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
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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
Vicky S
VerifiedMarch 14, 2026 • Stayed at: E8, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Solitude was great
Debra C
VerifiedMarch 13, 2026 • Stayed at: E6, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Off road camping in Echo Canyon is very simple. You pull off the road into the plowed drive and park and set up. There isn't a lot of room-just a plowed drive; and we haven't found a site that is optimally flat for a tent yet..both times we have camped here, we have been at an angle. So the sites are optimum for a camper or sleeper van..less so for tent campers. But still very nice. Sunsets in sites 1-4 can be spectacular. Sites 5-9 are in the canyon. Bring your own water and wag bags.
Frank H
VerifiedMarch 12, 2026 • Stayed at: E9, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Absolutely awesome experience and campsite. I wish more National Parks would provide this type of camp sites. The road is very rough with loose, deep gravel in places. OK, for high clearance AWD or 4WD.
Paul M
VerifiedMarch 7, 2026 • Stayed at: E9, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
DV backcountry camping is awesome. Sure it was even better when there were less regulations but of course the few idiots ruined that so they have to regulate now, But with that said we had a wonderful experience. So much better than camping at the more crowded traditional campgrounds with so many neighbors!
Paul M
VerifiedMarch 6, 2026 • Stayed at: H2, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
Backcountry roadside camping is excellent. You can reserve in advance. However, we were told by a ranger that we still have to drop by the visitor center to pick up our permit to post at the campground. This is an extra step that I feel is unnecessary and should be eliminated. Other than that I love the backcountry camping option. Beautiful and peaceful.
John S
VerifiedMarch 6, 2026 • Stayed at: H6, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
Our experience with recreation.gov was difficult, and required us to complete four major complete changes of plan. Three of the four changes were caused by the Park Service abruptly closing the desired campsites, because of rainstorms damaging the approach roads. Through it all, the website handled most of our problems in a fair and reasonably comprehensible fashion, and my group was a bit surprised at how smoothly the whole process went. I give it four stars instead of five, since it was a normal computer program (no human beings ever answered the phone), and had a few of the inevitable glitches. (For example, at site H6, which only has space for two vehicles, the website mistakenly gave us the info for site H5, which holds three vehicles.) Fortunately, the glitches were not frequent, and we ended up having a great time.
laura p
VerifiedMarch 5, 2026 • Stayed at: G6, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
Great desert view with the sites being far enough away from each other to keep it quiet.
Ken K
VerifiedMarch 5, 2026 • Stayed at: H4, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
Site was pretty sloped but manageable. Views up and down canyon were lovely.
Jody L
VerifiedMarch 2, 2026 • Stayed at: H6, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
I really appreciate that the park provides this opportunity to tent camp in a manner that provides beautiful views and privacy.
Matthew R
VerifiedFebruary 26, 2026 • Stayed at: G9, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
Around the greenwater valley road area - very beautiful and also difficult to find a place to camp that isn't highly exposed. Nice and remote.
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
