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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Canyon De Chelly National Monument

34 Reviews

Cottonwood Campground's central location provides convenient access for visitors with pets looking to explore Canyon De Chelly National Monument. This established campground allows pets throughout its 93 sites, offering paved, mostly level camping areas with picnic tables and grills. No hookups are available at the $20 per night campground, but amenities include clean flush toilets, a sanitary dump station, and trash collection. RVs and tents are accommodated with drive-in access, though the campground does not offer reservations. Spider Rock Campground also welcomes pets and provides more amenities, including drinking water, sewer hookups, showers, and fire rings, plus cabin and glamping options for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping.

Canyon trails and scenic drives make ideal outings with leashed dogs, with both North Rim and South Rim exploration easily accessible from pet-friendly campgrounds. Visitors should be aware of thorny goatheads throughout the area that can injure dogs' paws, as multiple campers have reported issues with these plants. During summer, shady cottonwood trees provide welcome relief from the heat for pets. The campground rarely fills to capacity even during peak season, allowing pet owners flexibility with arrival times. Winter campers should note that water stations may be shut off seasonally. Stray dogs are occasionally present in the area but generally do not cause problems for campers with pets. No alcohol is permitted within Navajo Nation boundaries, including all campgrounds.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Canyon De Chelly National Monument (7)

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Canyon De Chelly National Monument

4 Photos of 7 Canyon De Chelly National Monument Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Canyon De Chelly National Monument

34 Reviews of 7 Canyon De Chelly National Monument Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2022

    Cottonwood Campground

    Nice & Right Outside of Canyon de Chelly

    This is a really nice peaceful campground at the entrance of the Canyon de Chelly National Monument.  Canyon de Chelly is beautiful and amazing and worth going out of your way for.  Be sure to pre arrange with an authorized tour guide, if you want to go down into the canyon. We didn't plan ahead and didn't get to go down, though driving all the way to the end of the canyon (we went along the south side) was beautiful on its own.  Just about each pull off has native vendors selling handmade art and goods.

    $14/night (cash only!) for a tent site, and $5 for day use. Camp fee includes use of dump station and water fill, but heads up that the water is turned off for the winter. Dump station open year round.

    There are flush toilets but no showers. 2 of the restrooms were closed for the winter as well. 

    Sites come with a picnic table and grill, no fire rings (fires not allowed here). There is no privacy or any kind of barrier between sites. It was not a big deal when we were here as there were only a few other campers, but I could see it feeling crowded during busy season. Some sites have a lot of shade and some are in full sun, so there’s something for everyone. 

    Heads up - this is Navajo Nation and there is no alcohol or marijuana use allowed, and there are loose dogs hanging out everywhere. 

    ATT had LTE, and Verizon and TMobile were roaming.

  • Sotnos B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2022

    Cottonwood Campground

    Exceeded expectations

    Based on reviews we were apprehensive about staying here....boy were we happy we did. Absolutely quiet. Nice shady pull through site. Campground was about 1/4 full. Strong 4g signal. Easy walk to visitor center. Only drawback were goatshead thorns....our poor dog couldn't spend much time outside without getting them in her paws.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2020

    Spider Rock Campground

    Rough but Serviceable Campground in a Spectacular Location

    I visited Spider Rock and met the proprietor Howard Smith 20 years ago. He is still there maintaining this spacious campground on his own. It is rough around the edges but you will be very close to the rim of the canyon and within a short drive of amazing access points via car and foot. The campground has no amenities and is covered with a layer of fine red dust, but we did just fine in our 17-foot Casita RV. Call before you go to find out about limitations as the Navajo Nation has been hard hit by Covid. Don't miss the hike down into the canyon to see the White House (named after the large cliff dwelling ruin cut into white rock). The canyon is breathtaking: red cliffs surround lush-looking pastures cared for by Navajo inhabitants but off limits unless you access via Lighthouse Trail, which offers limited access to the canyon floor, or arrange a guided tour.

