Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping
Open — Currently open and accepting reservations via Recreation.gov. Heavy rains have caused flooding and debris on many park roads; unpaved roads may be impassible due to mud or erosion. Check current road conditions at nps.gov/deva before traveling as roads are still being assessed and cleared. Fire pans required for campfires; no wood gathering allowed.
From Recreation.gov
**Flood Damage Alert:** The park received has received heavy rains that has caused flooding and debris on many park roads. Roads are still being assessed and will be closed/opened as they are cleared. Visitors are urged to exercise caution and check current conditions before traveling. Unpaved roads may be impassible due to mud or erosion. The most up-to-date information on road status and park access can be found at [**nps.gov/deva**][1]. [1]: http://nps.gov/deva
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 primitive wilderness experience along designated roadside corridors in one of America's most extreme landscapes. Sites are scattered across five main corridors: Echo Canyon Road, Hole-in-the-Wall Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road, Marble Canyon Road, and Greenwater Valley Road. These remote locations require high clearance vehicles with at least 15-inch tire rims and 8 inches of ground clearance; 4-wheel drive is highly encouraged as road conditions can change rapidly due to weather. The camping areas provide access to Death Valley's vast wilderness, where temperatures can exceed 100°F from May through September and winter brings cooler, more moderate conditions ideal for exploration. Campers experience complete solitude among colorful badlands, rugged canyons, and sweeping desert vistas under some of the darkest night skies in the contiguous United States. This is true backcountry camping with no trails, requiring cross-country navigation skills and thorough trip planning. Cell reception is minimal to nonexistent, and rescue is not guaranteed. Visitors must carry all water, be prepared for vehicle emergencies (flat tires are common), and pack out all trash and waste.
Directions
No specific street address exists. Access corridors from CA-190 at various points. Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Road: From CA-190, enter Stovepipe Wells Campground area and turn left on Cottonwood Marble Road (marked by airport sign). High clearance 4WD vehicle required for all sites. Do not rely exclusively on GPS; carry up-to-date road maps. No cell service on most park roads. Furnace Creek Visitor Center: 36.46171, -116.86682.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 |
Availability
Photos
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