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 Reservation
- 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.
Petrified Forest National Park
Take in views of petrified logs and colorful expanses at this northern Arizona park.
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.
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
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Frequently asked questions
Is camping allowed in Petrified Forest National Park?
There is no camping allowed within the Petrified Forest National Park, as there are no campgrounds or lodging facilities within the park boundaries. Several camping options are, however, available just outside the park, many located on private land and reserved through Hipcamp. Additionally, there are campgrounds and RV parks in nearby communities like Holbrook, Sun Valley, and Winslow. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the land during your stay.
Can you pull a camper through Petrified Forest National Park?
Yes, you can pull a camper through Petrified Forest National Park. The park's main road, Park Road, is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible for RVs and trailers. There are no size restrictions on vehicles, but be aware that some parking lots and turnouts may be limited in size and may not accommodate larger RVs or trailers. However, there are no campgrounds within the park itself, so you will need to find camping options outside the park. You can browse options on Hipcamp. Just remember to check the specific campground's RV and trailer size limitations and amenities before making a reservation.
Can you camp in the Painted Desert?
Yes, you can camp in the Painted Desert, but options are limited since camping is not allowed within the boundaries of the Petrified Forest National Park, which includes much of the Painted Desert. However, there are a few options for camping nearby. The Painted Desert Community Complex, located within the park, offers a few RV sites with no hookups, but these are only available for self-contained RVs.
Outside the park, you can find some private camping options on Hipcamp, such as the Painted Desert Ranger Cabin and Painted Feather Farm. Additionally, you can explore nearby campgrounds in the surrounding areas, like Holbrook, which is about 25 miles from the park.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —