Backcountry campground in Death Valley National Park partially reopens after fire

For Immediate Release: September 18, 2026

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Backcountry campground in Death Valley National Park partially reopens after fire

Death Valley, Calif. — The National Park Service reopened a portion of Saline Valley Warm Springs Campground on September 17. The fire, which started Tuesday night, has low potential for spread at this time but there are still hot spots.  The burned area at Lower Springs is closed to public entry by order of the Death Valley National Park superintendent.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is leading the fire response. Once the interior of the burned area is cooled off, the next step will be to remove debris such as the burned battery bank and infrastructure at the host site.

Inyo County is grading the North Pass route to Saline Valley, which will facilitate debris removal.

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 limited to the Lower Spring area. The camping area around Palm Spring and between Lower Springs and Palm Spring is open.

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.