The eastern Arizona landscape surrounding Chambers features camping options primarily oriented around Petrified Forest National Park, located approximately 25 miles west. LunaGaia Nomadic Village offers a small, semi-off-grid experience with just 10 sites for tents and RVs, providing basic amenities including electric hookups and showers. The Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area provides the region's most primitive camping experience, requiring backcountry permits for tent campers willing to hike in. Several established campgrounds cluster around nearby Holbrook, including the Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA and OK RV Park, serving as convenient basecamps for park exploration.
Camping in this high desert region requires preparation for extreme temperature fluctuations and occasional strong winds. One camper noted, "We encountered an unexpected wind storm that had 55mph wind gusts," highlighting the need for secure setups. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near I-40, with several reviewers mentioning this drawback at otherwise convenient locations. Backcountry camping in Petrified Forest National Park demands self-sufficiency, as one visitor explained: "You have to pack in all your water with you, making a multi-day trip harder." Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with most established campgrounds offering WiFi to compensate for spotty coverage. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing.
The night sky stands out as a primary attraction for campers in this region. "The star gazing is incredible," reported one visitor to a site near Holbrook, while another described the Petrified Forest backcountry experience: "There's no light pollution so seeing the stars and the Milky Way is no problem." Most campgrounds serve as overnight stops for travelers exploring the national park rather than long-term destinations. Proximity to the park entrances represents a significant value for many visitors, with several free or low-cost options available just outside park boundaries. Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts offers free camping with picnic tables but no amenities, making it popular among self-contained travelers seeking economical access to the park.
$10 - $20 / night
"We just got here and it's amazing and semi offgrid but really close to highway. Janet is amazing and an awesome friendly host."
"The property was beautiful and she let us drive through the property and camp anywhere we wanted. We ended up putting our pop up in a field surrounded by small trees and building a small fire pit."
"After we paid the park entrance fee ($16, I think), we picked up our FREE back country permit from the visitors center first thing."
"We walked down into the wilderness area behind the painted desert Inn. Beautiful views, an easy hike out, and no one else around"
$25 - $35 / night
"When driving through Gallup, one doesn't expect to find such a great place to land on Route 66. On the surface it may appear to be a great over-nighter location - which it is!"
"USA RV PARK is clean and quiet with the one exception of being on airport flight path. Flights were not that often but are load if your outside or have doors open."
$27 - $31 / night
"This place was about 3 miles off of the highway in Holbrook, Arizona about 10 minutes from the petrified national Forest."
"Host was responsive and provided great directions, location was close to the Petrified Forest and 100% boondocking. Plenty of space to spread out and relax, awesome sunset and sunrise views."
"It is tight next to south entrance of Petrified national forest."
"Right next to the Petrified Forest NP entrance. Easy access, flat and free! We think that the spot with tables has a fee so we moved to the part next to the teepee."
"We were pleasantly surprised with our campsite at the KOA outside of Petrified Forest."
"Lots are standard RV set-ups, all right next to each other. Lot was fairly level, but still needed from front/back leveling even in my small van. Gravel driveways, gravel lots."
$45 - $55 / night
"Ok RV park in Holbrook, Arizona just what we needed. Best park around this area and see Petrified forest or Winslow. Good Wifi and free cable TV. Showers and laundry are good, clean."
"We lucked out in finding this after mistakenly driving out to a campsite near the Petrified Forest entrance that was a total flop. OK RV Park was amazing to deal with."
$20 - $35 / night
"Location awesome. We went to the area through the gate past the sheltered electric camp spots. There were cement pads as well in the fenced area."
"It is just outside the south entrance to Petrified Forest National Park."
ScoutThere is no camping in the Petrified Forest NP. This is a super convenient location to stay at the night before or after a day of exploring the park. Gravel parking lot. Fairly level. Nice cement patio pad. Friendly staff in the sho.
ScoutI received a very warm welcome from our host Gilbert. Camp very peaceful and I’m so glad I came to stay here. I do have T-Mobile lite (two bars) coverage at my location.
TravelerFree, flat, easy access, right outside the park. Slight sewage smell, not sure of source. So we rated it 4 stars instead of 5.
RangerThis is a great place and very friendly. Especially if you want to tour the national park. They let you stay for free if you don’t need power. Power is available. And there’s another similar camping spot across the street. It’s right at the entrance of the national park
TravelerHere are some images we took while we tent camp on the property, very quiet and peaceful there I must reiterate, and even though there’s other campers, it has a feeling of privacy if you’re looking for somewhere more comfortable to pull off from Route 66 this is the place!
TravelerThis place was about 3 miles off of the highway in Holbrook, Arizona about 10 minutes from the petrified national Forest. We went to a lot of the local places,Meteor Crayer,the Old historic WimWam hotel to look at the cars,the Blue Mesa and the petrified forest itself. It was a peaceful little Boondock style campsite. The host was great. Gave us an extra free night for this review.
