Backcountry campground in Death Valley National Park closed due to fire

For Immediate Release: September 16, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

Backcountry campground in Death Valley National Park closed due to fire

Death Valley, Calif. — A backcountry campground in Death Valley National Park is temporarily closed due to a fire that occurred around 7 p.m. on September 15. There were no injuries to campers or hosts. Everyone was evacuated safely.

Saline Valley Warm Springs Campground is in a very remote western area of the park, about 40 miles from the nearest paved road. The fire was contained within the Lower Spring area. The fire destroyed a shed at the volunteer camp host’s site that is a potential source of hazardous materials. Saline Valley Warm Springs Campground is temporarily closed for safety concerns.

“Right now, we need the public to stay away from Saline Valley Campground until the hazards are assessed and dealt with and the site can be safe for the public to access.” said Mike Reynolds, superintendent.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. The fire’s primary fuel were the skirts of dead palm fronds on the approximately 80 nonnative palm trees.

Most of the nonnative palm trees at Lower Springs burned; some are likely to survive. The infrastructure at the National Park Service volunteer host site was destroyed. The NPS’s initial assessment is that piping to and from Lower Springs’ pools were melted but the soaking tubs appear undamaged. The Palm Springs section of the primitive campground was not burned.

Death Valley National Park’s hot and dry climate is conducive for wildfires, help us prevent fires and keep yourself safe from wildfires when visiting.

nps.gov

About the National Park Service.  Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.