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Best Tent Camping near Canyon De Chelly National Monument

34 Reviews

Tent camping opportunities near Canyon De Chelly National Monument in Arizona are limited, with several established campgrounds in the surrounding area offering primitive accommodations. South Shore Campground and Black Pinnacle Campground are located approximately 15-20 miles from the monument, with both allowing tent camping in designated areas. Buffalo Pass Campground, situated northeast of the monument, offers walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and permits campfires.

Most tent campgrounds in this region lack basic amenities. Buffalo Pass Campground provides picnic tables but no drinking water, toilets, or trash services. Campers must pack in all water and supplies and follow strict pack-it-in, pack-it-out principles. Several campgrounds, including Hunters Point and Antelope Lake, operate seasonally due to weather conditions. The Navajo Nation manages many sites in the region, which may have specific regulations regarding camping access and permits.

Walk-in tent sites at Buffalo Pass Campground offer a more secluded experience for tent campers seeking primitive camping. One camper shared that the area has issues with litter, noting "trash everywhere including the parking area" during their visit. Most tent camping areas provide access to the stunning red rock landscapes and canyon vistas characteristic of the region. Due to the remote location and arid conditions, tent campers should bring adequate water supplies, sun protection, and be prepared for extreme temperature variations between day and night. Many tent-only camping areas require visitors to park along roadsides and hike in with their equipment, offering greater separation from vehicle traffic and a more immersive desert camping experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Canyon De Chelly National Monument (7)

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Tent 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.

  • Elsa L.
    Sep. 3, 2021

    Cottonwood Campground

    Cottonwood Camphround

    We stayed at this campground at Canyon De Chelly in a 35' Motorhome towing. No hook up but there is a dump station & potable water. Restrooms & showers are available & clean. Barbecue & picnic table at every site. $14 a day. They only accept cash. It was quiet & clean. Great place to stay and explore the Canyon.

  • J
    May. 12, 2023

    Cottonwood Campground

    Canyon de Chelly campground

    Slightly run down campground with clean bathrooms, flush toilets, no showers, no hookups. Dump station with water fill. The dispersed water fills not working. Close to visitor center but no views from campsite. Good shade trees. No problem getting site around 4:30p on a Thursday in May.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • D
    May. 3, 2024

    Cottonwood Campground

    All you can ask for and only $20

    Paved roads and pads, picnic tables, picnic fire pits, flush bathrooms, water and sewer (1 per loop), all in a beautifully trees setting. Birds singing. Conveniently located near the visitor’s centre and at the halfway point where you choose the north or south scenic drive.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Tent camping near Canyon De Chelly National Monument in Arizona offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich cultural history of the area. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At South Shore Campground, you can enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout in the serene waters of Tsaile Lake.
  • Explore the secluded nature trails around Black Pinnacle Campground for a peaceful hiking experience away from the crowds.
  • For a more adventurous outing, consider a boat-in camping experience at South Shore Campground, where you can paddle around the lake and discover hidden spots.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

  • Camping at Buffalo Pass Campground is budget-friendly, with low fees and amenities like picnic tables and fire pits.
  • The cost to camp at Wagon Wheel Campground is reasonable, making it an accessible option for families and solo adventurers alike.
  • If you're looking for a private experience, Ganado Lake Campground offers tent camping at competitive rates, perfect for those seeking tranquility.

Tent campers should check out the unique features

  • South Shore Campground allows pets, making it a great choice for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
  • At Buffalo Pass Campground, you can enjoy the flexibility of having fires and alcohol allowed, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • The rustic charm of Hunters Point Campground offers a more secluded experience, ideal for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Canyon De Chelly National Monument?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Canyon De Chelly National Monument is South Shore Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Canyon De Chelly National Monument?

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

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