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The best camping near Petrified Forest National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Petrified Forest National Park adventure.

Take in views of petrified logs and colorful expanses at this northern Arizona park.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Petrified Forest National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Petrified Forest National Park

Booked 1 time

Petrified Forest Campgrounds

65 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Sun Valley, AZ
🏕️Raw land🏕️ Please be respectful of other campers. Weekly/monthly stays welcomed! 🏕️ Welcome!🏕️ I hope you enjoy your stay. 🌙 ✨ ⭐️ 🌖 There are many attractions close by,the Petrified National Forest is 10 minutes away as well as the historic city of Holbrook. Enjoy your stay and please check local weather conditions before your stay ⛅️ ☀️ Be aware this is the desert with dirt roads,there are cacti on the property,as well as wildlife. 😊🙏❤️☮️🏕️✨ **I am not liable for any injuries or guests ability to follow directions to the property,advised to arrive before dark,no utilities provided,dispersed campsites** 4WD recommended *Pictures featured are from the surrounding areas as well as pictures of the land itself* 🏕️😊🙏☮️
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(16)

Alien Acres

15 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Sun Valley, AZ
Prepare to embark on an otherworldly adventure unlike any other – welcome to our extraordinary UFO alien-themed camping area, perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of the mesmerizing Sun Valley, Arizona. This unique camping experience will transport you to a realm of fascination and wonder, all while being surrounded by the high desert beauty, bordering the renowned Petrified Forest National Park. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable journey, as our gates are open all year, inviting you to indulge in an extraterrestrial escape. Bring your telescope if you have one, for the stargazing opportunities here are simply out of this world! As you traverse the dirt road leading to this celestial haven, you'll find yourself immersed in the untamed beauty of the high desert landscape. But remember, resist the urge to feed the friendly aliens – they have their own cosmic cuisine! Before you reach Sun Valley off I-40 exit 294, we kindly request you put your trust in the traditional methods of navigation rather than GPS. Consult the two photos in our directions. We will text you the day of arrival and request you call us once at exit 294 for directions and we'll guide you seamlessly to our celestial outpost only 2 turns away. so embrace the gentle breeze and embrace the glorious sun. Please note, that we'll allow fires when the wind subsides, but do come prepared with your own wood. This ensures you can bask in the warmth of the campfire under the vast, star-studded skies. This unique venture is the result of our passion and dedication. Despite facing visual challenges after an accident, we've worked tirelessly to create this one-of-a-kind experience, and we couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved. In addition to an otherworldly experience, we offer you a chance to own a piece of history – free petrified wood, for visitors. So, pack your curiosity and a sense of wonder, and join us on this cosmic escapade! Step into a realm where the boundaries of reality and imagination blur, and where memories are made that will last for eons. We eagerly await your arrival, fellow adventurers, to our UFO alien-themed camping area high above Sun Valley, Arizona! Also great for ATVs and Hiking.
from 
$35
 / night
79%
(51)

Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!

2 sites ¡ RVs10 acres ¡ Sun Valley, AZ
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!
from 
$20
 / night
97%
(222)

Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

1 site ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ 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.
from 
$52
 / night
98%
(76)

Petrified Forest

3 sites ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Holbrook, AZ
Explore nearby Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert, Meteor Crater, and Indian Ruins. Amenities include a ready to use 4 M canvas bell tent with full size mattress, two pillows, and bed sheets. There are two folding chairs and a small folding table inside. Also features a cozy hammock and a port-john (outhouse toilet). Bring your own water and food. You are also welcome to bring your own RV, Camper, Truck, and camping gear. Generators are allowed. This site has a total of three tents on it, spaced several hundred feet apart for privacy. Guests love it here: "What a great base camp for visiting the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert! The bed was very comfortable and we really appreciated the solar-powered light for nighttime reading. The stars - and Milky Way - were as advertised. Over all, an A-plus experience."
from 
$72
 / night
Booked 1 time

Petrified Paradise Basecamp

2 sites ¡ Tents1 acre ¡ Holbrook, AZ
🏞️ Welcome to "Petrified Paradise Basecamp" - Your Gateway to Adventure! 🚙 Unearth your slice of paradise just 10 minutes from the mesmerizing Petrified Forest National Park. While the park's unique beauty is within arm's reach, offroad 4x4 trails like Cactus Flats, Porter Mountain Loop, and Fir Point View (per ONX app) await your exploration, only an hour or so away. 🌄 Roam through the stunning landscapes, conquer challenging terrains, and make memories that'll last a lifetime. Your offroad adventure begins right here. 💰 Priced just right, this 1-acre gem is your ticket to owning a piece of Arizona's adventure paradise. Don't wait; secure your dreams now. 📞 Ready to kickstart your adventure? Contact us today to claim your "Petrified Paradise Basecamp experience." Act swiftly – your gateway to Arizona's wonders awaits! 🌵🏁
from 
$20
 / night
Booked 1 time

The Petrified Forest Ranch

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Adamana, AZ
This property sits on 1.06 acres. With highland desert plant and animals you may see an antelope, coyote, cow, or burros. Just off I-40 this property is minutes away from The Petrified Forest National Park. With amazing cell reception this is a great spot to stay if you're visiting the park or passing through. There is no running water, electricity, or toilet access here. The sunsets here are amazing.
from 
$31
 / night
94%
(54)

