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.
From Recreation.gov
**Heat Warning:** Death Valley National Park is known for its extreme summer heat. Camping is not recommended during this time, as daytime temperatures can average at least 100°F (38°C) with little relief from cooler overnight temperatures.*** ***Be aware of these extremes, take necessary precautions, and camp at your own risk.
From Recreation.gov
**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.**
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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