Going to Death Valley next week, would like information about dispersed camping in the Park?

95% of Death Valley is designated wilderness, so you can camp darn near wherever you want, and there is plenty of "wherever" to go around. Campgrounds are likely to be full anyway, since it is wildflower season. Many of the park's roads are under construction using Recovery Act money, so be prepared for delays. Get off the beaten track (if you have the car for it), either way north or way south. The center of the park is fairly well built up, and is crowded this month, as we are having a fantastic wildflower bloom. As others have said, be prepared, bring more water than you think you will need. We had 90F last week, but are back in the 70s and 80s now -- you just never know. The horror stories others are talking about are just that -- Death Valley has that name for the sake of tourism, not because so many folks have died here. That said...make sure you file a "flight plan" (nothing more than telling someone where you intend to go and when you intend to be back), just for peace-of-mind ;-)

Oh, yeah, how hard to get to places. You can get a backcountry roads map online (link below). Our Subaru gets us 90% of where we need to go. Depends on your level of adventure. Coming from the north, you may want to look at the Last Chance or Eureka Valley areas (mostly good back roads) or Saline Valley (some roads are pretty bad, most are decent). Avoid Scotty's and Ubehebe unless you absolutely have to brave the road construction. Coming from the south, the Owlshead and Greenwater Valley areas are spectacular, if roads are decent (haven't been there recently to know how the roads are).

Dispersed camping in Death Valley, If the word "Death" means anything at all to you, you will take as much precaution as possible. First off the dispersed areas are only accessible from the many "4 wheel drive" recommended dirt roads. For starters if you don't have a high clearance 4wd vehicle forget it. If you a first timer 4wd owner go with a group there is to much to learn for a greenhorn. If not stick to the main roads and designated camping areas. Next is water there is none there, Bring enough for 3 gallons per person per day. Food there is none there, and no place to resupply within a short drive, plan accordingly. Spring is usually nice, temps range from the low 30's to the high 90's dress and camp supply accordingly. Next is have a travel plan and leave a copy at the ranger station before you go in with the who, what, where, when and how many are with you.

Death Valley is absolutely beautiful in the spring and this year will be an outstanding one, with all the rain we have had. A good destination worth the Visit. Just "Be prepared" and all will be just fine.

you should be able to find plenty of campsites...make sure that you are within the designated camping areas....it is pitch black out there, very dry..(bring plenty of water, dress in layers..etc) plenty of privacy between campsites, when i went, but that was in december. unless this is some huge spring break destination or geology field trip time, you should be fine...look it up on internet you may need reservations or just ask about the rest..have fun..

Last year officialdom found some missing German Nationals.

Primitive camping was their forte. The stuck auto became

an oven. One might have tried to walk out. Death Valley

has a way of making hikers vanish.

I would suggest gettin maps and info when you enter the park.