The best camping in Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

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97% (178)

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

The best camping near Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

No matching sites in the park — explore these options nearby.
Sun Country campground

1. Sun Country campground

92%
(51)
4mi from Petrified Forest National Park · 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.
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$25
 / night
Shiloh Ranch Guesthouse

2. Shiloh Ranch Guesthouse

97%
(115)
29mi from Petrified Forest National Park · 2 sites · Lodging · Concho, 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.
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$61
 / night
Spectacular Milky Way photo by guest, Michael N.

6. Petrified Forest

97%
(104)
14mi from Petrified Forest National Park · 3 sites · Lodging · 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."
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$58
 / night
Show Low AZ GreatSky CampRanch

8. Show Low AZ GreatSky CampRanch

86%
(162)
45mi from Petrified Forest National Park · 38 sites · Tents, RVs · Show Low, AZ
Enjoy the Junipers and see the stars fall over the Cedars! 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. We are home to a family-friendly honky-tonk, and microbrewery, now open Wed-Sat 2pm-9pm. Please check our Instagram or Facebook @the4sbarn and @greatskycampranch_showlowaz for updates. Seasonal business may change our days/hours of operation. Cheers! We also offer a few extras at check-out... 4S nest run eggs, bags of ice, and more! Please do not bring outside firewood. Please do not take the firewood on our property. There is a level 2 fire-ban in our county. No smoking outside of your vehicle. No campfires. No charcoal grills. Gas grills and gas firepits are approved. Thank you for your support!
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$33
 / night
Beall's Bed & Bud's

9. Beall's Bed & Bud's

92%
(91)
50mi from Petrified Forest National Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Winslow, AZ
Learn more about this land: Sleep Under the Stars at Beall's Bed and Bud. Whether you're an avid adventurer or just looking for a unique experience, there's something special about spending a night under the stars. Embrace the beauty of nature and find peace as you gaze up at the mesmerizing night sky. At Beall's Bed and Bud, we offer a perfect place to make your starlit dreams come true. How to join? It's simple! set up camp at one of our two sites where you'll find the perfect balance of comfort and nature. Pitch your tent, lay your sleeping bags out under the stars or bring your van/RV. Cuddling under blankets watching the stars where you can see forever. We've got the ideal spots for you to turn your gaze upward and immerse yourself in the splendor of the celestial word. Just to update a little bit. My property is off grid and rustic just so there is no confusion. Thanks On August 8th we had the Global Sleep Under the Stars Night. Founded in 2020 Global Sleep Under the Stars Night is not only a celebration of the wonders of nature but also a tribute to the 100 Year Anniversary of Eddie Bauer, an iconic outdoor brand inspiring adventure since 1920. At Beall's Bed and Bud, we wholeheartedly embraced this spirit and invite you to join us in celebrating this extraordinary experience. So, start marking your calendars and come out to experience the ultimate outdoor escape with us at Beall's Bed and Bud in Winslow. Sleep under the stars tonight and throughout the year, creating memories and connecting with nature in a way you've never experienced before!
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$20
 / night
Petrified Wood found at Blue Mesa

13. Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!

79%
(62)
1.3mi from Petrified Forest National Park · 2 sites · RVs · 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!
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$15
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The shiny metal cabin!

14. Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

97%
(249)
6mi from Petrified Forest National Park · 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.
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$60
 / night
Star Gazing Cabin #2

15. Star Gazing Cabin #2

100%
(18)
13mi from Petrified Forest National Park · 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.
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$110
 / night
Camp Mascot (Kanga) waiting for campers.

20. Boondocks Arizona Ranch (BAR) NE AZ

100%
(2)
22mi from Petrified Forest National Park · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · Sanders, AZ
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!
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$10
 / night
97% (178)

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

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The best camping in Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 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.
97%
178 ratings · 138 reviews