Eureka Dunes — Death Valley Remote Valley Camping

Eureka Dunes rise roughly 700 feet off the floor of Eureka Valley in the remote northern reaches of Death Valley National Park. They’re known as the tallest sand dunes in California and are famous for “booming” when sand slides down the slip faces. The primitive camping here is free, with pit toilets at the small campground and no water, no trash service, and no shade. Rigs can also pull off along the valley road, but follow the park’s roadside camping rules, which cover distance from the road and from the dunes. Stay off the dune crest itself. The dunes shelter rare endemic plants, and the park asks you to leave them alone.

Getting here is the work. Eureka Valley Road is long, rough dirt with serious washboard, and sharp rock punctures tires. Run good tires, carry two spares, and bring all your water and fuel. Wind can scour the valley hard. Spring and fall are best, and summer heat is dangerous. Verify current road conditions with the park before you go. Have a dirty day.

Booming dunes at the end of a long dirt road.