The best desert campgrounds near Ganado, Arizona

Looking to go camping near Ganado, Arizona and explore the desert terrain? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 860 options in the area, Hipcamp has got you covered for your desert camping adventure. Whether you're looking for a remote ranger cabin, a cozy campsite, or a spacious RV spot, Hipcamp has the perfect accommodation for you. Check out top campsites like Painted Desert Ranger Cabin (164 reviews), Humming Bird Campsite (175 reviews), and Desert Skies (136 reviews) for an unforgettable experience. Plus, you'll have popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfires, as well as activities like boating, hiking, and swimming to make your camping trip even more enjoyable. And with an average price per night of $19 and options as low as $5, camping with Hipcamp is not only convenient but also affordable. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of the desert at these amazing campsites!

98% (199)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ganado

Looking to go camping near Ganado, Arizona and explore the desert terrain? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 860 options in the area, Hipcamp has got you covered for your desert camping adventure. Whether you're looking for a remote ranger cabin, a cozy campsite, or a spacious RV spot, Hipcamp has the perfect accommodation for you. Check out top campsites like Painted Desert Ranger Cabin (164 reviews), Humming Bird Campsite (175 reviews), and Desert Skies (136 reviews) for an unforgettable experience. Plus, you'll have popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfires, as well as activities like boating, hiking, and swimming to make your camping trip even more enjoyable. And with an average price per night of $19 and options as low as $5, camping with Hipcamp is not only convenient but also affordable. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of the desert at these amazing campsites!

98% (199)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ganado

1. Petrified Forest Hideaway

100%

(2)

49mi from Ganado · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Beautiful setting near Route 66 and Petrified Forest National Park, just 10 minutes from the entrance. About 1/4 mile from The Plotz Plot. Enjoy the Painted Desert landscape with wide-open views and distant mountains. It’s a great place to stargaze, watch meteor showers, and simply relax. Park anywhere within the white square; PVC markers outline the designated area. Whether you’re staying for a night or settling in for a longer visit, this spot offers a comfortable home-away-from-home feel. Explore the nearby national park or check out the classic roadside gift shops just down the road. New amenities are being added, with additional campsites and fire rings coming soon.

2. Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

97%

(249)

48mi from Ganado · 1 site · Lodging

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.

3. USA RV Park

44mi from Ganado · 103 sites

Discover the unique charm of USA RV Park, the premier RV and camping destination in Gallup, New Mexico. Nestled along the historic Route 66, this park serves as a gateway to breathtaking national and tribal parks, including Mesa Verde, El Morro, Window Rock, Zuni, Four Corners, Monument Valley, and the stunning Painted Desert. At USA RV Park, we prioritize your comfort and convenience with flexible daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Our clean facilities and spacious RV sites cater to all types of vehicles, providing essential amenities such as water, electric, sewer, and cable hook-ups. In addition to our generous RV accommodations, our park boasts a variety of amenities designed to enhance your stay. Enjoy our gift shop and convenience store, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, or let your kids have fun at the playground. For those traveling with pets, we offer a designated dog walk area. Engage in friendly competition in our game room or stay connected with our computer facility featuring free Wi-Fi. We invite you to experience the rich beauty and vibrant culture of Gallup, New Mexico, the heart of Indian Country. Your adventure awaits at USA RV Park!

4. Canyon De Chelly National Monument

89%

(9)

95 sites · Del Muerto, Arizona

Navajo history in the midst of this stunning canyon. Authentic and awesome.

Toilets

Showers

Sewage Hookup

Public campgrounds near Ganado

89%

(9)

Cottonwood Campground

32mi from Ganado · 95 sites · Tents, RVs · in Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Bryan

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Petrified Forest Hideaway

Perfect 2WD accessible, nice and open camp spot. We used a tent! Thanks again!

L

Lily

3 weeks ago

20 ft Class B

2 nights at Petrified Forest Hideaway

This remote campground is on a dirt road for abut a mile. I was able to access it in my Promaster but it would be easier with a truck due to the deep sand once you get off the driveway to the campsites. The host was quite accessible when I had trouble finding the place and he talked me to it over the phone, he was very patient with me.

s

sophie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Such a beautiful, peaceful stay!!! The property, ranger cabin and surrounding land is breathtaking and we are so grateful to Ranger Ross, Ranger Kip & previous people who stayed who helped make this place an amazing stop!

