Camping in Death Valley National park is allowed, but depending on the type of camping you are planning it can either be costly or timely. For people who like to go the distance and travel light in an RV or car, it is important to learn about the law and customs of the places they intend to visit beforehand.
Sleeping in a car in Death Valley is not impossible, but there are specific locations based on the regulations that people can use as their parking spots while they sleep off the tiring activities of the previous day. It is permitted to sleep anywhere in a car or other vehicle in every place where it is legal to camp.
Read on to learn more about car camping and Death Valley.
Table of Contents
What is Car Camping?
Rookie campers might think that it is too complicated to follow up on all the new camping trends. First of all, that is why you are reading this. Secondly, there are no specific trends, just some things that people commonly do as a solution to a camping situation. Some readers may think that the term car camping refers to literally sleeping inside the car (sometimes it may, but rarely).
Care camping implies that you are cruising around nature with your vehicle. You load up all of the gear and go on a trip in your car.
This camping ‘practice’ if we can call it that, is usually done at state and local parks around the United States. Some campsites allow dispersed camping in other countries around the world of course, as well as private campsites.
Depending on your requirements there are even different types of campsites to consider. For example, RV camps have 50 amp electrical breakers and running water, while on tent sites you can have electricity and water, and the most ‘primitive’ or rather natural ones, with a fire ring or picnic table. Some camping lovers want to go in the intact nature, but it kinda feels less true unless you park your car and head out into the wild outdoors. Modernized campgrounds come with shower houses, flush toilets, laundromats, and free Wi-fi. It depends on the location and personal preference.
Where is Death Valley?
Death Valley National park is located in eastern California and Nevada. It has many interesting locations, among which the most famous can be considered the Titus Canyon with its ghost town and colorful rocks and Badwater Basin salt flats, which is the lowest point of North America.
This lowest national park is often referred to as the land of extreme. The landscape is filled with contrasts of towering peaks frosted with winter snow, rainstorms and wildflowers, and bare rock changes throughout the land. There is significant diversity of life in a valley named Death.
This national park has a variety of nature and culture so all people, no matter their age, length, and type of stay can truly enjoy themselves. However, because of the fragile stability of the ecosystem, there are some regulations that all visitors must oblige by. Consequently, car camping has a specific set of rules that is for the well-being of the habitat.
It is only fair to reflect on the origin of the name before further diving into detail about car camping in this awesome national park. It has many cultural and biological histories imprinted in the landscape. The name was allegedly given by a group of pioneers that got lost there in the winter of 1849-1850.
Car Camping in Death Valley
Car campers who have already shared their stories simply cannot describe the plethora of options available for car camping in Death Valley.
Places that have a solid roof in the national park are quite limited and are fully booked in springtime. Because of this many adventurous travelers are looking for alternative ways to spend time in Death Valley national park, spending the nights near the park, or in the campground without having to set up their Marmot tents. Here is a list of alternative bases near the park:
- Beatty, about 40 miles from Furnace Creek
- Lone Pine, 40 miles
- Death Valley Junction, 30 miles
- Tecopa, 70 miles
- Ridgecrest, 120 miles
- Las Vegas, 140 miles
Now, visiting other towns for the culture, and experience of travel means that you either want to see as much as you can of California, that you are not a fan of camping or that you have a deep pocket. Since there is a slim chance you all are, we will discuss some more affordable and near-the-goal options for you to camp.
Camping In
There are many backcountry roads to car camp for free in Death Valley, 700 miles to be exact. Always keep in mind that off-road driving is prohibited throughout the park due to the fragile desert environment. Those miles spread across 30 different backcountry roads.
There are nine operated campgrounds by the national park service. Four are tucked in the Panamint Mountains, and only Furnace Creek will accept reservations in advance from mid-October to mid-April. The rest of the campgrounds are simple first-come-first-serve philosophies. This is good or bad, depending on how you look at things.
From one perspective, you have to plan to be there either first or last in the season to have a chance and take the first-come service. On the other hand, not booking will probably cause some anxiety, even panic, and the thrill and frustration of a great adventure to talk about back home.
During seasons you will probably be able to see how all campsites will be filled by midmorning, particularly at weekends during spring wildflower blooming. From nature lovers to hikers, everyone will rush out in the mountain as soon as they can. The reason for this is the majestic scenery. But few visitors will know that on those days the vast Sunset campground is a traveler’s best friend. It is perfect for snagging a last-minute spot, and there is always the option of free backcountry camping.
There is a private campground that caters mostly to RVs in the Stovepipe Wells Village, Ranch at Furnace Creek, and Panamint Springs Resort.
Insider Tips
According to experienced campers and travelers, the best car camping spots can be found on Echo Canyon Road, Hole in the Wall Road, and the Trail Canyon Road. Going west for a high elevation trip, it is best to head south on the Emigrant Canyon Road onto the TuckiMine Road. There are several other car camping spots in remote areas such as Saline Valley Road, Lippincot Road, and Hidden Valley-Hunter Mountain Road, etc.
Learning about the location of each road, it is best to print out a map or study it on your computer or phone screen, memorizing some characteristics. We also advise taking a pen and paper and writing travel plan options, as you will probably remember a portion of it and navigate easily through the roads once you get there.
Here are a few requirements for car camping in Death Valley:
- Car camping is only allowed on a dirt road.
- The location must be at least 1 mile from a paved or a day-use-only road, as well as any mining structures.
- The location must be at least 100 yards from any water source.
- Only car camps in previously disturbed areas
- Parking is preferable to being adjacent to the road on the shoulder, preferably in an area that has been driven on.
- At all times be familiar and go by the Leave No Trace principles.
Even though it may seem dull, planning out activities to do while you are car camping or visiting in any other way can greatly reduce the time you would spend once you finally arrive at your designated location.
One of the best techniques you can do to stay informed and on the good side of the law is to read the Rules and Regulations of Death Valley Natural Park. Going through each segment, from mountain climbing, wildlife, or camping, you can write down whatever pieces of information you find intriguing. Look them up, map them down, and plan a few routes in case you have a detour on the road.
But Can I Sleep in My Car in Death Valley?
Ok, grant it, you simply might be wondering can you park somewhere in Death Valley to catch some breath if you are longer on the road. However, the thing that is more fun to do is camping so consider car camping while you are here.
It is permitted to sleep anywhere in a car or other vehicle in every place where it is legal to camp. Established campgrounds are only at the top of the list. Backcountry campsites require more research about the car camping laws but are more secluded and awesome.
The restrictions apply to everyone for the protection of water sources, plant and animal habitats, as well as historical resources. All of the information is available on their website.
Overnight parking is not allowed in areas specified for day use only. For visitors coming from Europe, it is extremely important to learn about the different camping customs and regulations that are applied in California, and the US in general. Understanding what you can and cannot do is extremely important so you don’t end up paying a fine for the silly reason of not being informed.
