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
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
Linda G
VerifiedApril 1, 2025 • Stayed at: H1, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
We camped at two different sites, H1 in Hole-in-the Wall Canyon, and E3 in Echo Canyon. Both campsites had lovely views. Both were also very rocky which would be challenging for someone planning to camp in a tent. We felt real solitude in Hole-in-the-Wall and heard coyotes in the morning. In Echo Canyon, we could see down canyon to where others were camped (including one vehicle that camped in a pullout, not one of the campsites). The night sky views were incredible.
Robbie H
VerifiedMarch 31, 2025 • Stayed at: E3, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Great site. Loads of privacy. Quite basic and not much to explore but it was perfect for us and in a great part of the park. Not very hard to get to compared to some of the other backcountry sites in the park. Would do it again!
Jacob O
VerifiedMarch 31, 2025 • Stayed at: M3, Loop: Marble Canyon Road
The camping spots in Marble Canyon were awesome! Very beautiful with great views. However, the road to the camp spots is much longer and rougher than you’d expect.
Aaron W
VerifiedMarch 28, 2025 • Stayed at: E5, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Nice sunset view. Great tent or table spot behind a big rock for a wind break. The E5 site is not actually in the canyon, but just before entering Echo Canyon proper. It's possible to get there with a normal car with decent clearance. We saw a Kia sedan driving out from higher up than we were. Road conditions probably vary but were decent on our trip. Very private.
Aaron W
VerifiedMarch 28, 2025 • Stayed at: H3, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
H3 is a great spot for sunset views if you scale the nearby hills (very carefully without disturbing the rocks/plants). Lots of space for kids to play. Bring leveling blocks if you want perfect level.
Greg B
VerifiedMarch 18, 2025 • Stayed at: M4, Loop: Marble Canyon Road
So quiet and peaceful at the end of the road.
Stephanie P
VerifiedMarch 17, 2025 • Stayed at: C4, Loop: Cottonwood Canyon Road
C4 is a fantastic site. It took anywhere between 35 and 60 minutes between the site and the airstrip. Depends how many times you stop to take pictures and makes echoing noises in the canyon.
Driveway is long and dirt, not rock. Plenty of room for our truck and level spots for tents.
Perfectly quiet and serene. Ideal for stargazing.
justin z
VerifiedMarch 16, 2025 • Stayed at: E6, Loop: Echo Canyon Road
Amazing camping location and amazing staff. This is a beautiful place!
Ryan L
VerifiedMarch 15, 2025 • Stayed at: H6, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
Review: Disappointing New Reservation System Leaves Campers Stranded in Poor Conditions
We’ve camped in this area before when it operated under a dispersed camping policy, and we loved the flexibility it provided. Unfortunately, the new reservation system forces you to choose a specific site in advance, which led to a frustrating and uncomfortable experience for our family.
The site we were assigned was extremely exposed to the wind, and with sustained 30 mph winds and 40 mph gusts, it made for a miserable night in the tent—especially with young kids. Had we been able to select a spot upon arrival, we could have chosen a more sheltered area. To make matters worse, several other sites remained empty throughout the night, yet we weren’t allowed to relocate.
While I understand the intent behind structured reservations, the implementation here lacks common sense. There should be some flexibility for campers facing extreme weather, especially when there are unused sites available.
Rebecca A
VerifiedMarch 6, 2025 • Stayed at: H3, Loop: Hole in the Wall Road
H3 was private, quiet and the night sky was amazing
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
