Camper submitted image from Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park - 3
Official
Camper submitted image from Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park - 4
Nature
Camper submitted image from Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park - 5
Animals
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

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.

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 100F (38C) with little relief from cooler overnight temperatures. Be aware of these extremes, take necessary precautions, and camp at your own risk.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping is located in a vast desert landscape with flat plains and rugged mountains. Temperatures can range from highs of over 100°F in the summer to cooler winter lows around 40°F. Nearby attractions include Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, offering unique exploration opportunities.

Fee Info

Backcountry Roadside Camping reservations are available on a 6-month rolling basis prior to planned start dates. Camping Use Fee: $10 per night

Suggest an Edit

Location

Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Note: Do not exclusively rely on GPS navigation while travelling in Death Valley National Park. Travelers should always carry up-to-date road maps and be aware that there is no cell phone service along most park roads. Always travel prepared to self-rescue as help may be hours away. There is no specific street address for the park. Furnace Creek Visitor Center coordinates: 36.46171, -116.86682 Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station coordinates: 36.608048, -117.144504 Paved Entrances East Side: CA 190 from Death Valley Junction, CA SR 374 from Beatty, NV CA 178 from Shoshone, CA West Side: CA 190 from Olancha, CA (SR 136 from Lone Pine, CA) SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA Cottonwood Marble Canyon Rd From CA-190 enter Stovepipe Wells Campground. Turn left on the Cottonwood Marble Road marked by a sign for the airport. Check conditions prior to travel.

Address

Death Valley National Park
Death valley, CA 92328

Coordinates

36.461744 N
116.866609 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 2/13/25

Is Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 2/13/25

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed May. 14, 2025

Amazing options - some need a permit and have reserved sites

You need a permit to sleep on the roadside in specific areas of the park. I have slept in non-permitted areas (ie - illegal, non camping pullouts) a handful of times with no hassle and felt safe when this was needed for drowsy driving. I did get woken up and nearly ticketed by a ranger one of those times, which was when someone moved into my site at Emigrant while I was out exploring.

Many beautiful and relatively 2wd accessible areas of the park do allow “roadside” camping without a permit so long as you are more than 1 mile in, off the “main” road. For instance, Trail Canyon and others off West Side Rd, Telephone Canyon, and many others throughout the park.

Check online or with the rangers at Furnace Creek or Stovepipe. Grapevine ranger station is closed/not staffed in 2025.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park by Niko L., May 14, 2025
  • Review photo of Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park by Niko L., May 14, 2025
  • Review photo of Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping — Death Valley National Park by Niko L., May 14, 2025
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find backcountry roadside camping in Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park offers backcountry roadside camping in designated areas throughout the park. You'll need to obtain a backcountry camping permit before setting up at these roadside pullouts. These sites are typically located along specific roads away from developed areas and main thoroughfares. Look for established pullouts where previous camping has occurred. Keep in mind that camping is only permitted in officially designated backcountry areas, and rangers do patrol these zones. For specific locations, check with the visitor center when you arrive for the most current information and to get your required permit.

Is BLM camping available near Death Valley National Park?

Yes, BLM camping is available in areas surrounding Death Valley National Park. These public lands offer dispersed camping options with fewer restrictions than inside the national park boundaries. BLM land can be found primarily on the park's eastern and western edges. This provides an alternative if you prefer camping without permits or want to avoid national park regulations. Always follow Leave No Trace principles when camping on BLM land, and be aware that these areas typically have no facilities or services.

Do I need reservations for camping in Death Valley National Park?

For backcountry roadside camping in Death Valley National Park, you need a permit but not advance reservations. These free permits are available at visitor centers throughout the park. For developed campgrounds, some sites are reservable while others are first-come, first-served. Furnace Creek Campground accepts reservations during the peak season (October-April), while other campgrounds like Texas Spring and Sunset operate on a first-come basis. During busy periods like holidays and spring wildflower season, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. Always check current regulations as permit requirements may change seasonally.

What are the RV camping options in Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park offers several options for RV camping. The park's developed campgrounds include sites that can accommodate RVs, though hookups are limited or unavailable at most locations. Furnace Creek Campground provides some sites with electrical hookups. For backcountry roadside camping with an RV, size restrictions apply, and you'll need to ensure your rig can safely pull off designated roads without damaging the desert environment. Many backcountry roads have rough conditions that aren't suitable for larger RVs. Always check road conditions before attempting backcountry travel with an RV, and obtain the required backcountry camping permit.