Best Dispersed Camping near Death Valley National Park
Driving across Death Valley National Park, you'll find scattered dispersed camping spots where few other people go. These free camping areas have no facilities at all, so bring everything you need including plenty of water. The park follows standard Leave No Trace rules - pack out everything you pack in. If you head toward Pinto Peak, you'll need a vehicle with good clearance since the roads aren't maintained. Most dirt roads leading to camping spots get very rough after rain. The park limits camping to 14 days in any location. Fire rules change throughout the year depending on conditions, so check with rangers before planning to have one. All camping must be at least 200 feet from springs and water sources, which protects the rare desert water systems. The nearest supply points are in Beatty or Pahrump, so stock up before heading into the park. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 120°F, making winter and spring the best seasons for dispersed camping here. Coyotes and desert tortoises are common in the area - store food properly and give wildlife space. The park has strict regulations about where you can drive off-road (basically nowhere), so stick to established dirt roads. The night skies in Death Valley rank among the darkest in the country, with virtually no light pollution in the backcountry areas.
