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81% (181) • 195 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Houck
Sun Country campground
1. Sun Country campground
93%
(90)
41mi from Houck · 1 site · Tent, RV
Explore the Painted Desert wonderland to play around in and stargaze. The campsite is shared with Wild Horses, Pronghorns, Owls and Bovine that wander around the area. Look out to the south and a view of Petrified Forest National Park is right there. And when you're in the park, using binoculars, you can see the campsite from Pintado Point. Just search left from the towers. A fantastic campsite built by independent outdoor company @hetchyoutdoors
This is a remote, private campground with a canopy, picnic bench and fire pit that relieves you from the crowds of hotels and RV campgrounds in the area. There are no predators or threats to worry about at night, just the the most stars in the sky you've probably ever seen. Views of the National Park to the south and only a 15 minute drive to the North Gate.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Campfire Adventure Ranch
2. Campfire Adventure Ranch
95%
(33)
41mi from Houck · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Adjacent to the Petrified Forest National Park and overlooking the Painted Desert’s Lithodendron Wash, the Hopi Camper Cabin at the Campfire Adventure 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cedar Embers Ranch
3. Cedar Embers Ranch
5.3mi from Houck · 1 site
Cedar Embers Ranch is a rustic outdoor retreat designed for comfort, connection, and adventure. Our glamping village features nine fully furnished bell tents, including five spacious 20-foot diameter bell tents and four cozy 16-foot bell tents. Each bell tent is thoughtfully set up with beds, bedding, and comfortable seating—ready for guests to arrive and relax.
Each glamping area includes picnic spaces with tables and shade covers, creating inviting spots for meals, conversations, and evening gatherings.
For those bringing their own setup, Cedar Embers Ranch offers 10 private camp areas suitable for pitching personal tents or parking vehicles with campers. We also provide a large dirt parking area for RVs, available for dry camping (no hookups or on-site facilities).
Guests can enjoy a shared outdoor kitchen, equipped for both wood-fired and gas cooking, along with a large central gazebo designed for communal dining and social time. Maintained portable restrooms are conveniently located throughout the property.
At the heart of the ranch is our Watering Hole—an outdoor, tavern-style gathering space offering refreshments and a relaxed, old-west-meets-campfire atmosphere.
The property is surrounded by walking trails and open adventure terrain, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, exploration, and peaceful nature walks. For guests who wish to stay connected, Starlink Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee.
Cedar Embers Ranch is where glamping comfort meets open skies, cedar-scented air, and the freedom of the outdoors—perfect for retreats, gatherings, and unforgettable stays.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Cibola National Forest
4. Cibola National Forest
83%
(9)
National forest 127mi from Houck · 245 sites
America the beautiful, indeed! Don’t miss out on the wild and scenic slice of New Mexico.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Red Sky Stargazer Outpost
5. Red Sky Stargazer Outpost
25mi from Houck · 1 site · Tent, RV
Red Sky Stargazer Outpost: 64 Private Acres of Deep Desert Magic
Ditch the crowded campsites and claim your own high-desert empire. Welcome to Red Sky Stargazer Outpost, a massive 64.5-acre off-grid wilderness sanctuary tucked deep into the rugged backcountry of Saint Johns, Arizona. Sitting at a cool 6,000-foot elevation and blanketed by mature juniper and piñon trees, this expansive homestead offers total, unfiltered seclusion. If you are chasing absolute privacy, endless horizons, and a front-row seat to the most brilliant, jaw-dropping starlit night skies in the Southwest—this is your ultimate off-grid playground.
The Highlights:
- Surrounded by BLM Land: Bordered by vast public lands, giving you a true gateway to endless exploring and untouched backcountry wilderness.
- Ancient Desert History: The land holds beautiful remnants of the area's rich Indigenous past. Guests are welcome to carefully look for and photograph ancient pottery shards on the ground, but we strictly enforce a "Look but Don't Take" policy to preserve this history for generations to come.
- 64.5 Acres of Pure Solitude: Total privacy with endless room to stretch out.
- Open Range & Wildlife: Experience the raw West with local wildlife and free-roaming ranch cattle occasionally passing through the unfenced terrain.
- Epic Dark Skies: Perfect for astronomers, astrophotographers, and casual stargazers.
This is a raw, un-mechanized, and completely primitive homestead. There are no utilities, electrical hookups, or water sources on-site. Campers must be 100% self-sufficient, bring all of their own water, practice Leave No Trace, and pack out what they pack in. Bring your camp chairs, your telescope, and your sense of adventure to experience true high-desert freedom.
The Journey & Drive Time (Read Before Booking):
Reaching the Outpost is an authentic backcountry trek. After turning off the main paved highway (US-191) onto County Road 7230, you will navigate to the third turn in on Red Sky Ranch, passing the community well landmark.
