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Camper submitted image from Lemoigne Canyon Road

Lemoigne Canyon Road

Lemoigne Canyon Road provides dispersed camping access along a dirt road that extends miles into the Lemoigne Canyons near Death Valley. The route requires a high-clearance vehicle rather than four-wheel drive capability, making it accessible to trucks and SUVs with adequate ground clearance. A posted sign restricts camping within one mile of the road entrance.

Campers typically drive about a mile down the gravel track to find flat spots suitable for vehicle-based camping. The terrain works better for those sleeping in or on their vehicles rather than traditional tent setups. Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park sits three miles south with established facilities including restrooms and designated parking areas. Free camping here appeals to those seeking off-grid solitude away from developed campground settings.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Lemoigne Canyon Road is located in California

Coordinates

36.538252118154375 N
117.21575633777752 W

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Access

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Site Types

Tent Sites
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Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed

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Alcohol
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Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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2 Reviews

Andrew S.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 6, 2026

High-Clearance

You have to be a mile off the highway before you can camp, there was a decent clearing a mile in. The road is rough in spots but if you have a vehicle that’s sits higher you should be fine if you take it slow.

Month of VisitApril

Jack W.

Ranger

Reviewed Jan. 5, 2026

Lemoigne Canyon Road: Hidden Gem

Found this site while scouring Google Earth for free places to sleep on our roadtrip. It’s technically not an established “site”, just a dirt road that stretches for miles into the Lemoigne Canyons.

A 4x4 vehicle is required, though the clearance is more important than the 4WD is. If you have a truck or a 4Runner, you’re fine.

There’s a sign at the beginning of the trail that says something along the lines of “no camping within one mile of the road” (I forgot to add a photo, so please leave more info on this if you camp here). It’s in the middle of nowhere, so camp at your own discretion and leave no trace.

We travelled about a mile down the road until we found a beautiful flat spot to camp. I recommend this site only to those who also sleep in/on their vehicles, as there’s no established places to set up a tent. That said, it’s an absolute gem if you can make it. The feeling of being so alone in the wide open is surreal.

Emigrant campground is literally right down the road, which has established bathrooms, trash cans, and parking spots. Therefore, I can only recommend Lemoigne Canyon to those who want to camp away from people off-grid—which is exactly what we were looking for.

Month of VisitOctober