The best camping near Petrified Forest National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Petrified Forest National Park adventure.

Take in views of petrified logs and colorful expanses at this northern Arizona park.

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Community favorites near Petrified Forest National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Petrified Forest National Park

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Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!

2 sites · RVs10 acres · Sun Valley, AZ

Learn more about this land:This raw land property, right at the edge of the Petrified Forest National Park, gives you amazing views of and walking access into the park (with an already purchased entrance pass) to the ancient Puerco Pueblo and the stunning views of Newspaper Rock. Cell reception in the area is decent. I had access to TMobile data from the property the last time I was there though not all areas of the park have the same luxury. City folk (like it seems I have sadly become these days) often forget what a beautiful starry night sky can look like. One clear night here and you'll see a sky full of stars, the milky way, planets and maybe a shooting star. As a International Dark Sky Park, the parks nightscape falls on the Bortel scale of 3 (1 being darkest and 9 being brightest). For more info go to www.nps.gov/pefo/learn/nature/darkskies Outside of the Petrified Forest National Park in Holbrook, we recommend visiting Jim Gray's Petrified Wood Co. and the Navajo County Historical Society Museum. Nearest gas can be found at the Painted Desert Visitor Center or west down I-40 toward Holbrook at the Hopi Travel Plaza. In Holbrook, groceries can be found at Safeway and local restaurants include Camaleon Cafe, Butterfield Stage Co. Steak House and Mandarin Beauty and host of other Mexican and American restaurants. Trucks do come down Adamana Rd to the storage facility during the week though you probably won't hear or see them much. The train can be a bit loud and obnoxious for some (or a something exciting for the kids) depending on how frequently it passes through so ear plugs at night may be advised. I'm usually pretty accessible and close to my phone so feel free to message me with any questions you may have, before during or after your trip! ***Please read all rules and descriptions in the listing thoroughly before booking to make sure this listing is a good fit!*** We look forward to having you!

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Alien Acres

15 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sun Valley, AZ

Prepare to embark on an otherworldly adventure unlike any other – welcome to our extraordinary UFO alien-themed camping area, perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of the mesmerizing Sun Valley, Arizona. This unique camping experience will transport you to a realm of fascination and wonder, all while being surrounded by the high desert beauty, bordering the renowned Petrified Forest National Park. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable journey, as our gates are open all year, inviting you to indulge in an extraterrestrial escape. Bring your telescope if you have one, for the stargazing opportunities here are simply out of this world! As you traverse the dirt road leading to this celestial haven, you'll find yourself immersed in the untamed beauty of the high desert landscape. But remember, resist the urge to feed the friendly aliens – they have their own cosmic cuisine! Before you reach Sun Valley off I-40 exit 294, we kindly request you put your trust in the traditional methods of navigation rather than GPS. Consult the two photos in our directions. We will text you the day of arrival and request you call us once at exit 294 for directions and we'll guide you seamlessly to our celestial outpost only 2 turns away. so embrace the gentle breeze and embrace the glorious sun. Please note, that we'll allow fires when the wind subsides, but do come prepared with your own wood. This ensures you can bask in the warmth of the campfire under the vast, star-studded skies. This unique venture is the result of our passion and dedication. Despite facing visual challenges after an accident, we've worked tirelessly to create this one-of-a-kind experience, and we couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved. In addition to an otherworldly experience, we offer you a chance to own a piece of history – free petrified wood, for visitors. So, pack your curiosity and a sense of wonder, and join us on this cosmic escapade! Step into a realm where the boundaries of reality and imagination blur, and where memories are made that will last for eons. We eagerly await your arrival, fellow adventurers, to our UFO alien-themed camping area high above Sun Valley, Arizona! Also great for ATVs and Hiking. The wet weather is over any car will be able to navigate the road. Dogs, Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash all the time and you must walk your dog off the property to go the bathroom or you will be told to leave the camp. I message everyone the morning of your visit with instructions to go to exit 294 sun valley off i40 then call me for final directions to site.

