Death Valley

Death Valley is our favorite National Park for dispersed camping and avoiding crowds. It is one of the few parks that allow dispersed camping in wide areas--essentially along most gravel roads at least a mile from the paved road. In some cases, near attractions, it can be two miles. In January and February 2022 we have enjoyed 4 such spots, each with no neighbors within half a mile, spectacular desert views, spectacular night skies and sunrises and no more than a few vehicles passing by. All for free!

Here are our dispersed camping sites and a couple low-amenity campgrounds we have enjoyed.

How to find dispersed camping in Death Valley

The best resource is the NPS brochure on Backcountry Camping brochure found at the NPS site. A second good resource is to ask the rangers in the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Their first answer to me was Echo Canyon, which was a pretty rocky road, doable with high clearance, but we turned around due to the rocky road and because we saw campers ahead at the 1 mile mark. Told that we were interested in the West side road, they said Warm Springs Canyon road is the best bet for camping. It is well south of Badwater, but it was great. The third great resource we use is the "iOverlander" app. Get it (free). There are others, but we love "iOverlander". All four of our dispersed sites are on iOverlander.

Preserve this privilege! Go 1 mile from pavement. Stay next to the gravel road and use existing open spots creating new ones. Don't get stuck. No Campfires. Leave no trace. Read the Park Service Brochure.

Four Great Dispersed Camping spots we have enjoyed in Death Valley

1 Near Ubehebe Crater

Directions: Just before Ubehebe Crater Parking, take the gravel road to Racetrack Valley. Go about 2.2 miles then find an open spot on left side of road. Road is very "washboardy"

Nearest Neighbor: None in sight

View: Ubehebe/Little Hebe craters and valley north of them.

Comment: Great view! About 7 vehicles passing on way to Racetrack from late afternoon on.

View toward Ubehebe Crater

Ubehebe Crater Hike

Camp Spot

2 Near Dante's View

Directions: From Highway 190, go 7.5 miles then turn south on gravel Greenwater Valley Road. The turn is near the lot for dropping trailers, which are not allowed on the final roadway ascent to Dante's View.

Nearest Neighbor: 2, about a half mile each way

View: Greenwater Valley

Comment: Nearest spot after viewing sunset at Dante's View. Only 1 or 2 vehicles passing by.

3 Warm Springs Canyon Road

Directions: Take Badwater road about 42 miles south of Furnace Creek to West Side Road. Take West Side Road about 3 miles to Warm Springs Canyon Rd. Go 1 - 1.5 mile to open spot on left.

Nearest Neighbor: One, half mile.

View: Amargosa Valley

Comment: Great view of valley. A van got stuck 1/4 mile from us on roadside. Be careful of soft soils and the grader berm along the road.

4 Harry Wade Rd. south end

Directions: Take Badwater Road south until it becomes gravel and becomes Harry Wade Road, about 47 miles south of Furnace Creek. The paved road turns East here to leave Death Valley and becomes Highway 178.

Nearest Neighbor: None visible for miles

View: Amargosa Valley

Comment: Great view of valley, stars and the sunset.

We have also stayed at two of the smaller "dry camp" campgrounds, both out of the Furnace Creek hubub and with a low-key vibe.

Mesquite Spring Campground

Near the Scotty's Castle Road (still closed Jan 2022) and close to Ubehebe Crater. Nice little campground with table, firepit restrooms and trash bins. No power, and no water at individual sites. Mostly truck campers, vans and some tents when we were there.

40 Units. $14 or $7 with senior pass. No reservations. Go to NPS Death Valley web page for details.

Wildrose Campground

This is a nice little "Primitive" campground in the Panamint Mountains, a little remote from most attractions. 23 units. No Reservations. Dry camp only. Free. Go to NPS Death Valley web page for details.

There are other campgrounds, some with more amenities, if that is what you like. Power and air conditioning might certainly be important in the hottest months in Death Valley! Go the the National Park Service Death Valley web site for more details or talk to the Park Rangers. Make sure you are prepared for desert heat in the hot season!

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