Painted Desert Outpost

Disclaimer: I live in the northeast US, so Arizona generally looks like Mars to me. But Painted Desert was absolutely gorgeous! I had site 5, which had a great tucked away feeling with awesome views of the sunset and the San Francisco Peaks. 100% highly recommend. Just be prepared - the only resources provided are a pit toilet and a bundle of kindling.

Christopher C.

11 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

Beautiful desert oasis

19 ft campervan ·

Amazing property! The beauty and the solitude are so unique. Thank you, Clove and Keith, for sharing your place and for being such great hosts!

Sarah P.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

16 ft car ·

This was such an amazing private camping experience, everything about it was gorgeous! I would recommend bringing everything with you on the first trip in as it is as rural as they advertise, and a trip back out would be lengthy. There was amazing walking trails and I can't wait to make another trip out to see how much they do with this property. Stunning night sky, gorgeous rock formations, wild horses in the distance, it was perfect!

Chelsea M.

13 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

Tent ·

The campsite was beautiful and clove and Keith were very communicative about everything and showed me around the campsite. There was only one other camper that I could see and the stars were gorgeous.

Matt G.

16 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

Great Place for a Digital Detox

22 ft Class B ·

Clove and Keith are wonderful hosts who purchased the property back in October of 2025. Since that time, tremendous progress has been made to fulfill their vision of what the property should become. Visitors should be aware that it is a work in progress and, as such, there are no developed amenities aside from the outhouse. This property provides solitude/serenity for those who seek it and wonderful views of the night time sky given its remote location. Firewood was provided at the site prior to my arrival. The hosts were respectful and thoughtful throughout my stay. I would not hesitate to stay again in the future.

Ron W.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

16 ft car ·

The land is magical and absolutely worth finding. Clover and Keith were very nice. Make sure you get there well before sundown!

Laura C.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

19 ft campervan ·

I absolutely loved my stay at this campsite. If you’re looking for a place that feels untouched, peaceful, and deeply connected to the land, this spot delivers in every way. The pristine views of the Painted Desert alone are worth the trip—every sunset felt like a private show as the sun’s rays bounced off the distant cliffs, intensifying the desert’s vivid colors. What truly sets this place apart is the privacy. There’s no traffic noise, no crowds, no interruptions—just quiet. The kind of quiet you don’t realize you’ve been missing until you’re wrapped in it. Nights were still and peaceful, with crystal‑clear stars scattered across the sky. Nature trails are carved into the rugged, yet smooth red‑rock terrain, and exploring them quickly became my favorite part of the stay. I could pick any direction and start walking, and the paths would naturally lead me into a new small adventure—winding through high‑desert scrub and along wind‑carved cliffs rising on both sides of the arroyo that cuts through the property. These cliffs, shaped over millennia, form sweeping overhangs and curves that look almost deliberate. The place feels ancient, sacred, and completely unforgettable. If you’re seeking a campsite that offers solitude, beauty, and the complete freedom (clothing optional) to wander through landscapes shaped by time itself, this place is it. A rare find.

Steve P.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

16 ft car ·

I did an SUV RV camping on site and it was very peaceful. I walked around in the afternoon and was able to see the west side of the Painted Desert and I noticed that I was smiling. Clove is always very welcoming to the site and they are working to upgrade areas like creating a trail on the property. I took it in the morning and had wild horses greet me. Thanks Clove and Keith!

Brian R.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

Open skies and epic sunsets

23 ft campervan · With pets ·

Truly an amazing space well off the beaten path. The hosts are a wonderful couple and we loved getting to know them. The site was breathtaking and I know as they continue to work the land it will be even more wonderful to spend time at.

Eric D.

41 reviews

Recommends

· April 2026

Isolated and peaceful

21 ft Class B · With pets ·

So quiet. Stars that could reach down and bite you. So many nice hiking trails. This was a perfect place. Not recommended if dark and peaceful frightens you.

Dave F.

7 reviews

Recommends

· March 2026

15 ft rooftop tent ·

I’ve stayed here previously with the prior ownership, but the new owners are trying to build upon what the prior ones built The new owners are cutting new trails across the property making it easier to traverse. But still so isolated and beautiful.

William D.

3 reviews

Recommends

· March 2026

You want to book this campsite

20 ft pop-up camper ·

This place is magic...out if this world scenery and incredibly kind hosts. Would not hesitate to book again. ✨

Cynthia M.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2025

Quiet Solitude...