Petrified National Forest

31 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Sun Valley, AZ

🏕️ RAW LAND 🏕️ Discover vast open fields for all your dispersed camping needs. 🌙 Choose to glamp, car camp, tent camp, RV/motorhome, or simply sleep under the stars. ✨ ⛺️ Once you find your spot, please be respectful of other campers. 🌞 We are conveniently located just 10 minutes from the Petrified National Forest. Nearby, there's a shop at the corner of Adamana and the Highway offering amenities such as bathrooms, as well as a souvenir shop. Before nightfall, we recommend checking local weather conditions and arriving early. Please exercise caution regarding wildlife; remember, this is the desert, and we cannot be held liable for any injuries caused by wildlife, cacti, or weather-related incidents. Given that this is an expansive desert, there are no utilities available. 🏜️ For optimal exploration, we suggest using a 4WD vehicle. The featured pictures showcase local attractions and our campground itself. 😊🙏❤️⛺️☮️🏜️✨

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Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Holbrook, AZ

ATTENTION: If you do not have a lifted, high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle with locking differentials, and prepared for self-rescue with a winch, shovel, and rigging DO NOT BOOK THIS CABIN. The cabin sits at the end of an unmaintained, unimproved, dirt road that becomes impassible during winter snow events and summer monsoon rains! The Painted Desert Ranger Cabin is a backcountry, off grid cabin acquired by Ranger Ross in 2011. Ranger Ross lived in the cabin while he worked as a resource protection ranger at the Petrified Forest National Park. The ranger cabin is a rustic off grid cabin that offers no amenities. There is no concierge, room service, or continental breakfast. There is no linen service or fancy little bottles of shampoo. It does however, offer beautiful views of the Painted Dessert wilderness, quiet serenity, and amazing star gazing opportunities. All from the comfort of a cozy one room cabin with a queen size bed and a flush toilet. The ranger cabin sits on the border of the north wilderness area of the Petrified Forest National Park. There are great hiking and exploration opportunities right out the back door of the cabin.

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Petrified In the desert campgro

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acres · Sun Valley, AZ

My lady and , I bought this 1.16 acre's of raw land petrified national Forest estate's . The land is zoned for recreational and residential . The land is literally right next to the petrified national Forest . We decided to list our property as a campground on hip camp so that people can come and check out the petrified national Forest and many other fun things to do and see around the area . The proceeds made from hipcampers will go back into our campground Petrified in the desert campground .

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Petrified Forest

3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Holbrook, AZ

Explore nearby Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert, Meteor Crater, and Indian Ruins. Amenities include a ready to use 4 M canvas bell tent with full size mattress, two pillows, and bed sheets. There are two folding chairs and a small folding table inside. Also features a cozy hammock and a port-john (outhouse toilet). Bring your own water and food. You are also welcome to bring your own RV, Camper, Truck, and camping gear. Generators are allowed. This site has a total of three tents on it, spaced several hundred feet apart for privacy. Guests love it here: "What a great base camp for visiting the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert! The bed was very comfortable and we really appreciated the solar-powered light for nighttime reading. The stars - and Milky Way - were as advertised. Over all, an A-plus experience."

Booked 1 time

1.09 Acres in Apache County, Arizon

1 site · RV1 acre · Sun Valley, AZ

26.7 miles from the City of Holbrook lies a lovely 1.09-acres gem. This property sits in a serene environment and is located alongside N7166 Rd. Petrified forest national park, a great place to hike as it has beautiful scenery and it’s only 19.8 miles away from the property. Crystal forest must also be in the bucket list as it offers a campground where you can immerse yourself in the desert.

from

$12

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Booked 7 times

Madhouse Ranch

15 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sun Valley, AZ

It doesn't get more 'out' than this. A 5-acre campground on the open plains of Northeastern Arizona. 20 minutes away from The Painted Dessert National Park, you have the perfect RV/Off-Roading experience. Ideal for stargazing and decompressing. Upgrades to come. Book now **Tom Misch, Little Dragon & Moonchild can stay here for free!**

Booked 1 time

The Petrified Forest Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Adamana, AZ

This property sits on 1.06 acres. With highland desert plant and animals you may see an antelope, coyote, cow, or burros. Just off I-40 this property is minutes away from The Petrified Forest National Park. With amazing cell reception this is a great spot to stay if you're visiting the park or passing through. There is no running water, electricity, or toilet access here. The sunsets here are amazing.

