Warning
GeneralFIRE RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE: Campfires are only permitted with the use of a fire pan or other fireproof barrier that prevents the fire from directly contacting the ground and does not damage the natural surface. NO wood gathering is allowed. All accumulated ashes and burned wood must be collected and packed out.
Featured amenities
Pet Friendly
About Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping
Number of accommodations: 43
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Hiking
Photography
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping.
Rates, Sites & Availability
43 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
43 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (140)
What Guests Are Saying
Camping at Death Valley's backcountry sites offers a unique experience with ample space, privacy, and stunning views, especially in sites like E7 and Hole in the Wall. Most reviewers praised the quiet atmosphere, excellent stargazing, and well-maintained roads, making it accessible for high-clearance vehicles. However, some noted challenges like strong winds and limited amenities, which require careful planning but ultimately contribute to a rewarding and serene camping experience.
What Guests Are Saying
Camping at Death Valley's backcountry sites offers a unique experience with ample space, privacy, and stunning views, especially in sites like E7 and Hole in the Wall. Most reviewers praised the quiet atmosphere, excellent stargazing, and well-maintained roads, making it accessible for high-clearance vehicles. However, some noted challenges like strong winds and limited amenities, which require careful planning but ultimately contribute to a rewarding and serene camping experience.
Review Summary
Nicholas M
VerifiedMay 2, 2026 • Stayed at: E7, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
I camped in site E7 and had a great time. Plenty of space and privacy, the spot is between two curves in a narrow part of the canyon. The combination of the road not getting much traffic (on a Friday only 4 vehicles passed my site all day), the generous spacing between sites (probably half a mile between each one), and the sight lines being blocked by the curves; I truly felt like I had the place to myself. Very quiet, excellent stargazing, a unique setting, and a low price. This site checks basically all of my boxes. The site is all rocks (large deep gravel), I sleep in my vehicle but I would want a pretty good pad if I were tent camping here. There is good shade in the morning and evening (tall canyon walls block the low sun). I drove here in a Nissan Xterra (around 9.5 inches of ground clearance) with no issue at all. I switched to 4WD around site 6, where the gravel gets deep.
On the way back to the highway I was surprised how nice the views were from the earlier campsites on the road. I'd say book sites 1-5 for views (but no shade, the canyon walls start to rise right behind site 5), site 6-8 for the narrower part of the canyon with the walls towering over you, and site 9 is where it starts to open up again as the road continues up toward the mine.
Edith H
VerifiedApril 26, 2026 • Stayed at: C6, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
The drive in is not for everyone; runoff changes the road every year and it no longer continues to the former trailhead at a spring, but that assures remote hiking and fewer visitors.
Shanelle D
VerifiedApril 21, 2026 • Stayed at: H4, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
The park is very big . We did a few hikes that were great. Very windy out of all the national parks I've been to this is one of my least favorite but I still enjoyed it
Abby K
VerifiedApril 18, 2026 • Stayed at: H4, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
I loved camping at Hole in the Wall Road. This was the only reserveable backcountry primitive area listed as suitable for 2WD vehicles. The road was in excellent condition and all of the sites on the road were superb. I think other sites are probably accessible to High Clearance 2WD vehicles but we did not want to take the risk.
Jeffrey M
VerifiedApril 17, 2026 • Stayed at: G6, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
It was wonderful to be able to essentially "boondock" for a small fee within the National Park, unlike most (or all?) other NP's.
The sites were great, especially the Cottonwood and Marble Canyon Roads sites.
Nathan K
VerifiedApril 9, 2026 • Stayed at: E8, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Campsite E-8 is in a wind tunnel. Otherwise great!
Tawnya D
VerifiedApril 9, 2026 • Stayed at: G5, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
The weather was windy and there was some rain, but being out in the desert with not a soul around was an incredible experience. After our first night in the crowded campground, it was amazing to get far from the crowds and sleep in solitude. We had hoped to stay for two nights, but realized that with the strong winds, we had to break camp in the morning because all our stuff would have blown away. We ended up camping elsewhere the next night. But it was a wonderful experience.
holly h
VerifiedApril 6, 2026 • Stayed at: M2, Loop: Marble Canyon Road
Loved this site! Had plenty of flat ground to pitch tents, beautiful views in all directions. The road was in great shape (I have a high clearance truck). Looks like the marble canyon sites got pretty wiped out after the last big storms, but this one was great. Saw two other cars the whole time we were there. Highly recommend.
holly h
VerifiedApril 6, 2026 • Stayed at: G4, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
Found a great, huge open spot. Lots of room for vehicles or tents. Rocky, but very flat. Love this area for how quiet and less travelled it is. Can be a little windy. Road was in excellent shape.
Pavel M
VerifiedApril 5, 2026 • Stayed at: E1, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
The best service!! Clear and save area! Very comfortable and I really recommend it!
Location Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping
Address:
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, CA, 92328
United States
The campground is accessible via Highway 190, which is the main road through Death Valley National Park.
Latitude & Longitude: 36.4617 / -116.867
Elevation: -58 feet
Policies & Rules
General
- It is the responsibility of all trip participants to understand and obey all park rules and regulations.
- Permit holders are required to carry a digital or printed copy of their permit at all times during their trip.
- 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.
- 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.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralFIRE RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE: Campfires are only permitted with the use of a fire pan or other fireproof barrier that prevents the fire from directly contacting the ground and does not damage the natural surface. NO wood gathering is allowed. All accumulated ashes and burned wood must be collected and packed out.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 5, 2026
