Backcountry camping in Death Valley National Park

Even with our 4-wheel drive dually, there are many roads in Death Valley that are off limits to us.  Our wheelbase is too long, and with the dual rear wheels we are too wide.  And the roads are rocky.

What this means is that it is too easy to tear up a sidewall.  Immovable rocks stick out into many of the roads, and if you run into one, the tire is what will be moved--not the rock.

We discovered this fact last year in Death Valley, much to our chagrin.  We had assumed we could get anywhere, but found we had our limits.

Oh well.  This year we tried some roads we thought we could navigate, and found some terrific back country camping spots.  All alone, quiet, with only a rare vehicle or two coming close to us all day. 

We discovered that front struts are a necessity.  Despite the rough roads, we no longer have to worry about the "big bounce" a camper can take if a bump is hit.  Although they were pricey, they should protect the camper and the camper components.

One afternoon, while sitting at one of our sites, we saw a herd of California Mountain Sheep.  They were right across the road from us.  What a sight!