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
Dan B
VerifiedDecember 23, 2024 • Stayed at: M4, Loop: Marble Canyon Road
Had a great time in Marble Canyon.
Cira C
VerifiedDecember 21, 2024 • Stayed at: E2, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Keep this place beautiful- pack in, pack out!
David W
VerifiedDecember 16, 2024 • Stayed at: E6, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Echo canyon was pretty. Sites are basically pull offs and ours was not at all level and lacked any kind of a “campsite” area. Just a place for the vehicle. Loved that they were a mile or so apart. Very secluded and beautiful area.
Nancy N
VerifiedDecember 16, 2024 • Stayed at: E7, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
We stayed two nights each in a different space. One night was in the canyon with rockwalls towering above and the second night was in the open with a sunset view of the valley. The sites each had a different vibe and we enjoyed having two different experiences.
Stephanie S
VerifiedDecember 15, 2024 • Stayed at: E9, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Probably one of the best backcountry campgrounds we have stayed at. I love how each campsite is clearly labeled and private.
Allison D
VerifiedDecember 15, 2024 • Stayed at: H5, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
Our campsite was secluded and magical and clean. Easy to find and far from neighbors. We had a fox and bats around us.
Robin O
VerifiedDecember 4, 2024 • Stayed at: M2, Loop: Marble Canyon Road
The backcountry sites were excellent! Clean and well marked. We had no trouble finding our site. We had a wonderful visit.
Lindsay N
VerifiedDecember 3, 2024 • Stayed at: E9, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
It was perfect. Secluded, clean, it felt like we were the only ones there. We even had a large animal visit at night, not sure what it was but it took off when we started moving around. Pretty exciting!
Andrew D
VerifiedNovember 25, 2024 • Stayed at: E5, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Campsite #5 is nice because it has a good view, there is shade and it’s a short walk to the North for cell service. If a hard rain starts there you should leave because the campsite is in a wash.
Robert C
VerifiedNovember 19, 2024 • Stayed at: E3, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Overall, these sites work fine. I camped at Echo Canyon, Hole in the Wall and Marble Canyon. In contrast to the main campgrounds, these are relatively quiet. Sites are 1/2 mile apart from each other. Only downside is the sites are right next to the main road. These are all off road sites, so there's not that much traffic. But I had a few people go by at Echo Canyon doing 25 mph+ sending dust and gravel all over. There was a small shrub between my car and the road, but really no privacy/protection whatsoever. Most sites have zero shrubs separating them from the road. I still find this preferable over the main 'parking lot' style campsites at DV, just a head's up.
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