Booked 1 time

Campfire Ranch @ Petrified Forest

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Sun Valley, AZ

Adjacent to the Petrified Forest National Park and overlooking the Painted Desert’s Lithodendron Wash, the Hopi Camper Cabin at the Campfire Ranch is located on an old ostrich ranch and a perfect base camp for your outdoor adventure. The 40 acre ranch is located on a dirt road off I-40 and just an exit away from the north entrance to Petrified Forest National Park. It is one of the closest lodging options to the park. You get the whole ranch to yourself!

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The Campsites at Paraíso Dorado

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sun Valley, AZ

Welcome to a 5 acre camp at an angle. Enjoy a piece of the Northern Arizona desert. The high elevation desert allows you to enjoy colder weather with desert snow. Perfect flat site with quick access to a desert getaway from the city as well as freeway access. Close by you can enjoy the sites of painted desert as well as the Petrified forest, holbrook, Motel from cars the movie. A little further you can find your self at sites like Meteor Creator, The Grand Canyon, Hopi reservation, Navajo Nation

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Gateway to The Petrified Forest RV

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Holbrook, AZ

We recently purchased this RV park and are already making upgrades and improvements. Our goal is to create a community environment and a vacation destination your family can enjoy. We are less than 30 minutes from the Petrified Forest and many other nearby attractions.

The best camping near Petrified Forest National Park guide

Overview

About

Set amid the vast desert landscapes of northern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is a unique journey through time, known for its fossils and petroglyphs. What was once a sub-tropical forest over 200 million years ago now is home to the remains of fallen trees, which seem to have turned to stone. Take in views of the wide-open Painted Desert and then get an up-close view of the petrified conifers. Once a stop on Route 66, this park now straddles I-40, providing an easy drive-through loop for road trips. Though there are no NPS campgrounds in the park, private RV parks and glamping rentals can be found in the region. The park also allows backpacking camping with a wilderness permit—prepare to camp at least half a mile from your vehicle.

Notable campgrounds

Best for state park camping: Homolovi State Park is 55 miles west of the Petrified Forest and offers campsites with partial hookups.
Best nearly free campsites: McHood Park Campground, a city park, is located near Winslow. It offers dry camping for a day-use fee.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Homolovi State Park’s campground has a mixture of electric and non-electric campsites for both tents and RVs. Most sites have water hookups.
Most sites at Homolovi State Park have 30-amp hookups but some have 50 amp.
Arizona State Park sites may be booked 365 days in advance online or by phone.
McHood Park Campground does not have any hookups or dump stations onsite. It does have an onsite bathroom with flush toilets and non-potable water.
McHood Park does not offer reservations.
Dispersed camping is allowed in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

When to go

Prepare for sunny skies and dry heat much of the year. Think sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses. While summer temperatures average highs in the 90s, the evenings cool quickly, so take a jacket. Spring and fall are quite pleasant, though freezing temperatures are possible overnight. Late summer and early fall bring monsoon season, with the possibility of occasional thunderstorms, especially in the late afternoon. With highs in the 50s, winter provides comfortable weather for outdoor adventures during the day, while lows drop into the 20s.

Know before you go

Petrified Forest National Park is pet friendly and offers a “Bark Ranger” program. Dogs are allowed on trails.
The park’s elevation tops 5,000 feet, so you may feel the effects of the altitude.
The park offers several hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Be sure to bring adequate water, especially if hiking.