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Camping near Canyon De Chelly National Monument

34 Reviews

The camping areas surrounding Canyon De Chelly National Monument in Arizona connect visitors with both Navajo history and remarkable red rock scenery. Cottonwood Campground sits just outside the monument entrance with paved roads and picnic areas where campers can relax. You'll find flush toilets and a dump station here, but plan accordingly as there aren't any showers or electrical hookups available. For those wanting to be closer to hiking trails into the canyon, Spider Rock Campground provides a more basic setup with pit toilets and great views of the surrounding landscape. Both camping areas work on a first-come, first-served system without reservations, so arriving early is smart during busy times. Check for fire bans during dry periods before planning to have a campfire. Most campers comment on how quiet these places stay, even when fairly full. The big cottonwood trees cast good shade throughout much of the day, which helps during hot weather. Sites can handle tents and smaller RVs, though sizes vary throughout both campgrounds. Be ready for limited facilities, particularly in winter when water might be shut off. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures for camping here. Summer heat can be intense and uncomfortable, while winter may see road closures after snowfall. Despite these seasonal challenges, the cultural and natural significance of the area makes camping here worthwhile. Remember to pack out all your trash and follow minimal impact practices. The combination of canyon exploration and peaceful nights makes camping near Canyon De Chelly a memorable experience.

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Best Camping Sites Near Canyon De Chelly National Monument (12)

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Recent Reviews near Canyon De Chelly National Monument

34 Reviews of 12 Canyon De Chelly National Monument Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground

    Quiet and right next to Canyon de Chelly

    Very peaceful, not busy, no hook ups. Just out houses for now. Sewer is under repair so no dump station either. There were some stray dogs when I first arrived, but they didn’t bother us.

  • a
    May. 24, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground

    Shady campground near Canyon du Chelly

    Clean campground with flush toilets very close to the visitor center. We road horses with Justin’s Horses, and it is really close too. The interior sites have lots of cottonwood trees for shade. Not very busy either! We were here on Memorial Day weekend and there were still spots available. No electric sites. $20/ night for all spots.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 6, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground

    Nice campground

    We were here in early February We had the place all most to ourselves. Water was still off :( . Be aware there are thorny Goat heads all over our dog had a tough time.I am sure the trees are wonderful in the summer.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 18, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground

    Two nights

    We stayed two nights while visiting the Canyon de Chelly NM. Quiet-there was one other camper each night that came in after dark. Restrooms were clean. Water refill station was closed for the winter.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Cottonwood Campground

    Early October & mostly empty!

    Plenty of spaces and happy to get one with shade on my camper. $20, no pass discounts. Reasonably clean, fairly quiet. No complaints

  • C
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Cottonwood Campground

    Quiet shady and clean

    This is a great central location to both the north and south canyon road. Self pay at the entrance, $20 a night no services. The park was quiet, well treed and clean. A number of bathrooms, older but clean and well stocked. Lots of garbage pails. Dump station easy to access with working black tank sprayer. Park was 1/3 full by the evening.

  • Geoff S.
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Spider Rock Campground

    Not reaaly good...

    Juste pour vous partager ma mésaventure(Mieux vautêtre averti pouréviter les mêmes erreurs;)) 2 points importants: 1- L'indien Howard Smith(qui ne ressemble plusà la photo de son site depuis de nombreuses années) n'accepte les paiements que sur place en cash- Donc si vousêtes contacter avant, ce sont des pirates! Il est au courant, cela lui arrive régulièrement, mais il considère que c'est pas de sa faute, surtout qu'on est européens, et que les pirates sont tous desétrangers... 2- Hogan- C'est une aventure en soit unique. Mais si je ne pensais pas avoir payer d'avance, j'aurais fait demi-tour. Un lit de camps, une petite planche sur des parpaings avec un matelas qui dépasse... Rien de bon pour passer une bonne nuit en soit! J'ai regretté de ne pas dormir dans ma tente au final. Sachant qu'onétait 6 et qu'on l'avait dit, On peut dormirà l'aise sur ces matelas tachéà 3, pas plus... Les toilettes sont des toilettes de camping car. Le camping en lui même est idéalement situés et les camping car sont donc surement content du séjour.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Spider Rock Campground

    Great Cottonwood trees

    Beautiful grove of trees. Maintenance people apparently not allowed to clean up bugs in bathrooms. Floodlights at night a bit bright.

  • Thomas P.
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Cottonwood Campground

    Great campground for tent

    We came on a Sunday in July and there were only 2 other campers there. Very quiet, the only thing missing was electric outlets that only worked in 1 of the 3 restrooms, but that wasn’t an issue. Great place to camp if you plan to visit canyon de Chelly

Guide to Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Camping near Canyon De Chelly National Monument, Arizona, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich cultural history. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are several campgrounds to choose from, each with its own charm and quirks.

