Dispersed camping near Death Valley National Park spans multiple valleys with drastic elevation changes from -282 feet below sea level to over 5,000 feet in the surrounding areas. This terrain variation creates temperature differences of 15-20°F between lower and higher elevation camping spots. Most accessible dispersed sites exist on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land surrounding the park's boundaries rather than within the park itself.
What to do
Hike to Panamint Dunes: Pack extra water and allow 3-4 hours for the complete hike. At Panamint Dunes Dispersed, the dunes require a 1-mile cross-country hike from the parking area. "Being accessible by long stretches of rough roads to the north or rugged 4X4 trails to the south, really cuts back on the crowds. Saline Valley is a gorgeous, empty expanse with stellar sunrise/set views," notes one camper about the broader area.
Wildlife photography: Set up early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. At Minietta Road, you might spot desert wildlife from your campsite. "We saw a couple of RVs but everyone has a TON of space. I was able to let dog and cat out of camper and they weren't going anywhere....nothing to chase," reports one camper at Minietta Road.
Stargazing: Death Valley has some of the darkest skies in the country, particularly from higher elevation camps. "At night, you get an unmatched view of the stars and Milky Way because there's no light pollution," notes a camper at Minietta Road.
What campers like
Concrete pads for level parking: Many sites feature remnants of old mining operations. "This spot has a ton of abandoned flat concrete pads, mostly level and mostly accessible. On some of them the surrounding dirt has washed away so it's a big drop from the pad to the ground," explains a camper at Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park.
Complete silence: The remote nature provides unusually quiet camping experiences. "The valley is known for having ZERO background noise, so the only sound you'll hear are the occasionally car, the ravens, and the Hornet fighter jet that flights overhead," shares a Minietta Road visitor.
Proximity to park attractions: Some sites provide convenient access without park entrance fees. "Large space, you can park on the pads or the dirt. Very close to the park. Right off the highway and easy to find," notes a camper at Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park.
What you should know
True self-sufficiency required: There are absolutely no services available at most sites. "In this place you are like lost on an unihabited island, no phone signal, not a single tree. I prepared enough food and stuff to camp in the RV about nearly 2 days," explains a camper at Minietta Road.
Road conditions vary drastically: Many access roads deteriorate quickly after rain. "Road ends on the half of the way. No advise to enter the road with RV," warns a visitor to Dispersed Site off 190 - Ridgecrest BLM.
Cell service is extremely limited: Most dispersed sites have no connectivity at all. "Zero cell service in this area with Verizon and ATT," reports a visitor to Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites with concrete pads: These provide more stable terrain for tents and play areas. "The ground is hard and can be rocky, depending on which spot you get. I put my set up in my car a few nights and slept in there," notes a camper at Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park.
Pack extra sun protection: The lack of natural shade makes improvised shelter essential. "There is absolutely no shade, which is bad when it's hot. But it was great for me to test out my Starlink and Jackery, which both performed great," reports a camper.
Watch for desert hazards: The terrain can be dangerous for children. "This area is an abandoned mining town so there are small pipes and some drop offs on a few slabs. Arriving at night is not a good idea," warns a visitor at Pinto Peak View Camp.
Tips from RVers
Scout sites before bringing in large rigs: Many areas have unmarked hazards. "There is a wide open area in the turn off I would recommend hoofing it to scope your spot then move your rig in if you're over 25ft," advises a camper at Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park.
Plan for temperature extremes: RVs may require additional cooling or heating. "We had to keep the windows closed overnight because the wind felt like it was going to break our windows off, so it got a little warm in the RV overnight," notes a camper.
Choose ground carefully for tent camping: The desert surface can damage equipment. "Be careful if you tent camp off the pads. My tent got some holes from the tiny rocks, even with a good foot print. Some are just very pointy," shares a camper at Vanderbilt Rd. Dispersed.
