- Camping with Hiking
The best camping near Houck with hiking
89% (352) • 12 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Houck
Painted Desert Ranger Cabin
1. Painted Desert Ranger Cabin
97%
(252)
40mi from Houck · 1 site
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.
Toilets
Showers
Cooking equipment
from
$75
/ night
Sun Country campground
2. Sun Country campground
92%
(66)
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
from
$35
/ night
Campfire Adventure Ranch
3. Campfire Adventure Ranch
96%
(27)
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
from
$25
/ night
Cibola National Forest
4. Cibola National Forest
88%
(8)
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
SDR Ranch
5. SDR Ranch
61%
(9)
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 2025
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
from
$8
/ night
Boondocks Arizona Ranch (BAR) NE AZ
6. Boondocks Arizona Ranch (BAR) NE AZ
100%
(2)
27mi from Houck · 25 sites · Tents, RVs
Rugged. Rustic. Remote. Nothing but Nature.
🚙 Only $10/Person/Day
Spacious, Private Campsites – 4-persons max & 2 vehicles per site.
Reserve camping dates ranging from 1-Day To 13-Days.
👶 Kids under 12 & Pets Stay Free
🔥 No Park Rangers. No Crowds. No Hassle.
Escape to the High-Country of Northeast Arizona—where adventure meets solitude. Nestled at 6,000+ feet elevation near the New Mexico border, our off-grid Pet-Friendly Ranch offers the ultimate camping, boondocking, and overlanding experience in Apache County’s breathtaking backcountry.
Your Adventure, Your Way
Freedom to Explore – Hike, bike, run, or relax in total peace.
Stay Connected (or Don’t!) – Verizon & T-Mobile signal with booster.
Unleash the Fun – Let your dogs roam, play, and run wild.
Basecamp for Your High-Country Journey
Take epic day trips to:
🌵 Petrified Forest & Painted Desert
🏹 Hubbell Trading Post & Navajo/Hopi Villages
🌠 Meteor Crater & Ancient Ruins
🏕 Big Lake, Lyman Lake & More
🚫 No hunting. No trash left behind. Just pure adventure.
Come and go as you please. No restrictions—just respect for the land & fellow travelers.
📍 Located between Sanders & St. Johns, off Hwy 191 in the Witch Well area.
🔗 Book Your Escape Now!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$10
/ night
Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!
7. Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!
80%
(65)
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
from
$15
/ night
Open desert
8. Open desert
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
from
$27
/ night
USA RV Park
9. 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!
89% (352) • 12 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Houck
Painted Desert Ranger Cabin
1. Painted Desert Ranger Cabin
97%
(252)
40mi from Houck · 1 site
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.
Toilets
Showers
Cooking equipment
from
$75
/ night
Sun Country campground
2. Sun Country campground
92%
(66)
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
from
$35
/ night
Campfire Adventure Ranch
3. Campfire Adventure Ranch
96%
(27)
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
from
$25
/ night
Cibola National Forest
4. Cibola National Forest
88%
(8)
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
SDR Ranch
5. SDR Ranch
61%
(9)
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 2025
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
from
$8
/ night
Boondocks Arizona Ranch (BAR) NE AZ
6. Boondocks Arizona Ranch (BAR) NE AZ
100%
(2)
27mi from Houck · 25 sites · Tents, RVs
Rugged. Rustic. Remote. Nothing but Nature.
🚙 Only $10/Person/Day
Spacious, Private Campsites – 4-persons max & 2 vehicles per site.
Reserve camping dates ranging from 1-Day To 13-Days.
👶 Kids under 12 & Pets Stay Free
🔥 No Park Rangers. No Crowds. No Hassle.
Escape to the High-Country of Northeast Arizona—where adventure meets solitude. Nestled at 6,000+ feet elevation near the New Mexico border, our off-grid Pet-Friendly Ranch offers the ultimate camping, boondocking, and overlanding experience in Apache County’s breathtaking backcountry.
Your Adventure, Your Way
Freedom to Explore – Hike, bike, run, or relax in total peace.
Stay Connected (or Don’t!) – Verizon & T-Mobile signal with booster.
Unleash the Fun – Let your dogs roam, play, and run wild.
Basecamp for Your High-Country Journey
Take epic day trips to:
🌵 Petrified Forest & Painted Desert
🏹 Hubbell Trading Post & Navajo/Hopi Villages
🌠 Meteor Crater & Ancient Ruins
🏕 Big Lake, Lyman Lake & More
🚫 No hunting. No trash left behind. Just pure adventure.
Come and go as you please. No restrictions—just respect for the land & fellow travelers.
📍 Located between Sanders & St. Johns, off Hwy 191 in the Witch Well area.
🔗 Book Your Escape Now!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$10
/ night
Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!
7. Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!
