Top-rated campgrounds
Top-rated campgrounds
Public campgrounds near Chinle
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Chinle guide
Where to go
Chinle and Navajo Nation
Located just east of Chinle, the Navajo Nation’s Cottonwood Campground offers easy access to the vast Canyon De Chelly National Monument. 90 campsites are available for tent and RV campers (no hookups). Additional campsites can be found further in the Navajo Nation at Tsaile Lake, Camp Asaayi in the high Chuska Mountains, and at Narbona Pass Campground. Backcountry camping is also available with a permit.
Petrified Forest National Park
Head south to explore the fossils and petroglyphs of Petrified Forest National Park. Admire the views of the Painted Desert and get up close to the petrified remains of fallen trees from millions of years ago. Backpacking camping is available with a wilderness permit. Outside the park, find campsites and Hopi Indian history at Homolovi State Park and McHood Park Campground near Winslow.
Bluewater Lake State Park
For a change of scenery from the desert landscape, head across the border into New Mexico past Gallup to Bluewater State Park. Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing on the serene lake, or soak up the views of the Zuni mountains on a hike. Spend the night with amenities at the park’s developed campground, with tent and RV sites, or boat-in to a primitive campsite.
When to go
The best time to visit Chinle and the Canyon de Chelly National Monument is in the spring and fall, when the weather is comfortable enough for outdoor exploration. Summer temperatures can soar in the desert, while winter can see freezing temperatures, and even snow, which can make certain areas inaccessible.