I’m giving them five ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ . We will be back again.
Thank you for having us
TravelerThis property has a wide open beautiful view of the stars in the sky,it’s also very peaceful & even with other campers it still feels very private!
LegendSecond stay here also last minute and staff was friendly and accomodating :) Had option of dry camp & were very close to restroom. It was quiet, plenty of spaces available. Walked dogs late night, some stickers in places on the margins so beware for your pet. Bathrooms clean, did not use shower, did not use laundry. There is a nice-sized off-leash dog area. Did not notice noise from I-40. Did hear train whistles in far distance (pleasant). I'm sure we'll stay here again passing thru AZ. It's also convenient to Petrified Forest NP.
LegendIf you're a member of harvest host, you can stay longer, but if you're not a member, you can stay for up to 3 days. Several places with concrete pad with picnic table and shelter, but room for many more in the gravel parking lot. There are spaces available here and at the gift shop across the street as well. The gift shop is as amazing as our visit to petrified Forest National Park, with their extensive free Museum and beautifully polished examples of local petrified wood. You can also woo and ah over the beautiful petrified wood just scattered around the parking lot. Self-Contained camping only. No water, no T-Mobile. Some spots across the street, have electric hook up.
Camping sites near Chambers, Arizona cluster in a high desert region at an elevation of approximately 5,500 feet. The area experiences temperature extremes throughout the year, with summer highs averaging 90-100°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Local camping opportunities range from established RV parks with electricity to primitive backcountry sites requiring hiking permits.
Explore Petrified Forest backcountry: Obtain a free permit from the visitor center for overnight stays in Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. The backcountry offers unique geology without crowds. "It's an easy hike down from the painted desert inn down and into the wilderness. Permits are free and easy to obtain. Ask for a wilderness hiking booklet as well, it's very well made and can help orient yourself in the vast wilderness," notes one visitor.
Experience Route 66 history: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to historic Route 66 sites near Holbrook. "I was very pleased to have found this site after being told about it because of its proximity to several Route 66 stops we were making in the area," reports a camper at OK RV Park.
Visit Canyon de Chelly: A worthwhile side trip from the Chambers area. "We got a site with electric for a few days while checking out the Petrified Forest and decided to stay an extra day to check out the Canyon de Chilly..don't miss that one!" advises a visitor at LunaGaia Nomadic Village.
Wilderness solitude: The isolation of primitive camping areas allows for true disconnection. "Once you're out there - you're out there! No amenities and you only have what you packed!" explains a backcountry camper at Petrified Forest.
Budget-friendly options: Free or low-cost camping is available near park entrances. Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts offers no-cost camping with basic amenities. "Free and easy spot to stay for the night when checking out the petrified forest," states a recent visitor.
Dark sky viewing: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. "There's no light pollution so seeing the stars and the milky way is no problem. It's so quite, my husband said all he could hear all night was his tinnitus," shares a backcountry camper.
Wind challenges: Strong winds regularly affect the open desert terrain. "What we were not expecting was the WIND!! Lots and lots of wind!! In this area there are not large areas of coverage from the elements," warns a visitor to the Petrified Forest backcountry.
Limited water access: Most dispersed camping requires bringing all water needed. At LunaGaia Nomadic Village, a visitor advises: "Just fill your water tank before you get here, no water on site for RVs."
Temperature fluctuations: Prepare for significant day-to-night temperature changes. Campers should pack accordingly for both heat and cold, regardless of season.
Check road conditions: Some camping areas require driving on unpaved roads. At Nick's Place, a visitor notes: "Super close to petrified forest, roads are easy to get over with any awd car with decent clearance. Host was very nice and easy to contact!"
Consider laundry needs: For longer stays, select campgrounds with laundry facilities. "Facilities are clean, at least they have got that right," comments a visitor about the amenities at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA.
Pack for wind protection: Secure tents and equipment against strong gusts. One camper recommends: "Pack a lower profile tent which does not grab the wind as much."
Level sites matter: Seek campgrounds with level parking areas to minimize setup time. At USA RV Park, a visitor appreciated that "Our site was a pull-through and almost level. The space was large, well-marked, and easy to find in the dark."
Hookup availability varies: Verify electrical needs before booking. "A few sites with electrical hookups... less expensive... quieter..." notes a camper at LunaGaia Nomadic Village.
Size restrictions apply: Some campgrounds have limitations on larger vehicles. "This location is primarily for small vehicles, tent, camping, van camping. At this time nothing much larger than 30 feet," reports a visitor about LunaGaia Nomadic Village.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chambers, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chambers, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 27 campgrounds and RV parks near Chambers, AZ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chambers, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chambers, AZ is LunaGaia Nomadic Village with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chambers, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Chambers, AZ.
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