  • Q
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Wheatfields Lake Campground

    High traffic low privacy

    Indian Route 12 runs north to south and bisects the wheatfields lake and the main campground areas. Overnight camping and fires are discouraged along the lake but people get away with it. There is sporadic night traffic on the roadway throughout the night and it is sometimes loud. The campsites are hit and miss. Some have old dilapidated picnic tables and along with sandstone fire rings or barriers. The roads to the campsite are not graded and over time roads have been created through campsites with no regard.

    There are 3 compost type toilet facilities at various parts of the lake. No running water. There are some trash receptacles but most leave their trash in piles next to the receptacles because the chutes to the receptacles are about 12x12 and wont accommodate a large trash bag. There are numerous stray dogs in the area that take advantage of the trash piles.

    Fishing: I have only seen small rainbow trout. Stockers from the Navajo Hatchery in Toadlena NM. There is no motorized access to the east side of the lake as it was blocked off years back by metal tube barriers.

    Too many rude fishers and kids running around unchecked. Fiddling with your fishing area and fishing gear.

  • Catherine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Cottonwood Campground

    Reliable camping close to Canyon de Chelly

    Well-spaced sites under gorgeous cottonwood trees in bright yellow fall foliage (beware if allergic!). Basic services as listed, except no internet that we could find. Verizon = 3 bars. Ranger told me he's never seen the campground fill up. Great staging location for both North Rim and South Rim exploration. Private homes surround the park, fairly close. Stray dogs come around but were not aggressive. $20 for camper van.

  • Tom K.
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Cottonwood Campground

    I FEEL BAD GIVING A 1 STAR

    ... As far as campgrounds go, I would not choose this spot. It is close to a scenic national monument and is located right at the entrance and is easy to get in and out of. That is where the positives end. It is sparse and fairly packed. It doesn't have a ton of vegetation as it is in the desert so expert dirty and hot. The monument itself is worth experiencing but I wouldn't plan for it to be a destination, just a pit stop. I won't stay here again.

  • Dennis P.
    Nov. 12, 2023

    Cottonwood Campground

    Beautiful in fall colors

    Near the entrance to Canyon de Chelly Nat'l. Monument, it was ablaze with fall colors. Nice toilet facilities and spacious sites fairly far apart. No hook-ups so I couldn't give it 5 stars, but even then it was within walking distance to a restaurant at a quaint lodge.

  • S
    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.

  • Travis B.
    Sep. 10, 2021

    Buffalo Pass Campground

    Trash Everywhere

    Pulled in about 8 pm, you park on the edge of the road around a sharp corner. Walk through a fence and there is the campground. I saw trash everywhere including the parking area. The place looked like it had a huge party recently. Needless to say I kept driving.

Guide to Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Camping with pets near Canyon De Chelly National Monument in Arizona offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your furry friends. Several campgrounds in the area welcome pets, making it easy to include them in your adventures.

Pet owners like the amenities available at these campgrounds

  • The Cottonwood Campground features picnic tables and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • At Spider Rock Campground, you can enjoy the rustic charm along with access to drinking water and picnic tables, perfect for a day out with your pet.
  • Wheatfields Lake Campground offers electric hookups and a market nearby, making it convenient for pet owners to stock up on supplies.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Canyon De Chelly National Monument

  • Explore the scenic trails around Cottonwood Campground where you can take your dog for a hike and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
  • The hiking trail starting at Spider Rock Campground leads to stunning views, making it a great spot for a day of adventure with your pet.
  • Fishing at Wheatfields Lake Campground can be a fun activity, and you can bring your dog along to enjoy the lakeside atmosphere.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great features for a memorable stay

  • Cottonwood Campground is well-reviewed for its clean facilities and quiet environment, ideal for a relaxing getaway with your pet.
  • At Spider Rock Campground, you’ll find friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among pet owners.
  • Wheatfields Lake Campground provides a mix of nature and convenience, ensuring both you and your pet have a comfortable camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Canyon De Chelly National Monument?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Canyon De Chelly National Monument is Cottonwood Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 25 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Canyon De Chelly National Monument?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dog-friendly camping locations near Canyon De Chelly National Monument, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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