Death Valley National Park | Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping
Type: STANDARD NONELECTRIC
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Greenwater Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping
Site G9 provides a primitive camping experience for visitors looking for solitude and adventure, as well as flexibility in choosing a campsite.
Capacity
Greenwater Valley Road Site G9 can accommodate a maximum of 3 vehicles and 12 people. For the purposes of capacity, any trailer counts as a vehicle.
Access
Camping along this corridor requires leaving Dantes View Road, onto the un-improved gravel Furnace Creek Wash Road, then traveling at least one mile and selecting an appropriate camp site. Furnace Creek Wash Road requires moderate clearance, but high clearance (over 8 inches measured from the ground to the lowest part of the undercarriage), as well as 4-wheel drive, is recommended. Sites must be no greater than 50 feet away from the centerline of the road and must have been previously disturbed by other campers. Be careful not to damage plants or wildlife burrows when moving a vehicle; desert tortoises like to huddle beneath vehicles. Full guidance can be found here.
Off-road driving is prohibited throughout Death Valley National Park.
Fires
Constructed fire pits are not allowed in the backcountry. Portable fire pits that burn propane, methane or other gasses are allowed. Fire pans are allowed below 3,000 feet year round and above 3,000 feet between September 16 and June 14, provided the fire does not come in contact with the natural surface and all ash and burnt wood is removed. No wood gathering is allowed and all ashes must be collected.
Vegetation
There is no shade and creosote ground cover in this site.
Views
This site provides excellent views of the eastern side of the Black Mountains.
Cautions
Self-reliance and self-rescue (including communication technologies) are strongly recommended. Do not rely on cellular network coverage in the backcountry. Always plan ahead and inform an emergency contact of your itinerary. Ravens, coyotes and other scavengers are common in this area, so make sure to keep food, trash and other scented items secured in a vehicle or other hard-sided container.
Desert Tortoises are a known thr eatened species inhabiting this area. They are protected from any harassment. If you see a desert tortoise, let it be—frightening a tortoise can cause it to urinate and lose valuable water, which can put this creature in a dire situation. Only touch a tortoise if it is in immediate danger, such as to move it from a roadway. Make sure to check under your vehicle before moving it and remember to drive like a tortoise along this sensitive habitat.
You are responsible for following all park rules and regulations. All Backcountry Regulations are strictly enforced.