Camping options near Chinle, Arizona center around Canyon de Chelly National Monument, with Cottonwood Campground serving as the primary established camping area. Located at the entrance to the monument, this campground offers approximately 50 sites accommodating both tent and RV camping with no hookups. Spider Rock Campground, situated closer to Spider Rock overlook, provides a more rustic alternative with tent sites, RV spaces, and basic cabin accommodations. The surrounding Navajo Nation lands host several smaller campgrounds including Wheatfields Lake Campground, which offers lakeside camping opportunities approximately 30 miles east of Chinle.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in this high desert region. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though water systems may be shut off during winter months. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Cottonwood Campground charges $20 per night with no hookups but provides access to flush toilets and a dump station. The campground rarely fills to capacity, even during peak season. Road access to most sites is suitable for standard vehicles, though some of the more remote campgrounds may require high-clearance vehicles. As one visitor noted, "Paved roads and pads, picnic tables, picnic fire pits, flush bathrooms, water and sewer, all in a beautifully treed setting."
Campers consistently mention the cottonwood shade trees as a significant benefit at the main campground, particularly during hot summer months. Spider Rock Campground receives mixed reviews, with visitors appreciating its proximity to canyon overlooks but noting its rustic, sometimes rough facilities. Several reviewers highlighted the peaceful atmosphere at Cottonwood Campground, especially during off-peak times when few other campers are present. The campgrounds serve primarily as convenient bases for exploring Canyon de Chelly rather than destinations themselves. Visitors planning camping trips near Chinle should be aware that camping within the Navajo Nation comes with specific regulations, including prohibitions on alcohol consumption at some locations. Cell service is generally available near Chinle, with Verizon providing the most reliable coverage according to visitor reports.
$14 - $20 / night
"The campsite is quite spacious and quiet but at the same time super close to the Canyon and very easy to find driving from or to Chinle."
"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."
$11 - $31 / night
"Close to the sights. The campground is a little rough along the edges but the sites are great. There is a great hiking trail that starts at the campground and goes to the canyon."
"Nothing around the area and about 10 miles from town."
$10 / night
$120 - $150 / night
RangerVery 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.
ScoutClean 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.
TravelerWe 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.
LegendWe 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.
TravelerPlenty of spaces and happy to get one with shade on my camper. $20, no pass discounts. Reasonably clean, fairly quiet. No complaints
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutJuste 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.
TravelerBeautiful grove of trees. Maintenance people apparently not allowed to clean up bugs in bathrooms. Floodlights at night a bit bright.
TravelerWe 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
Camping sites near Chinle, Arizona center around Canyon de Chelly National Monument, with accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to rustic cabins. The area sits at approximately 5,500 feet elevation and experiences temperature fluctuations typical of high desert regions. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing at night, while summer brings intense sun exposure with minimal natural shade except at Cottonwood Campground.
Canyon floor tours: Tours require Navajo guides and can be arranged at the visitor center or through private companies. Some campers arrange horseback riding experiences, with one visitor at Cottonwood Campground noting, "We road horses with Justin's Horses, and it is really close too."
White House Trail: This is the only self-guided trail into the canyon accessible without a guide. "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)," shares a visitor from Spider Rock Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Wheatfields Lake Campground offers fishing about 30 miles east of Chinle. As one camper reports, "Went fishing took my 12 footer aluminum boat caught a good amount of fish." The lake is stocked with small rainbow trout from the Navajo Hatchery in Toadlena.
Off-season solitude: Winter camping provides exceptional quiet and isolation. A camper at Cottonwood Campground stated, "We were here in early February. We had the place all most to ourselves. Water was still off." Another visitor noted, "Quiet-there was one other camper each night that came in after dark."
Interior sites at Cottonwood: Sites with tree coverage provide valuable shade. "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," reports one Cottonwood visitor.
Proximity to overlooks: Spider Rock Campground provides closer access to canyon viewpoints. A camper mentioned, "There is a great hiking trail that starts at the campground and goes to the canyon. Howard the owner is very friendly and a wealth of information."
Limited facilities: Amenities vary seasonally with reduced winter services. "Water was still off... Be aware there are thorny Goat heads all over our dog had a tough time," reports a February visitor. Another camper in late summer noted, "Very peaceful, not busy, no hook ups. Just out houses for now. Sewer is under repair so no dump station either."
Strict regulations: The Navajo Nation prohibits alcohol at most camping locations. A visitor at Buffalo Pass Campground mentioned poor maintenance: "I saw trash everywhere including the parking area. The place looked like it had a huge party recently."
Security concerns: Unattended items may be at risk. One camper warned, "Be careful what you leave out theft here is a problem, we had our bumper hitch stolen while we were in town shopping."
Stray dogs: Multiple campgrounds have free-roaming dogs. "Stray dogs come in but they didn't bother us," notes one reviewer. Another mentions, "There are loose dogs hanging out everywhere."
Goatheads and terrain: The ground at many sites contains thorny plants that can cause problems for children and pets. "Be aware there are thorny Goat heads all over our dog had a tough time," warns one visitor to Cottonwood Campground.
Dust management: Spider Rock Campground has significant dust issues. A camper reported, "It is rough around the edges... covered with a layer of fine red dust, but we did just fine in our 17-foot Casita RV."
Campground selection: Spider Rock has significant limitations for larger vehicles. One RVer reported, "We have a 28' 5th wheel and after looking at the potential spots, had to back our way out. There is no way to turn around. If camping here, I would have had to back my way into a spot."
Seasonal maintenance: Services may be limited or non-functional. "Dump station easy to access with working black tank sprayer," noted one visitor in September, while others reported facilities under repair at different times.
Electric hookups: Most camping sites near Chinle lack electrical connections. The exception is Wheatfields Lake Campground, which offers some electric hookups, though the campground receives mixed reviews for maintenance and privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near Chinle, AZ?
Chinle offers several camping options, with Cottonwood Campground being the most convenient choice. Located at the entrance to Canyon de Chelly National Monument, it provides spacious sites under shade trees, basic toilet facilities, and is within walking distance to the visitor center. For a more rustic experience, Wheatfields Lake Campground is another option in the area, though camping directly along the lake is generally discouraged. Both campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with Cottonwood rarely filling to capacity. These locations offer good staging points for exploring the spectacular canyon landscapes that make this region famous.
Can I camp at Lake Asaayi near Chinle on Navajo land?
Yes, camping is possible at Asaayi (Bowl Canyon) Lake near Chinle on Navajo land. This location offers drive-in, boat-in, and walk-in access options. The campground features toilets and is reservable, though it's important to note that special permits may be required for recreation on Navajo Nation lands. For those exploring other Navajo land camping options, Ganado Lake Campground is also in the vicinity. When camping on Navajo lands, always respect tribal regulations, obtain proper permits, pack out all trash, and follow leave-no-trace principles to preserve these culturally significant areas.
Are there RV parks available in Chinle, AZ?
Yes, RV accommodations are available near Chinle. Spider Rock Campground welcomes RVs and offers the unique advantage of being located close to the canyon rim, providing convenient access to amazing viewpoints. The campground is maintained by longtime owner Howard Smith and features hiking trails that lead directly to canyon overlooks. While it may be slightly rough around the edges, it offers a prime location for RV travelers. For those seeking alternatives, Nizhoni Ranch is another option that can accommodate RVs in the general area. Note that most facilities around Chinle are basic, with limited or no hookups available.
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