The best campgrounds near Houck, Arizona with showers

In Houck, you’ll find six campsites with showers—no need to rough it if you don’t want to. Average price per night runs about $100, with options dipping as low as $52. Campsites here offer showers, allow campfires, and welcome pets. Local favorites include Painted Desert Ranger Cabin (191 reviews), Tickled Pink Flamingos Campground (18 reviews), and Star Gazing Cabin #2 (13 reviews). Expect wide skies, starry nights, and showers to wash off the trail dust after hiking, wildlife-watching, or a horseback ride through the high desert. Set up camp, rinse off, and soak in the quiet—Houck keeps it simple and practical, just how seasoned campers like it.

96% (257)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Houck, you’ll find six campsites with showers—no need to rough it if you don’t want to. Average price per night runs about $100, with options dipping as low as $52. Campsites here offer showers, allow campfires, and welcome pets. Local favorites include Painted Desert Ranger Cabin (191 reviews), Tickled Pink Flamingos Campground (18 reviews), and Star Gazing Cabin #2 (13 reviews). Expect wide skies, starry nights, and showers to wash off the trail dust after hiking, wildlife-watching, or a horseback ride through the high desert. Set up camp, rinse off, and soak in the quiet—Houck keeps it simple and practical, just how seasoned campers like it.

96% (257)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sun Country campground

92%

(51)

41mi from Houck · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Holbrook, AZ

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.

2. Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

97%

(249)

40mi from Houck · 1 site · Lodging · 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.

3. Star Gazing Cabin #2

100%

(18)

49mi from Houck · 2 sites · Lodging · Sun Valley, AZ

This is a nice spot on a hill with a gentle slope that overlooks the beautiful plateaus of Petrified Forest National Park. Enjoy the stars from the comfort of your bed through a roof glass window. Cook outside on our outdoor cooking area and enjoy the fresh breeze. There is a convenient store located over the bridge, south of the Sun Valley exit off the 40 freeway. Very light local traffic. Sometimes you can expect wild horses, jack rabbits and cows at a safe distance. Also highway noise depending on direction of wind. Here you can enjoy amazing star gazing and shooting stars on a dark night with no or quarter moon. We have added lots more amenities than before. This is an adorable 10x10 non-insulated shed/cabin with one bunk bed, a sofa bed, refrigerator, Kurig coffee counter top machine with kitchenette cabinets with storage for dishes, pots and pans and utensils. You can also enjoy an indoor wood burning stove or a Portable Buddy heater and a two burner Coleman stove with propane tank (on request) , hot or cold running water indoor sink and outdoor shower. We provide a double cartridge toilet just outside in out house. Enjoy the outdoor patio area with hammocks, patio tables and chairs, two bonfire pits to pick from (when wind conditions are ideal) More pictures to come soon. Owner is always on site unless you request for more privacy ahead of time.

4. San Isidro Farm

42mi from Houck · 1 site · Lodging · Church Rock, NM

Working farm/ranch with 4 mile trail on property and easy access to Zuni Mountain trail system.

5. USA RV Park

28mi from Houck · 103 sites · Gallup, NM

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!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Stories from the community

P

Peter

1 week ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Sun Country campground

Private location with a good view of the starry sky.

C

Caroline

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sun Country campground

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!

S

Sisi

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Star Gazing Cabin #2

AMAZING SPACE!!! And amazing host. 10/10- lovely, beautiful, relaxing, accommodating, memorable, happy. Host also offered spots to check out and wow, you should listen to him

Payten

November 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Sun Country campground

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.

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miki

October 2025

1 night at Star Gazing Cabin #2

Great spot. Eymos was an awesome host, responsive to questions, and present to welcome/orient us, as well as giving us ample space to relax and enjoy the site on our own. Vibes are rustic/DIY but very intentional and thoughtful. The stargazing roof was a highlight.

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!

h

haley

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Sun Country campground

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

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.

J

Jamie

June 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sun Country campground

We really enjoyed our stay here! The location was private and had incredible views of the sunset and stars. We loved the set up and took advantage of playing horseshoe. The host was helpful and communicative. I highly recommend this if you enjoy camping, the outdoors, and a very private setting!

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.

A

Andrea

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Sun Country campground

My husband and I camped here for one night. The site was very private and peaceful. The road to get here was a little rough, but Ken gave good directions so it was easy to find overall. We would stay here again if we were back in the area.

S

Sally

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Sun Country campground

Very peaceful! We were the only people there and it’s great for stargazing!

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Ian

June 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Sun Country campground

I loved the spot. First time in a Desert and wanted to stay in a vast and quiet space. It was exactly what I was looking for. Lots of Cow and Deer walking around. Only stayed the one night but would recommend.

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pam

June 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Sun Country campground

This is a beautiful spot. The kids loved playing horseshoes and they had plenty of room to play. The moon and stars were beautiful. It was tough navigating the ruts in the road with a 19 ft camper trailer, however. I would recommend a stay here but be aware it’s a rough road and I wouldn’t attempt it at night.

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.

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Anna

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sun Country campground

Plenty of space for our dogs to roam around. The games (bean bag toss, mini golf, and horseshoe) provided were fun. We saw lots of cows, and the shade made the sun bearable. We went to the Petrified Forest, about a 15 minute drive. All of our belongings were safe while we were gone.

K

Kris

May 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Sun Country campground

Ken was very easy to work with and communicated well. He has a special place out there and the views were incredible!!!

B

Bryan

May 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Sun Country campground

Beautifully quiet place to spend an afternoon and evening. Wonderful dark sky at night. As described, dirt roads are definitely passable.

Robin

May 2025

Tent

1 night at Sun Country campground

Sun Country/Bright Star Campsite was great! We stayed in the "sunset site" and enjoyed the view. Bathrooms were very clean and the showers were hot. The activity Pavillion had ping pong, corn hole, rock painting and couches where we could just relax. The kitchen is fully stocked. And the host is wonderful! This has truly been a favorite on our list of campgrounds.