Show Low AZ GreatSky CampRanch

68 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ White Mountain Lake, AZ
Learn more about this land: At 6000ft elevation the air is much cleaner and the weather is much cooler, especially in the summer time! We have plenty of space. A well house to fill up your water. There are also outdoor bathrooms, no shower yet, but working on that! We're just a short seven minute drive to the dump station at a local gas station down the road on the Deuce of Clubs and Penrod. We are 14 minutes from a large hospital, 10 minutes from major grocery stores, shopping and restaurants, and many other fun activities. Our location is in a perfect spot to enjoy the blue sky and great weather. Sunrise Ski area is a quick drive too! Pinetop Lakeside are within 10 minutes, Taylor and Snowflake are within 15 to 25 minutes. We hope you visit and continue to keep our environment clean and a chill spot to visit. Cheers! We also offer a few extras at check-out... We have our 4S free range, nest run eggs for $5.44/dozen. Start your trip off right with a bundle of our premium firewood. Mostly juniper, nicely dried and bagged. Just remind us at check-in with your receipt. This is not the cheap wood they sell at the gas station. Please always check for our fire bans that are regulated by the county and state. Always have a bucket of water next to your campfire and make sure it's completely out before you leave it. Please do not bring outside firewood. Please do not take the firewood on our property.
from 
$28
 / night
100%
(6)

The Campsites at ParaĂ­so Dorado

10 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Sun Valley, AZ
Welcome to a 5 acre camp at an angle. Enjoy a piece of the Northern Arizona desert. The high elevation desert allows you to enjoy colder weather with desert snow. Perfect flat site with quick access to a desert getaway from the city as well as freeway access. Close by you can enjoy the sites of painted desert as well as the Petrified forest, holbrook, Motel from cars the movie. A little further you can find your self at sites like Meteor Creator, The Grand Canyon, Hopi reservation, Navajo Nation
from 
$6
 / night

1.09 Acres in Apache County, Arizon

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Sun Valley, AZ
26.7 miles from the City of Holbrook lies a lovely 1.09-acres gem. This property sits in a serene environment and is located alongside N7166 Rd. Petrified forest national park, a great place to hike as it has beautiful scenery and it’s only 19.8 miles away from the property. Crystal forest must also be in the bucket list as it offers a campground where you can immerse yourself in the desert.
from 
$12
 / night
Booked 1 time

Campfire Ranch @ Petrified Forest

1 site ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Sun Valley, AZ
Adjacent to the Petrified Forest National Park and overlooking the Painted Desert’s Lithodendron Wash, the Hopi Camper Cabin at the Campfire 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. You get the whole ranch to yourself!
from 
$95
 / night
100%
(60)

Shiloh Ranch Guesthouse

2 sites ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Arizona 85924, AZ
This is part of the remote sacred land of NE AZ. It is surrounded by several different Indian Reservations, has been relatively untouched for many centuries. This is where Giants walked about and before that .the dinosaurs It's located close to the stunning Painted Desert, is only 20 miles south of the amazing Petrified Forest, on the way to the Grand Canyon. This area is the gateway to many world class sites.yet is completely secluded and secure. It's easy to locate on a highway with no traffic.This Ancient land is loaded with petrified wood, occasional arrowheads, incredible pollution-free blue skies, no traffic, QUIET, the Milky Way & countless galaxies and a rare opportunity to step out of time in comfort & security. Use it as a base to explore all the surrounding sites, an intimate getaway, or stay secluded and write that book you've always longed to !Learn more about this land:The cozy Guest House is relatively self contained.....but you can explore or wander the rest of the 40 acres. Lots of DVDs if you want to relax inside. You'll find a Bar-b-Que to use on your porch., and a fire pit for campfire songs, and toasting marshmallows! There's a deep well, with delicious, pure, refreshing, cold on-site water. Enjoy the telescope for night viewing.The sunrises, sunsets, and brilliant pollution-free blue skies invite you to see at least 30 miles with clarity.
from 
$59
 / night

The best camping near Petrified Forest National Park guide

Overview

About

Set amid the vast desert landscapes of northern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is a unique journey through time, known for its fossils and petroglyphs. What was once a sub-tropical forest over 200 million years ago now is home to the remains of fallen trees, which seem to have turned to stone. Take in views of the wide-open Painted Desert and then get an up-close view of the petrified conifers. Once a stop on Route 66, this park now straddles I-40, providing an easy drive-through loop for road trips. Though there are no NPS campgrounds in the park, private RV parks and glamping rentals can be found in the region. The park also allows backpacking camping with a wilderness permit—prepare to camp at least half a mile from your vehicle.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for state park camping: Homolovi State Park is 55 miles west of the Petrified Forest and offers campsites with partial hookups.
  • Best nearly free campsites: McHood Park Campground, a city park, is located near Winslow. It offers dry camping for a day-use fee.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Homolovi State Park’s campground has a mixture of electric and non-electric campsites for both tents and RVs. Most sites have water hookups.
  • Most sites at Homolovi State Park have 30-amp hookups but some have 50 amp.
  • Arizona State Park sites may be booked 365 days in advance online or by phone. 
  • McHood Park Campground does not have any hookups or dump stations onsite. It does have an onsite bathroom with flush toilets and non-potable water.
  • McHood Park does not offer reservations.
  • Dispersed camping is allowed in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

When to go

Prepare for sunny skies and dry heat much of the year. Think sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses. While summer temperatures average highs in the 90s, the evenings cool quickly, so take a jacket. Spring and fall are quite pleasant, though freezing temperatures are possible overnight. Late summer and early fall bring monsoon season, with the possibility of occasional thunderstorms, especially in the late afternoon. With highs in the 50s, winter provides comfortable weather for outdoor adventures during the day, while lows drop into the 20s.

Know before you go

  • Petrified Forest National Park is pet friendly and offers a “Bark Ranger” program. Dogs are allowed on trails.
  • The park’s elevation tops 5,000 feet, so you may feel the effects of the altitude.
  • The park offers several hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
  • Be sure to bring adequate water, especially if hiking.

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