Camping spots near Ganado, Arizona offer access to high desert landscapes at approximately 6,500 feet elevation in the northeastern part of the state. Significant temperature fluctuations occur throughout the year, with summer daytime highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. The area receives limited rainfall, primarily during summer monsoon season, making water conservation essential for campers.
What to do
Hiking into wilderness areas: The Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area allows backcountry exploration with free permits from the visitor center. "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 a camper.
Wildlife observation: Early morning offers the best opportunities to spot desert wildlife. "See the night sky stars, a very wary herd of pronghorn antelope, the Triassic Chinle Formation that gives the Painted Desert its name," reports a wilderness camper.
Fishing at local lakes: Wheatfields Lake Campground provides fishing opportunities approximately 30 miles northeast of Ganado. One visitor mentioned, "Went fishing took my 12 footer aluminum boat caught a good amount of fish," though they also caution about the small size of catches, noting, "I have only seen small rainbow trout. Stockers from the Navajo Hatchery in Toadlena NM."
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location creates exceptional night sky viewing. At Petrified Forest, a camper shared, "It's so quite, my husband said all he could hear all night was his tinnitus... You can see the Milky Way (it was my first time seeing it)."
Cultural experiences: The region provides access to Navajo Nation cultural sites. At Spider Rock Campground, visitors appreciate the owner's local knowledge. "Howard the owner is very friendly and a wealth of information," notes one camper about the proximity to Canyon de Chelly.
Solitude and remoteness: Many campgrounds offer escape from crowds. "We were here in early February. We had the place all most to ourselves," reported a visitor to Cottonwood Campground, highlighting the off-season benefits.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most camping areas offer minimal amenities. At Cottonwood Campground, a recent visitor noted, "Water refill station was closed for the winter," while another mentioned, "No electric sites. $20/night for all spots."
Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds close or reduce services during winter months. A Wheatfields Lake Campground camper warned about "3 compost type toilet facilities at various parts of the lake. No running water."
Road conditions: Access roads may be challenging, particularly after rain or snow. LunaGaia Nomadic Village campers noted, "A little hard to find but Janet was so helpful!" and "Short dirt road travel off I-40."
Stray dogs: Multiple campgrounds report the presence of stray dogs. One camper at Cottonwood Campground observed, "There were some stray dogs when I first arrived, but they didn't bother us."
Tips for camping with families
Guided tours: Consider arranging authorized tours for Canyon de Chelly exploration. "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," advised one Cottonwood Campground visitor.
Accommodation alternatives: For families seeking more comfort, USA RV Park in nearby Gallup offers additional amenities. "We were able to get pizza delivered to our RV site which was a big hit with the kids," shared one family who stayed there.
Plant hazards: Be aware of natural hazards that might affect children and pets. At Cottonwood Campground, a camper warned, "Be aware there are thorny Goat heads all over our dog had a tough time."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require layered clothing and adequate shelter. A visitor noted, "We had the place all most to ourselves. Water was still off... I am sure the trees are wonderful in the summer," indicating the importance of seasonal planning.
Tips from RVers
Campground selection: For RVs over 25 feet, options may be limited. "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," warned a visitor to Spider Rock Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are scarce in the immediate Ganado area. At LunaGaia Nomadic Village, a camper shared, "Janet is developing the area so it's not perfect yet but her hospitality more than makes up for it... A bit of dirt road to get there but this is the Dyrt, right?"
Water conservation: Many campgrounds lack water hookups. "Just fill your water tank before you get here, no water on site for RVs," advised a LunaGaia visitor, underscoring the importance of arriving prepared.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. At USA RV Park, one camper reported, "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."
