Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping

About Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping

Overview PLEASE BE AWARE:These are primitive sites that do not offer water, electricity, toilet access, or any amenities. Most primitive roadside campsites require a high clearance vehicle, and 4-wheel drive is highly encouraged. Road conditions can change quickly. High clearance vehicles are defined as a SUV or truck with at least 15 inch tire rims AND at least 8 inches of ground clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, or suspension. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley! In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Death Valley has sunk below sea level through geologic processes over time. It lies within the Mojave Desert and is the hottest, driest and lowest location in North America. Despite its extreme climate, the park boasts a diversity of ecosystems, including colorful badlands, snow-covered peaks, desolate sand dunes, rugged canyons and flat, dry basins called playas. Backcountry Roadside camping in Death Valley provides a primitive backcountry experience in the park's premier wilderness. All of these designated sites are located in remote locations and campers must be self-sufficient. Visit the park's Backcountry Camping page for more information. Recreation There are over 3.4 million acres of Death Valley to explore. The popular main attractions are accessible by paved roads and more remote areas of the park will require high clearance, 4-wheel drive. Please visit the park's website for helpful tips when planning your trip. Facilities Backcountry Roadside Campsites: Primitive roadside camping with your vehicle in designated campsites along rugged backcountry dirt roads. These are primitive, roadside campsites which require extra trip planning. Ple

How to Get There

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.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping

Heading to Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)