OutReserve

Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping

Warning

General

FIRE 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.

Gravel dirt road with parallel roadside campsite surrounded by mountains.
Gray campervan on roadside campsite with green brush vegetation in the foreground and dramatic reddish and white stratified mountains in the far background.
Gravel dirt road with a parallel roadside campsite surrounded by dark canyon walls.
Gravel dirt road with parallel roadside campsite shaded in the foreground, sunny mountains in the background.

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly

About Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping

PLEASE BE AWARE:These are primitive sites that do not offer water, electricity, toilet access, or any amenities. Most primitive roadside campsites require a high clearance vehicle, and 4-wheel drive is highly encouraged. Road conditions can change quickly. High clearance vehicles are defined as a SUV or truck with at least 15 inch tire rims AND at least 8 inches of ground clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, or suspension. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley! In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Death Valley has sunk below sea level through geologic processes over time. It lies within the Mojave Desert and is the hottest, driest and lowest location in North America. Despite its extreme climate, the park boasts a diversity of ecosystems, including colorful badlands, snow-covered peaks, desolate sand dunes, rugged canyons and flat, dry basins called playas.  Backcountry Roadside camping in Death Valley provides a primitive backcountry experience in the park's premier wilderness. All of these designated sites are located in remote locations and campers must be self-sufficient. Visit the park's Backcountry Camping page for more information.  

Number of accommodations: 43

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Hiking

Photography

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 16 to Oct 14

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

43 Sites Available

Site
Price
C3, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
12 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
C4, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
C5, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
C6, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
C7, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
C8, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
C9, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
E1, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
E2, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
E3, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
E5, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
E6, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
E7, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
E8, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
E9, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G1 1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests
Price not available
G1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G2 1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests
Price not available
G2, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G3 1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests
Price not available
G3, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G4 1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests
Price not available
G4, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G5 1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests
Price not available
G5, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G6 1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests
Price not available
G6, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G7 1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests
Price not available
G7, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G8 1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests
Price not available
G8, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G9 1, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests
Price not available
G9, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
H1, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
H2, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
H3, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
H4, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
H5, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
H6, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
M1, Loop: Marble Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
M2, Loop: Marble Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
M3, Loop: Marble Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
M4, Loop: Marble Canyon Road
12 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available

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.

Review Summary

4.5
140 reviews
5
74.3%
104
4
15.0%
21
3
4.3%
6
2
2.9%
4
1
3.6%
5

Elena S

Verified

January 3, 2026 Stayed at: E6, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

5

Echo canyon E6. Great spot, easy access but far from the crowded areas Views going out of the canyon are amazing. The spot was good, some loose gravel but easy to access and camp, not fully leveled anywhere but decent. a bit of shade and wind protection was welcomed

Nurfitrah M

Verified

January 3, 2026 Stayed at: E8, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

5

Excellent campsite for those looking for privacy. It has to be E6-E9 to be in canyon. The space was huge!

Roth L

Verified

January 1, 2026 Stayed at: E2, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

5

Very easy to get to with an off-road capable vehicle. Make sure to bring levels.

Evan L

Verified

December 24, 2025 Stayed at: E6, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

5

I absolutely loved this campsite! E6 is easily accessible for compact suv’s or regular suv’s with some clearance! The road to get to the site is a dirt trail that only gets a bit bumpier 400 feet from the site. The site is the first one to be surrounded between the rock hills. The site is extremely big, enough space for a couple tents and two cars. The site is completely gravel so no need to worry about mud. I loved how secluded this campsite was, with no moon, the stars are so bright and beautiful! The rangers drive by in the AM around 9:00, just doing their normal rounds. I recommend lots of lamps and a fire pit that allows you to collect your ashes.

Some cool spots to check out are Dante’s view, devils golf course, badwater basin, and definitely natural bridge. At the bridge theres areas for you to climb up pretty high, I thought it was very cool, just a bit scary near the top.

Ryan C

Verified

December 20, 2025 Stayed at: E2, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

5

Although roads were closed, we made the most of it. Hiked desolation canyon to see some of artists palette and had plenty of dark skies for the geminids meteor shower. Campsites in echo canyon were well spaced with great views. Lots of driving but beautiful scenes in every direction!

Chris M

Verified

December 19, 2025 Stayed at: E1, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

5

Rangers were exceptionally informative in regards to park and camping information.

jeffrey s

Verified

December 7, 2025 Stayed at: E2, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

4

Very fun time and we went in November so it was a great temperature the whole time. It had recently rained so the sand in the dunes was wet and the pools were pretty full, which was interesting.

alex b

Verified

December 3, 2025 Stayed at: E3, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

5

Road was recently graded all the way up. The spots varied in size. Well marked. On spots 1-4 you can get full sky viewing. Spots 5-9 are in the canyon.

Daniel S

Verified

November 30, 2025 Stayed at: E6, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

5

Large campsite.

Laura D

Verified

November 30, 2025 Stayed at: G6, Loop: Greenwater Valley Road

5

Fabulous way to stay in the park. Night sky is amazing

Location Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping

Address:
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, CA, 92328
United States

Highway access

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

General

FIRE 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


Last updated: June 5, 2026

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