17 ft Class B ·

I loved the quiet solitude of Clove and Keith's land. The sunsets and sunrises were beautiful. There is so much to say and enjoy about their land. I saw wild horses running across the plains. The landscape and peace that I encountered was worth the drive. I would defiantly go back and looking forward to it!!

Bob J.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2025

Tent · With pets ·

We absolutely loved this campsite it was extremely private and remote. If you are not looking for a 1 hour off of the highway dirt road trek in just be aware. BUT if you are looking for 40 acres of expansive desert to explore nearly all to yourself this is the place for you ! Clove and Keith just bought this property and did a great job welcoming us and making sure we got settled okay. Overall we had a quick but great stop here feels like youre on mars.

Kyle G.

6 reviews

Recommends

· October 2025

Stargazing and rock formations!

Tent ·

Outstanding stay!!! A couple important notes. First, Google maps was on point, Apple Maps didn’t understand the assignment. Second, you must arrive before dark because of the landscape. That said, Clove and Keith went above and beyond to help me arrive and get settled. Perfect for stargazing and hiking while enjoying the rock formations. If I wander back this way I’ll definitely stay here again.

Jessica M.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent ·

Tent Site #1T

This is a special place, great vibes from it. Was met by Donavin who had moved me to a better spot than what I chose. And Linda sent excellent directions. Felt very safe there.

Dale S.

11 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent ·

Beautiful property. Camp site was quiet, with great view of the stars

Ben R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Fantastic

Tent ·

Tent Site #2T

Everything went well. Donavan was there to greet us when we pulled in, he was very nice and accommodating. He showed us the way to our site, asked if we needed any help and then left us to ourselves. The site was easy to find, 8 miles off rt 89, very safe, very clean and beautiful. The stars were fantastic, the night was perfect, the site was private and quiet. I would highly recommend.

Michael S.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Another Great Time!

16 ft pop-up camper · With pets ·

This was my second time staying at Naked Skull. The weather was great, made for a enjoyable stay in the high desert. Peace and Quiet, moon and star gazing in the dark skies. Donavin takes great care of the campers, comes by to check on my needs, Linda and Donavin are great hosts, super friendly. I'll be back...!

Mark E.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

35 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

Site #6

Wow! Amazing landscape and wonderful hosts. Perhaps one of our best camping experiences so far and wish we could have stayed longer.

Andrew K.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Great Experience

Tent ·

DAY PASS

We had another amazing stay. Great weather, great views, and great hosts. We will be back.

Kellen D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

Awesome stay

20 ft travel trailer ·

Site #6

I had an awesome stay! The property was beautiful and my site was amazing. Donavin was super cool and took me on a tour of the property. He was super helpful in getting my rig situated too and even checked in to make sure that I had a good stay. I would definitely stay again and highly recommend it to anyone.

Shawn J.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Quiet, Scenic Solitude

15 ft campervan ·

With no road noise and no artificial lights other than a couple on the property this is a great location to view the stars and enjoy the quiet of Northern Arizona. Plenty of room to walk about and enjoy yourself with no distractions.

William D.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Absolutely Amazing!!!!!

Tent ·

Oh my gosh- where to even start! What an amazing place to camp! The views are stunning, the wildlife is incredible, Linda and Donavin are the kindest people ever!!! Me and Linda had a great talk while it rained and it was so amazing. If you’re looking to get away from the craziness of life, then this is the place! Reconnect with nature! I honestly had the best time I’ve ever had camping, the wild horses were a big plus lol, but seriously don’t hesitate on camping here! you will not regret it! It’s out there but worth the drive! I definitely will be back for another one of a kind camping experience 💚

Vincent H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Camping

Tent ·

It was great, but the wind was terrible, they were great host, privacy was great, next time bringing my motorhome it was a little tough in a tent, beautiful views, overall it was really good, will do it again, it is a7 mile dirt road. But it's no bad, I will be back, saw some wild horses which was cool, rented a bike went for a ride, that was fun, the bathroom was clean, what more can I say

Don D.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Sun Loving Nomads

30 ft Class C ·

Site #6

Great hosts and lots of land, very secluded & private. The gravel road approach is long, and seemingly desserted.

Personal: Rob P.

4 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent ·

DAY PASS

We had phenomenal stay. Donavin was very welcoming and helpful. My wife and I had an amazing time hiking around and enjoying the sunshine. We will defiantly be back.

Kellen D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Secluded and peaceful.

Tent ·

Tent camping in a private little campsite set against beautiful red rock. About 7.5 miles down a dirt road but worth the incredible 365° landscape at sunset. Would absolutely recommend for the adventurous.

Nathan M.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Beautiful scenic campground.

Tent ·