What to do:

  • Explore Canyon de Chelly: The canyon is a must-see, with breathtaking views and hiking trails. One camper noted, “Great place to camp if you plan to visit Canyon de Chelly” at the Cottonwood Campground.
  • Hiking Trails: There are various trails that lead to scenic overlooks and ancient ruins. A visitor at Spider Rock Campground mentioned, “There is a great hiking trail that starts at the campground and goes to the canyon.”
  • Cultural Tours: Engage with local Navajo culture through guided tours. Campers at Gouldings RV and Campground enjoyed booking tours that provided deeper insights into the area.

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Cottonwood Campground shared, “We came on a Sunday in July and there were only 2 other campers there. Very quiet.”
  • Natural Beauty: The fall colors and cottonwood trees are a highlight. A visitor remarked, “Near the entrance to Canyon de Chelly Nat'l. Monument, it was ablaze with fall colors” at the same campground.
  • Affordability: Campers often mention the low cost of staying at these sites. A review for Spider Rock Campground noted, “Basic campground run by a local...there's a pit toilet. Nothing around the area and about 10 miles from town,” emphasizing the simplicity and value.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Cottonwood Campground, lack hookups and showers. A camper mentioned, “Slightly run down campground with clean bathrooms, flush toilets, no showers, no hookups.”
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during specific months. For instance, Cottonwood Campground operates from October 31 to April 1.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, including stray dogs. A camper at Cottonwood Campground noted, “Stray dogs come around but were not aggressive.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with well-spaced sites. A family at Cottonwood Campground appreciated the “spacious sites fairly far apart.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for hiking and exploring. One camper at Spider Rock Campground said, “We truly enjoyed our stay. Close to the sights.”
  • Pack Essentials: Since amenities can be limited, ensure you bring enough supplies. A visitor at Gouldings RV and Campground mentioned, “The campground has no amenities and is covered with a layer of fine red dust.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Spider Rock Campground warned, “Must have a small trailer...there is no way to turn around.”
  • Be Ready for Dust: Many campgrounds have dirt roads, so be prepared for some dust. A review for Gouldings RV and Campground noted, “It is rough around the edges but you will be very close to the rim of the canyon.”
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Internet access can be spotty. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground mentioned, “Basic services as listed, except no internet that we could find.”

Camping near Canyon De Chelly National Monument, Arizona, offers a blend of adventure and tranquility, making it a great choice for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for camping at Canyon De Chelly?

Reservations are not required at Spider Rock Campground, a private campground located close to the canyon rim that operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is spacious and rarely fills completely, offering good availability even for those arriving without reservations. For those seeking a guaranteed spot, Nizhoni Ranch near the monument does accept reservations and provides amenities like water and toilets. It's worth noting that even during peak times, Cottonwood Campground rangers report they've rarely seen the campground reach capacity, making advanced reservations generally unnecessary for most Canyon De Chelly camping options.

Are there RV-friendly camping options near Canyon De Chelly?

Yes, RV-friendly camping is available near Canyon De Chelly. Buffalo Pass Campground provides roadside parking suitable for RVs, though the camping area itself is accessed by walking through a fence. For a better RV experience, Ganado Lake Campground offers drive-in access that can accommodate recreational vehicles. Be aware that most campgrounds in this area are fairly basic without full hookups. RVs can also use Cottonwood Campground which has pull-through sites that can accommodate larger vehicles, though no hookups are available. Spider Rock Campground also accepts RVs, offering proximity to canyon viewpoints in a more rustic setting.

Is there free camping available near Canyon De Chelly National Monument?

Yes, there are free camping options near Canyon De Chelly. Wheatfields Lake Campground offers free camping areas, though overnight camping directly along the lake is technically discouraged. The camping area is bisected by Indian Route 12, with sites available on both sides. Be aware that roadway traffic can be noisy at night. For a more rustic free option, consider Asaayi (Bowl Canyon) Lake which offers dispersed camping with basic facilities including toilets. These free sites typically don't provide amenities, so come prepared with everything you need and practice Leave No Trace principles.

What camping facilities are available at Canyon De Chelly National Monument?

Canyon De Chelly offers Cottonwood Campground as the primary camping option, located right at the monument entrance. This campground features spacious sites under shady cottonwood trees, picnic tables, BBQ grills, toilet facilities, and trash service. Sites are well-spaced and can accommodate various camping setups. The campground provides convenient access to the visitor center within walking distance and serves as an excellent base for exploring both North and South Rim drives. No hookups are available, and the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While facilities are basic, the proximity to the canyon makes it a practical choice for visitors.

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