Best Campgrounds near Chambers, AZ
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.