From that turnoff landmark, it is an estimated 5 to 7 miles deep into the rugged backcountry road to reach the campsite.
While the roads are maintained annually, they are unpaved, raw desert routes with heavy washboards, loose sand, rocks, or mud depending on the weather. Because you must navigate carefully, you cannot drive highway speeds. Expect the 5-to-7 mile dirt trek from the well landmark turnoff to take a slow, deliberate 20 to 30 minutes of careful driving.
Vehicle Requirements:
- High-Clearance ONLY: Trucks, SUVs, and rugged crossovers are mandatory. Low sedans or minivans will not make it.
- 4WD / Off-Road Rigs: Highly recommended, especially if you are towing a rugged off-grid camp trailer.
- Offline Maps: Cell service drops entirely at the highway turnoff. You MUST download maps offline before arriving.
Rules of the Ranch:
- Protect the Artifacts (Look But Don't Take): Removing or taking any ancient pottery pieces or artifacts from the land is strictly prohibited. Help us protect the history of the desert by leaving every single shard exactly where it lies.
- Bring Your Own Water: There is absolutely NO water access provided at this site. The local community well is strictly for permanent residents and is completely off-limits to campsite guests. You must bring all your own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
- No Fences / Open Range: Because the property blends into the surrounding ranch and public BLM tracts, there are no perimeter fences. This is active cattle-grazing country and wildlife habitat. Expect open-range cattle and desert animals to walk freely through the area—always maintain a safe, respectful distance.
- No Hunting or Target Practice: For the safety and peace of the ranch, discharging firearms, hunting, and target shooting are strictly prohibited on the property.
- Fire Safety: Fires are strictly dependent on Apache County fire restrictions. Wood/charcoal fires must stay inside a designated fire ring and be drowned completely with water before bed.
- Respect the Peace: No prolonged loud noise.
- Pack It Out: No trash services are provided. Pack it in, pack it out.
Pets
Campfires
SDR Ranch
6. SDR Ranch
69%
(8)
27mi from Houck · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Unfortunately we do not have running water or showers at this time we are in the process of providing this service again before September 2026
We are in the process of building four cabins and one main house on the property. We have 4 RV/tent sites available at this time, and two cabins in the works very much usable for bad weather conditions. We are totally off the grid!
Learn more about this land:
High desert tent or RV camping, totally off the grid!! But only 2.5 miles of the pavement!!!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ronnie's Ranch
7. Ronnie's Ranch
29mi from Houck · 1 site · Tent, RV
I have five acres of beautiful land tampon 60 mi from Las Vegas painted Forest is right there in the area petrified Forest as well plenty of beautiful sunsets and sunrises very quiet very private peaceful you can bring your dog you can leave him unleashed it doesn't matter do what you want just a long as it's not illegal
Pets
Arizona 🏕️ Campers
8. Arizona 🏕️ Campers
32mi from Houck · 1 site · Tent, RV
Beautiful, spacious, luscious land in Arizona near highway 🛣️ I-40 with beautiful 🤩 mountains ⛰️ views. Creating camp fire 🔥 is allowed.
Pets
Campfires
Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!
9. Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!
77%
(73)
39mi from Houck · 2 sites
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!
Pets
Petrified's Most Peaceful Place
10. Petrified's Most Peaceful Place
50%
(3)
40mi from Houck · 1 site · Tent, RV
Great piece of land right by the road to park your RV on. Approx 6.67 miles from the southern entrance of the Petrified Forest. 5 red brick fire rings and chopped ready for you fire wood. Perfect location to park and rest.
34.9928774,-109.8574951
These are the coordinates.
Pets
Campfires
Resilient Ranch And Rescue
11. Resilient Ranch And Rescue
43mi from Houck · 1 site
Quiet Van/RV & Primitive Camping Spot – Flat Area Before Fence
Description:
Enjoy a private, peaceful spot for van life, RVs, or tents. This is a self-service site, perfect for travelers who enjoy off-grid stays with a touch of security.
Location &camp; Directions:
The GPS pin takes you near the property. Follow the dirt road until, on the left-hand side, you see a small outhouse, a fence, and a green small shed/tiny house behind it. The flat area before the fence to the left when looking at cattle fence from dirt road is your designated parking/camping spot. At night, the shed is lit up and easy to spot.
Parking &camp; Setup:
Park on the flat area before the locked fence.
Do not block the dirt road going to fence.
Activities & Extras:
Enjoy short hikes and explore around the fenced-in area and surrounding areas. A good walk is walk towards main road.
There is petrified wood on the property — you are welcome to take one piece per vehicle. Donations to support the host’s animal sanctuary are appreciated if you take a piece. Please ask for venmo link or zelle.
The land sees everything — if you take more, it will know!
Amenities:
Primitive camping only — no hookups.
