Question about camping

[John Morrow]

Hi all, I was doing some research on Death Valley road conditions and found this forum.  Lovely that there is a forum just for Death Valley! 
Death Valley is one of my favorite places in the state, but unfortunately with all life's obligations I've not been able to get there as often as I'd like.  In fact, other than a quick stop there a couple years ago, I haven't had a real trip there for 6 years!  Well I have an opportunity to go in early March, so I am starting to plan the trip. 

I like to camp outside of standard campgrounds when possible, but I only have a 2WD, and my experience in the past on Death Valley dirt roads reduced my likelihood to take chances there (stuck in sand once, flat tire another time).  So, I tend to want to stick to well graded dirt roads without "issues" like "sharp rocks that can puncture tires."  Given this limitation, and adding the damage to many Death Valley roads from the 2022 storms, noted on the Death Valley park site, I am wondering if I'll be able to find any camping opportunities other than the designated campsites.  

What has others' recent experience been, particularly if you also are limited by having 2WD?  

If I do need to stick to standard campgrounds, is it likely I'll find spots open? Eg at Stove Pipe Wells, Furnace Creek, Sunset, Texas Spring campgrounds?

For years I toured the SW with a Honda Civic.  I empathize with your situation.  
If you don't have this map, you need it.
https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/u...s-map_.pdf

You are correct, that options are limited.
Road 21 on the map is graded by the county known as "Furnace Creek" or Greenwater Road.  Usually all vehicles have access.  Small pullouts are evident.  Saratoga Spring and Jubilee Pass area spurs can at times be passable.  Sometimes I actually scouted on foot first when a road is incised single vehicle width so I had a turnaround option.
Saline Valley Rd to Lee Flat and Panamint Dunes (floods will incise the wash crossings until traffic smooths them out) too, can be OK
Emigrant Campground is free, small and tent only.  Safe to leave camp set up and leave for the day.  All campgrounds can be loud due to close tent footprints and lack of cover.
Conditions change but often times one can get past the one mile restriction zone on many of the roads on the map that are solid lines with the double line, "High Clearance 2WD".  Keep from high centering by running the tires over the high rocks and berms.