Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping
Open year-round with reservations via Recreation.gov. Heat warning in effect for summer months when daytime temperatures average 100°F+ with little overnight relief. Camping not recommended during extreme heat. Fire restrictions require fire pans only with no wood gathering and pack-out of all ashes.
Extreme Heat Warning issued October 9 at 12:35PM PDT until October 9 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures near 110 degrees and overnight lows between 80 and 85 degrees. This will yield at least major Heat Risk, impacting anyone without adequate cooling and hydration. For the Wind Advisory, south winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Elevations in Death Valley National Park below 2000 feet. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM PDT this evening. For the Wind Advisory, from 2 PM Saturday to 5 AM PDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There will likely be a lull in the winds from late Saturday night through Sunday morning before winds increase once again Sunday afternoon.
Flood Watch issued October 9 at 12:25PM PDT until October 12 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of southeast California, including the following areas, Death Valley National Park and Western Mojave Desert and south central Nevada, including the following area, Esmeralda and Central Nye County. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Incoming tropical moisture will lead to widespread shower and thunderstorm activity, some of which may cause flash flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Wind Advisory issued October 9 at 12:35PM PDT until October 12 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures near 110 degrees and overnight lows between 80 and 85 degrees. This will yield at least major Heat Risk, impacting anyone without adequate cooling and hydration. For the Wind Advisory, south winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Elevations in Death Valley National Park below 2000 feet. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM PDT this evening. For the Wind Advisory, from 2 PM Saturday to 5 AM PDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There will likely be a lull in the winds from late Saturday night through Sunday morning before winds increase once again Sunday afternoon.
About
Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping provides a true primitive wilderness experience across over 3.4 million acres of designated wilderness. Campers can reserve designated sites along remote dirt roads in five distinct areas: Echo Canyon, Hole in the Wall, Cottonwood Canyon, Marble Canyon, and Greenwater Valley. Each area offers varying terrain from colorful badlands to rugged canyons, with opportunities for solitude, sweeping vistas, and some of the darkest night skies in the country. These sites are intended for self-sufficient campers with high-clearance vehicles. A SUV or truck with at least 15-inch tire rims and 8 inches of ground clearance is required, and 4-wheel drive is strongly encouraged. Road conditions change rapidly and cell service is essentially nonexistent throughout the backcountry. Trailers, RVs, and standard passenger vehicles cannot access most sites. All sites are completely primitive with no water, toilets, tables, or any amenities. Campers must bring all supplies, pack out all trash and human waste, and camp in previously disturbed areas only. Fire restrictions require use of a fire pan with a fireproof barrier, no wood gathering, and all ashes must be packed out.
Directions
No street address. Access varies by area. Cottonwood/Marble Canyon: From CA-190 at Stovepipe Wells, turn left on Cottonwood Marble Road at the airport sign. Echo Canyon and Greenwater Valley accessed from different roads. Do not rely on GPS navigation; carry current road maps. No cell service on most park roads.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| DEVA_backcountry_permits@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (760) 786-3200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| NPS Backcountry Camping Info |
Availability
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