Dead Kampers was formed in Santa Cruz, California, in 2018 by guitarist Donny Campion and drummer Holland Barry. The band's name may or may not be derived from a secret, illegal mountain biking trail.

Dead Kampers started out playing surf classics as well as originals, evolving to a more aggro sound, blending rockabilly swagger and rowdy cowpunk with reverb-drenched, Dick Dale-inspired surf guitar. The result is a hybrid that Donny calls "outlaw surf." The band is known for their high-energy shows dominated by Campion's blistering fingerwork and Barry's ferocious, surf/punk/metal-inflected signature style, anchored by Gary Boodt's driving basslines. Dead Kampers are currently assaulting the West Coast and available for venues, festivals, and other public events, as well as private bookings.