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

Tracy S

Verified

June 2, 2025 Stayed at: M2, Loop: Marble Canyon Road

1

Not recommended.

Ruth R

Verified

May 13, 2025 Stayed at: H6, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road

4

It was a big and beautiful spot. Our only problem was that its a wind tunnel. The wind was to strong for us to enjoy the spot. Tables will fly away and we Couldn't set up our campfire.

Jonathon L

Verified

May 6, 2025 Stayed at: M4, Loop: Marble Canyon Road

5

Beatiful area. Very secluded and peaceful. The trail head was RIGHT next to my campsite. Will go again in the future.

Greg R

Verified

May 2, 2025 Stayed at: E9, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

3

Stayed at E9. It’s the last spot up Echo Canyon which makes it nice and private. Saw three vehicles pass by in four days. Inly issue with the campsite is it’s not flat and off camber to boot. So it takes a bit of digging and raising to get your rig level. Outside of that, prime location to go anywhere in the park. Sun doesn’t hit the site till 10AM and falls behind the canyon wall at 5PM.

Jana G

Verified

May 2, 2025 Stayed at: H1, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road

5

road in good condition

Ashoke R

Verified

April 29, 2025 Stayed at: C3, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road

5

Great backcountry camping in the middle of stunning landscapes

Herb M

Verified

April 26, 2025 Stayed at: H1, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road

5

Very nice location at campsite H1. There was no traffic on this road except other campers going to sites beyond. Larger trucks on the main highway could be heard at night. I was able to take my 15’ camper trailer here and turn around within the turning radius of the site.

Robert H

Verified

April 13, 2025 Stayed at: M1, Loop: Marble Canyon Road

5

This is an awesome camp ground right in the canyon. Beautiful star gazing. Absolute silence.

Rachel F

Verified

April 8, 2025 Stayed at: H3, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road

4

We stayed at h3 at hole in the wall. It was a smaller spot and there's a big cliff next to the spot. It had recently collapsed and could give more at anytime. I wouldn't recommend it with kids. Someone could easily die under the rubble. The view was obstructed by cliffs on either side. There are better spots to camp that have a better view of the night sky.

Jennifer S

Verified

April 7, 2025 Stayed at: E5, Loop: Echo Canyon Road

5

These sites are great for being on your own. Site 5 had fun rocks to climb, a great view for sunset, and nice morning shade.

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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