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Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites — Death Valley National Park

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Free backcountry camping along a wash road, Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites provides dispersed camping within Death Valley National Park. Campers can access sites by driving along a sharp gravel road that becomes increasingly rough, with multiple camping spots available after the first mile. The road accommodates standard vehicles for the initial stretch, though high-clearance vehicles handle the terrain better as distances increase.

The wash setting exposes campers to strong winds that funnel down the corridor, particularly at night. Reviewers consistently mention wind challenges, with one noting the need to "stake and tie down our tents ladder as the wind attempted to fold the tent closed on several occasions." The rocky ground makes traditional tent stakes difficult to use. Sandbags covered with rocks provide more reliable anchoring.

Sites H6, H5, and H3 receive recommendations from visitors, and reservations are available through Recreation.gov. The terrain changed significantly after a 2022 storm, making older satellite images unreliable for trip planning. Wildlife encounters include hummingbird visits and bobcat sign. One camper emphasized water planning: "bring more water then you think you will need cause you seriously and truly on your own out there."

Night skies offer clear viewing away from light pollution, while mountain views surround the wash. For campers seeking additional options in the region, places to camp around Death Valley National Park provide alternatives with varying access requirements.

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Location

Public Campground

Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites — Death Valley National Park is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

36.40875456 N
116.7540074 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites — Death Valley National Park needs a permit.

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4.0

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5 Reviews

Guests commonly noted breathtaking mountain views and true desert solitude, but many mentioned fierce nighttime winds and challenging ground conditions. Road access requires careful navigation with sharp gravel and ruts.

Graeme P.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2025

Rugged

Hole in the wall is rugged and in the middle of nowhere, views and he night skies are amazing

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites — Death Valley National Park by Graeme P., November 20, 2025
  • Review photo of Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites — Death Valley National Park by Graeme P., November 20, 2025
MThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jan. 31, 2025

Some good sites

Sites H6 H5 and H3 are best. You can reserve through recreation dot gov. Roads are cleaned up from the 2022 storm but not like before. Terrain is not recognizable from older satellite images. Beautiful night sky.

SiteH6
Month of VisitJanuary
Conrad G.
Reviewed May. 31, 2021

WOW!

This is majestic in every sense of the word!

True solitude if you go far enough back into the wash but know it’s a very sharp gravel road with some good ruts and dips That said we made it ( albeit very slowly) in a stock RAV4 loaded for four days in the desert Man you really come to appreciate how much water weighs when you have to lump it around!

The views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking

The setting is very peaceful though at night the wind can be truly fierce and unrelenting ( we had to stake and tie down our tents ladder( RTT) as the wind attempted to fold the tent closed on several occasions

We had daily visits from a stunning hummingbird and found what appeared to be bobcat poop in our camp one morning

This was peace and tranquillity in every sense of the word ( at least in my humble opinion) A place to truly decompress from the world stresses

But remember, bring more water then you think you will need cause you seriously and truly on your own out there!

Siteno sites numbers
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites — Death Valley National Park by Conrad G., May 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites — Death Valley National Park by Conrad G., May 31, 2021
  • (12) View All
Brett S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 3, 2021

Was sooo windy for us

Not a bad campsite but no shelter. We had really strong winds that came down the wash and lots of trouble getting our tent to stay in one place. Ground wasn't conducive to tent pegs so sandbags covered in rocks worked but it was way too windy for us.

RV with us was ok. 25ft 2WD and it made it in far enough to have passed about 5 campsites. There are more but the road turns to high clearance neeed after about 2 or 3 miles.

Camping after 1st mile allowed. I don't think campfires are allowed.

  • Review photo of Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites — Death Valley National Park by Brett S., March 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites — Death Valley National Park by Brett S., March 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Hole in the Wall Backcountry Sites — Death Valley National Park by Brett S., March 3, 2021
  • (7) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hole in the Wall Campground located in Death Valley?

Hole in the Wall Campground is located in a wash within Death Valley National Park. It's accessible via a gravel road that has sharp rocks and some challenging ruts and dips. The campground offers true solitude, especially if you venture further back into the wash area. The location provides a majestic desert landscape with minimal development, giving visitors an authentic backcountry experience in one of America's most striking desert environments.

What is the best time of year to visit Hole in the Wall Campground in Death Valley?

The best time to visit Hole in the Wall Campground is during the cooler months from late fall through early spring (October to April). Summer temperatures in Death Valley can be dangerously hot, often exceeding 120°F. Be aware that strong winds can funnel through the wash, particularly during seasonal transitions, which might impact camping comfort and tent stability. Winter and early spring also offer more moderate temperatures for exploring the surrounding desert landscape while still providing beautiful night skies.

What amenities are available at Hole in the Wall Campground?

Hole in the Wall Campground offers very minimal amenities, true to its backcountry designation. There are no shelters, water sources, or developed facilities. The campground provides a primitive camping experience with natural gravel surfaces that may not be ideal for securing tent stakes. Visitors should be completely self-sufficient, bringing all necessary water, supplies, and waste disposal equipment. The primary amenity is the stunning natural environment and exceptional night sky viewing opportunities.

Are reservations required for Hole in the Wall Campground?

Yes, reservations are required for Hole in the Wall Campground and can be made through Recreation.gov. Specific sites such as H3, H5, and H6 are considered the most desirable options. Since this is a backcountry camping area with limited designated sites, securing a reservation in advance is essential, especially during the popular cooler seasons when Death Valley visitation increases. Check the official National Park Service website for the most current reservation policies and availability.

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