Sam

July 2025

1 night at Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

My daughter and I are on an across the country roadtrip and stayed here for 1 night. The place is in an incredible location with complete solitude. However, even my Chevy Silverado bottomed out lightly in a few spots. The description is very clear that access is limited and that is very true, but it’s worth the visit. I wouldn’t recommend a visit in the summer because the building remains hot all night long (even with the garage door open), but it would seem perfect for spring and fall visits. We set up our cots outside for a relaxing night under the stars, but an unexpected storm rolled in and quickly cancelled those plans. Inside worked fine, but it was very warm. There’s a lot of space inside for a couple or small family. Would I or we return again, certainly. It’s truly a unique experience you’ll be unlikely to match. Thank you, Sam & Olivia Essex, VT

Jeffery

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Great place to be away from everything and be in a natural environment. Fun drive to get there. Very relaxing even in the heat. Nice to find a place with a shower and a flush toilet. The view in every direction is beautiful.

E

Elena

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

The Ranger Cabin is the type of place you go and time slips away from you in the best way possible. Remote, off-grid, and right up against the wilderness area of the Painted Desert side of the Petrified Forest National Park. You escape the cars, pavement, crowds and commercialization that so many of our beautiful parks are now riddled with. A chance to leave behind civilization, but still enjoy the amenities of an off-grid cabin is a rarity. The shower is a delight after a day of hiking out into the wilderness. There is a little pellet stove there for those that stay in the cold winter months. The cabin has a mini fridge that stays on long enough to give you the luxury of a cold beverage when you need it most. Cookware, and a stove, and all that is provided for those that need it. Leave the place cleaner than you found it, please. This is a special place, one that inspires you to leave it all behind. Read Desert Solitaire while you're there and you just might never leave. I look forward to returning someday. Until then, I will be dreaming of the gorgeous view of the seemingly eternal desert.

k

kalie

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Loved the place and the views were unreal. Great way to see part of petrified National Forest. Definitely check out devils playground.. looked like something from another planet. Would definitely stay there again.

T

Thomas

May 2025

1 night at Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Absolutely beautiful land. An amazing place to wake up! The cabin was everything one wants in my opinion. Electric, hot water, pellet stove, gas range and an absolutely stunning backdrop. 4x4 highly recommended.

Artsem

April 2025

1 night at Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Truly an amazing experience being off the grid. The place was well-kept and had everything you might need. Just be prepared for a bumpy road.

K

Koleen

March 2025

1 night at Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

This was a small oasis in the desert. There was so much to explore and see. Our young kids absolutely loved this location and we even made it to the devils playground and they loved looking at all the pretty rocks :) The ranger cabin had everything we needed and more. We were sad we only had one night. Thanks for an amazing experience.

L

Lindsay

March 2025

1 night at Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Absolutely stellar experience at the Ranger Cabin. You simply cannot beat the desert views, clear sky, and solitude. 10/10.

A

Austin

January 2025

1 night at Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

solitude in the dessert. wonderful spot very much will go back. we were a little worried at first with the off road warning and planning on showing up after dark. but we had done a lot of exploring in dessert and have a 2018 4runner with 31” tires and once we got there to see the road it felt like cake. no problem getting in but one feature a drainage that was pretty deep might be triky for some without clearance or 4wheel drive so understand the need for disclaimer for most. we were there in late jan and was going to be 10-20deg at night, was a little worried about temps so noticed wood stove in the photos so brought fire wood but when got there realized it was a pellet stove and had some pellets there so that kept us cozy all night no problem. beautiful spot loved it lots. all off grid soo cool. thanks so much!!!

G

Gerardo

December 2024

1 night at Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

We love this place; description says low expectations but not real, there is an amazing place! Very peaceful, have everything you need and more. We want repeat for more days. Place is safe, beautiful surroundings and perfect for hiking. (Be sure you need 4x4 vehicles)

J

Jared

November 2024

Weekend Trip to Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Great place to get away. We had the best time staying here.