyon Road requires moderate clearance, but high clearance (over 8 inches measured from the ground to the lowest part of the undercarriage), as well as 4-wheel drive, is recommended. 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

Constructed 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.

Vegetation

There is no shade and very sparse creosote ground cover in this site. 

Views

This site provides excellent views of the Panamint Mountain range, the badlands of the northern Black Mountains and the southern Funeral Range. Opportunities for backcountry travel by foot over the alluvial fan abound. 

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. 

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