No water or electricity.
Self-contained RVs and vans welcomed
Camera on-site for security.
Rules & Respect:
Leave no trace and respect the land.
No fires allowed unless the host is present.
Quiet hours: 10 PM – 7 AM.
Pricing:
$25 per night (adjustable depending on season/demand).
Pets
New Vegas
12. New Vegas
47mi from Houck · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This 2-acre parcel of desert land in Arizona offers wide-open spaces with stunning desert vistas. It's a blank canvas for your vision, featuring native flora and a serene, secluded atmosphere. Call me for any other details regarding the property. Ideal for off-grid living or a peaceful retreat. Bring a tent and plenty of water!
Pets
Dancing Juniper Gardens
13. Dancing Juniper Gardens
47mi from Houck · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
DJG is a respite nestled at 7500 ft in the arid mountains amongst the Piñon-Juniper-Ponderosa forest of west-central New Mexico. The property has a garden, greenhouse, the owners trailer, a 10' guest bell tent, and outdoor kitchen. Plenty of tent camping space available. Relaxing vibe, lots of sitting spaces, fire pit benches, chairs, hammocks.
Very rural so walking the dirt roads of the neighborhood is akin to hiking in the back country with a house every now and then. Located in historic Candy Kitchen which is also home to the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary. About 25 minute drive to El Morro National Monument and two local cafes. 1 hr drive to the Ice Caves and volcano hike. 2 hrs west of Albuquerque, 3 hrs west of Santa Fe.
3 mile dirt road in is a tad rough, high clearance recommended. Seasonal monsoons possible June through September
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Big Little 0
14. Big Little 0
48mi from Houck · 1 site
Off-Grid Desert Camping – Sun Valley, AZ
Simple, private desert campsite on open land in Sun Valley, Arizona. Wide panoramic views, quiet nights, and big desert skies perfect for stargazing. The land is currently undeveloped and wide-open—great for overlanders, boondockers, vanlifers, and anyone who likes raw, empty desert.
What’s here:
• Flat ground for parking vans, RVs
• Easy access via dirt road
• No neighbors in view
• Incredible sunrise/sunset views
• Clear skies for star photography
What’s NOT here (yet):
• NO water
• NO electricity
• NO bathrooms
• NO trash service
• NO shade structures
Bring everything you need, pack everything out.
Cell Signal:
Varies by carrier. Most visitors get coverage. (A solar camera may be installed later for site visibility.)
Location:
Plus Code: 22X4+83P Sun Valley, AZ
(Use Google Maps to navigate. Coordinates take you directly to the land.)
Vehicle Notes:
Road is dirt/gravel. Usually passable for most vehicles in dry weather. After heavy rain, high clearance recommended.
Best For:
• Off-grid camping
• Stargazing
• Overlanding
• Solar charging experiments
• Desert photography
• RVs with their own resources
Pets
D’s Field
15. D’s Field
48mi from Houck · 1 site · Tent, RV
D’s Field – Sun Valley, AZ
Simple, private desert campsite on open land in Sun Valley, Arizona. Wide panoramic views, quiet nights, and big desert skies perfect for stargazing. The land is currently undeveloped and wide-open—great for overlanders, boondockers, vanlifers, and anyone who likes raw, empty desert.
What’s here:
• Flat ground for parking tents, vans, RVs
• Easy access via dirt road
• No neighbors in view
• Incredible sunrise/sunset views
• Clear skies for star photography
What’s NOT here (yet):
• NO water
• NO electricity
• NO bathrooms
• NO trash service
• NO shade structures
Bring everything you need, pack everything out.
Cell Signal:
Varies by carrier. Most visitors get coverage. (A solar camera may be installed later for site visibility.)
Location:
Plus Code: 2XPC+35M Sun Valley, AZ
(Use Google Maps to navigate. Coordinates take you directly to the land.)
Vehicle Notes:
Road is dirt/gravel. Usually passable for most vehicles in dry weather. After heavy rain, high clearance recommended.
Best For:
• Off-grid camping
• Stargazing
• Overlanding
• Solar charging experiments
• Desert photography
• RVs with their own resources
Pets
Campfires
Open desert
16. Open desert
50%
(3)
49mi from Houck · 5 sites
Learn more about this land:These 10 acres are quiet secluded and open no vehicle traffic and minimal noise from the highway. In the middle of the Petrified Forest National Park and Holbrook Arizona both interesting places to visit. Holbrook is partial inspiration for the movies Cars
Pets
USA RV Park
17. USA RV Park
28mi from Houck
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!
El Morro RV Park & Cabins
18. El Morro RV Park & Cabins
42mi from Houck
Discover the unparalleled charm of our campground, nestled in a breathtaking corner of New Mexico, where ancient history meets stunning natural beauty. Here, you can wander through prehistoric ruins, marvel at the striking lava flows, and explore the majestic red rock mesas. The vibrant Native American arts and crafts add a unique cultural touch to your experience.
