Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping

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.