80%
(65)
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
from
$15
/ night
Open desert
8. Open desert
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
from
$27
/ night
USA RV Park
9. 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!
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
N
Naveed
6 days ago
Tent
With kids
Ken has an amazing, secluded site! We didn't have any neighbors so it made it especially private which just added to the feeling of being "out there". The wide open views and clear skies were exactly what my family and I needed to have a nice get away.
See more
Sara
2 weeks ago
35 ft fifth wheel
With kids
Definitely private and quiet. The kids loved the wide open spaces and few lawn games that were there. The picnic table was great and we took advantage of the fire pit. The road is a little tricky to get down with a camper, but we took it slow and had no trouble.
See morea
alexander
3 weeks ago
Tent
Incredible place to make camp for the night and wake up. A little bit off of the main highway, but Ken gives great accessible directions if you are coming after sun set. Campsite is perfect and making dinner over the great fire pit was very easy. The little set up he has is perfect. Great to wake up and have short ride to the petrified forest. What a great place to stay.
See more
H
Harold
3 weeks ago
With kids
This is one of the best Hipcamps I have been to. We returned for our second almost five years after our first, because it we remembered it and it is just that good. Highly recommend for a visit to Painted Desert/Petrified Forest.
See more
B
Bruce
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Campfire Adventure Ranch
Simple and accurately described place. Easy to get there and a fantastic sunset on the edge of the “badlands.”
See moreR
Ronald
February 2026
20 ft Class B
Directions were perfect would like to try it again the night we tried it was raining no stars I’m a big star gazer on a clear night there would be almost no light pollution great location
See moreS
Sean
February 2026
42 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful and remote site. Great setup and clear directions to location. We had a great two day stay.
See more
J
Justine
December 2025
16 ft campervan
With pets
We had a great experience at Brett’s campsite! Found it pretty easily with the directions! Had a nice little fire in the evening then explored a bit in the morning! Loved it
See moreB
Ben
December 2025
Tent
With kids
Ken's land was great for tent camping! He provided clear, easy to follow directions for accessing the property. Would recommend if you are looking for a camping spot near Petrified Forest NP.
See moreJ
Jim
December 2025
1 night at Painted Desert Ranger Cabin
We loved our stay!
The cabin is comfortable and well equipped. Having a full bathroom, running water, and lights is a luxury! Ross is a great host. His advice and directions were helpful. We have a high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle so we were able to get to the cabin without any difficulty. We can’t wait to return!
See moreC
Colin
December 2025
20 ft campervan
This is a great place to stay! It’s a little bit of a tricky drive down dirt roads but Ken’s directions are easy to follow and we very much enjoyed our time.
See moreA
Alexandra
December 2025
16 ft car
With pets
The site was as advertised - dry camping with no facilities, but the price was fair. The train tracks are right at the property boundary, but we were prepared based on the reviews and in the end it the train noise wasn’t as bad as we thought. There were few trains that came through the night but since neither of us had trouble falling back to sleep it wasn’t much of a bother. If you’re a light sleeper this may not be for you,
See more
Zach
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Painted Desert Ranger Cabin
Incredible place, loved it! Road is as advertised but really manageable if it’s dry and you have the ground clearance.
See moreP
Peter
November 2025
16 ft car
Private location with a good view of the starry sky.
See more
b
brian
November 2025
15 ft campervan
With pets
Looks like a road you shouldn’t be on. Train ran by every 15-30 minutes just 50 yards from the fence boundary for the Petrified forest park where this camp spot is.
It’s a small drive to the Park’s north or south entrance.
2wd is just fine.
Room to stretch.
Trains were loud and awesome!
For $15/night we will look it up again.
See moreC
Caroline
November 2025
Tent
With kids
We loved this spot!! Beautiful wide open space with a nice table / overhang, bathroom and some fun yard games. And we were so glad to be right near Petrified Forest National Park. It was a bit tricky to get there, but Ken talked us through every step and even spent extra time setting up alternative paths (it had rained) and putting out reflective poles so we could find our way. We really, really appreciated his extra care and hospitality and would love to stay again next time we're in the area!
To note, if it's rained recently, we would recommend a high clearance / 4-wheel drive vehicle, but if conditions are dry, we hear you can navigate the road in a Prius!
See more
Payten
November 2025
16 ft campervan
With pets
The directions were very easy to follow! The road is a bit bumpy in some areas so a high clearance car is what I would recommend, but our 2WD sprinter did just fine! The property was very private and quiet, and my daughter loved seeing the all the cows. The cherry on top was the ending the night with one of the prettiest sunsets I’ve ever seen.
See more
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!
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h
haley
August 2025
Tent
Sun county offered the most beautiful views! It was private and allowed us to take in the scenery and listen to the noises around us. We loved playing with the activities that were left for us. Overall really peaceful time! Ken was great with instructions and we found it with no problem
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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
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