Best Campgrounds near Ganado, AZ

Campgrounds around Ganado, Arizona range from basic established sites to wilderness backcountry options across the Navajo Nation lands. The area includes Ganado Lake Campground located within the reservation, and several notable camping areas within driving distance such as Canyon de Chelly National Monument's Cottonwood Campground in Chinle and Spider Rock Campground. Most locations accommodate tent camping, while some like LunaGaia Nomadic Village and USA RV Park in nearby Gallup also support RV camping with hookups. Cabin and glamping options exist at select locations including Spider Rock Campground, which sits near the rim of Canyon de Chelly.

Road conditions and weather patterns significantly impact camping experiences in this high desert region. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Wheatfields Lake Campground typically open from May to October and Cottonwood Campground closing from April through October. Water availability varies considerably, with several campgrounds offering no drinking water, making advance planning essential. The Navajo Nation may implement specific regulations and closures, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors should be prepared for limited cell service and basic amenities at most locations. A reviewer noted: "Rough but serviceable campground in a spectacular location... within a short drive of amazing access points via car and foot."

The region's camping highlights center on proximity to natural and cultural landmarks rather than campground amenities. Sites near Canyon de Chelly receive positive mentions for location value despite basic facilities. According to visitor feedback, Cottonwood Campground offers "well-spaced sites under gorgeous cottonwood trees" though facilities remain minimal. Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area provides exceptional stargazing opportunities in a remote setting with one camper reporting, "So remote and peaceful. You can see the Milky Way." Spider Rock Campground's owner Howard has been mentioned in multiple reviews as "friendly and a wealth of information" about the surrounding area. Most campgrounds have few amenities but compensate with cultural significance and dramatic desert landscapes unique to the Navajo Nation territory.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ganado, Arizona (15)

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Recent Reviews near Ganado, AZ

112 Reviews of 15 Ganado Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Great place!

    Clean showers ,a nice heated pool very friendly staff.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Overnight near interstate

    I booked this park months out- needed a place to stay on our way home from AZ. We left the Grand Canyon in the morning and stopped in Gallup to sleep before heading to Petroglyph NM the next morning. The staff member at the entry was very efficient, friendly, and informative. Our site was toward the back of the property- so we didn’t hear any road noise. The park was probably around 3/4 full on the Monday night we stayed- but it was pretty quiet. There was a pet area with a cinder block “fence” and several people walked dogs around in the park. I wanted to take a peek at the pool- so I picked up my 6 lb dog to walk into that area to see it and a lady quickly intercepted me and said dogs couldn’t be in that area. The pool looked decent from what I could see. The cell signal seemed strong from the indicators on our devices but I guess due to the number of users in the area, we had slow service. We tried the park’s WiFi but it was too slow to do much. Our site was mostly level so we used our small curved levelers on one side. The sites are VERY close together and many of the picnic tables seem to need new boards for seats.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    USA RV Park

    A great park

    Full hookups with military and good sam discounts. We've stayed here before and we will again. A dog park, showers, rest rooms and laundry available

  • a
    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.

  • Melissa L.
    May. 23, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Super nice place

    We are full time RVers. I am on a contract for nursing and staying here for a few months. People who run the place are nice. Cheap laundry, nice pool, bbq place on site!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Great for overnight layover

    Friendly staff, well stocked store, clean sites. Perfect for an overnight stay along the route. Big dog park for the puppers to do their business. No frills, but we didn’t need any.

  • Mike F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Wonderful place!

    They had all of the amenities I wanted, showers clean bathrooms, lots of pull through sites, and a pool. Just a mile off of I-40. I thought it was very well priced.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Great rv park for an excellent price

    Really well done park and facilities, maybe even the best camp store I have ever visited. Gallup is a super interesting place and could have easily spent way more time than we did


Guide to Ganado

Camping near Ganado, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do

  • Explore Canyon de Chelly National Monument: This stunning area features breathtaking views and hiking trails. One camper mentioned, "Great place to camp if you plan to visit Canyon de Chelly," highlighting its proximity to the park.
  • Visit the Petrified Forest National Park: Just a short drive away, this park is famous for its ancient trees turned to stone. A review noted, "The Petrified Forest is NOT a bunch of rocks laying around... awe-inspiring views and colors that will blow you away."
  • Hike the trails: Many campgrounds, like Cottonwood Campground, offer access to scenic trails. One visitor said, "There is a great hiking trail that starts at the campground and goes to the canyon."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for USA RV Park stated, "The facilities were clean, and the staff was pleasant."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at LunaGaia Nomadic Village said, "Janet was so helpful!"
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Quaking Aspen Campground noted, "Camp sites are nicely spaced, plenty of shade under the pines."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cottonwood Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper mentioned, "No hook-ups so I couldn't give it 5 stars."
  • Weather considerations: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. One camper at Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping said, "I’m actually stuck here... the rain washed out the road."
  • Wildlife encounters: Campers should be aware of local wildlife. A review for Canyon de Chelly National Monument mentioned, "Stray dogs come around but were not aggressive."

Tips for camping with families

  • Family-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with pools and play areas. One review for USA RV Park highlighted, "The park is family-friendly; there is a dog park, a nice pool."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Red Rock Park & Campground suggested, "If you have the time, do explore some beauty in those rocks!"
  • Safety first: Always keep an eye on children, especially near water or hiking trails. A review for Spider Rock Campground mentioned, "The campground is a little rough along the edges but the sites are great."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A review for OK RV Park noted, "They took us to our site and it was huge."
  • Use reservations wisely: Some campgrounds require reservations, so plan ahead. A camper at Red Rock Park & Campground mentioned, "The reservation website can be a little confusing."
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A review for Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping stated, "You will probably need 4WD in that case too."

Camping near Ganado, Arizona, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there's something for everyone in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ganado, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ganado, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 15 campgrounds and RV parks near Ganado, AZ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ganado, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ganado, AZ is Cottonwood Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 25 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ganado, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Ganado, AZ.