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
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Rates, Sites & Availability
43 Sites Available
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Site Details
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43 Sites Available
No available sites
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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
Ian A
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2025 • Stayed at: E5, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Ridiculous. $10 to park on a pullout that is far from level, miles from pavement so you cant check it out first (why are E1-E4 not accessible?), and requires advance online reservation in an area with absolutely no cell service. At least this used to be free although required registration at Furnace Creek. Shame on NPS!
Scott K
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2025 • Stayed at: E1, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
the "site" was just a roadside pull off. not level. I wanted to move to a slightly better site and neither recreation.gov or DVNP were able to make that change.
Katie R
VerifiedJanuary 12, 2025 • Stayed at: H4, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
Not too remote but definitely get the Backcountry experience.
Darrin M
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2025 • Stayed at: E7, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Spent two nights with my sons and we loved the spot. The road gets a bit rough, so the number of vehicles passing the site is very low - we saw 2-3 the entire time. Unique site nestled in the canyon. Do not attempt without high clearance/4x4. The road got progressively rough during our stay. No problem at all for truck, but a sedan won't make it.
Vincent B
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2025 • Stayed at: H1, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
Backcountry roadside camping in Death Valley is such an amazing experience you won't be able to get at most other parks. We had no one within a mile of us under crystal clear skies. You could see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Special place!
Cole P
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2025 • Stayed at: C6, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
Perfect little spot to pull into for the night. This spot had better wind protection from the canyon than others.
Patricia R
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2025 • Stayed at: E5, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
I camped at site E5 for a few nights, and it was a lovely experience. The campsite was spacious enough to accommodate our vehicle with a rooftop tent and its attached room. The night sky was absolutely stunning, making stargazing a memorable highlight. We truly enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. I would definitely recommend this site to anyone looking for a great camping spot in the area.
Charlene M
VerifiedJanuary 5, 2025 • Stayed at: G1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
Epic. Silence, stars and a really cozy desert kangaroo rat. What more could you ask for?
Hiroaki I
VerifiedJanuary 3, 2025 • Stayed at: C5, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
I was impressed by the beauty of Death Valley.
The facilities were good and comfortable.
The only disappointment was that I could hardly use my mobile phone because the signal was only 3G.
Jesse H
VerifiedDecember 25, 2024 • Stayed at: E7, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
It was a great little spot in the canyon, we stayed in our truck Camper and it was a good time. The wind does come down through that canyon pretty good in December when the night starts to cool off the rocks.
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