With warm, sunny days and cool nights, our location is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, birdwatching, or fishing, there’s something for everyone. If relaxation is what you seek, our serene environment provides the perfect backdrop for unwinding and rejuvenating.
Choose from a range of accommodations, including cozy mountain cabins, a full-service RV park, or private tent sites. Each option offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Join us for a memorable experience filled with delicious food, relaxation, healing, and adventure. Your journey into the heart of nature awaits!
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Amy
July 2026
14 ft rooftop tent
The host was super helpful and responded quickly. He was very helpful - the spot was secluded. The only caution would be the occasional train and horn traveling through the night. Proximity to the petrified forest was primo.
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Jamie
July 2026
16 ft car
Really easy access to the park! Star gazing was incredible since we were far away from any city lights.
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T
Tonya
July 2026
Tent
Beautiful sunset and moon rise! Secluded and a great set-up!
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S
Susan
June 2026
Tent
I was the only person there camping. It was a very nice quiet place to spend the night. It was near the highway where you could hear cars but that was no problem since I was just staying the night for traveling.
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W
Wesley
June 2026
16 ft car
Peaceful stargazing spot. Best campsite for staying near Petrified Forest. Ken is a great host and takes time to make it a great stay.
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K
Keri
June 2026
Tent
With kids
Coolest experience ever!! My hubby is from Maryland and he fell in love with Arizona because of this campsite! Follow Ken’s driving instructions and you’ll be good. We were first greeted by the sweet pups which we loved. Then Ken greeted us. Awesome dude!! The campsite was extraordinarily peaceful, beautiful, and rad. We cannot wait to return! Highly recommend!
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Steven
June 2026
Tent
Group trip
Lovely space! Fun setup and best view of the stars I've seen in a while. Had a great experience.
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J
Julia
June 2026
Tent
Great campsite away from it all with amazing views and great amenities
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Chad
June 2026
Tent
Wide open high desert vistas, friendly dogs, and distant train whistles. A classic northern Arizona camping experience.
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e
erica
May 2026
Tent
Quiet, private campground with amazing night sky views.
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W
Whitney
May 2026
Tent
With pets
This spot was so beautiful and secluded. The host was attentive, thorough, and kind. Will definitely be back one day!
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Kelly
May 2026
Tent
The was a great site!
Good flat spot for the tent, good fire pit, shaded picnic table, and outhouse with composting toilet and hand sink (not potable) This site is very exposed to keep that in mind with the weather.
I had full cell service with Mint mobile (they use t-mobile towers)
The sky was INCERDIBLE! I stayed up way past my bedtime, but could see the milky way with the naked eye!
Very remote down a dirt road. Im glad i i had a higher clearance vehicle, but you could do it in a standard car if you take your time. You can see I-40, but couldn't really hear the road noise. Ken gave very clear directions to get to the site.
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Scott
May 2026
16 ft car
With pets
Great spot. Ken was very proactive in providing info. Appreciate the strict adherence to fire regulations.
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Ethan
May 2026
Tent
Great place to camp near PFNP! Very remote and quiet, but Ken has facilities that you can use in a pinch. Some of the best stars I’ve ever seen!
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J
Jay
May 2026
22 ft travel trailer
This property offered exactly what we were looking for, which was something off the beaten path away from the highway that offered a great view of the stars. The instructions provided at booking were accurate and straightforward. The host was very friendly and greeted us upon arrival and ensured we had what we needed for the stay. The four-legged welcoming committee was a bonus for us! Great experience! Thank you!
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Barbie
May 2026
Tent
For an out of the way place to see beautiful sunsets and star gaze, this is it. Cute camper or tent spot. Fresh water but no running water. Toilet. Off grid.
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Malcolm
April 2026
Tent
This was our second time coming back and it was just as great as the first. Ken is very welcoming. The site is amazing at night especially if you like starry skies. It is a great experience. Highly recommend!
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Carmanda
April 2026
16 ft car
I have to say, I have always lived next to train track’s so the trains didn’t bother me. It was quiet and secluded and just what I needed.
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Jay
April 2026
Tent
This is not for the faint of heart. This sight is down some “this can’t be the right way” roads. But once you are there it is beautiful and peaceful. I would definitely recommend if you are up for an adventure. The site was well appointed for a primitive campsite that features solar lights, games and a water pump. Ken was responsive and quick with communication. My only critique is that the solar lights did impact the star gazing based on our expectations, but I have also never seen such a beautiful night sky.
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m
mary
April 2026
16 ft truck camper
Isolated and peaceful. Ken’s table with a sun slat was wonderful. Loved being off the grid.
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