Cottonwood Campground's pet-friendly sites offer ample space for tent camping and RVs near Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Located in Chinle, Arizona, approximately 40 miles from Ganado, this established campground provides picnic tables and toilet facilities for visitors traveling with pets. Spider Rock Campground also welcomes pets, featuring tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options in a rustic setting. The campground is a bit rough along the edges but the sites are great with convenient hiking trail access. USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico accepts pets in all accommodation types including cabins and glamping facilities, with full hookups available for RVs.
Nearby hiking trails at Canyon de Chelly provide opportunities for pet exercise, though owners should be aware of wildlife and respect Navajo Nation regulations when exploring with dogs. Basic pet waste disposal facilities are available at most campgrounds, with trash receptacles located throughout. Summer temperatures in the region can exceed 90°F, necessitating adequate water and shade for pets. Campers frequently mention bringing protective footwear for dogs due to goathead thorns present in some areas, particularly at Cottonwood Campground. Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area offers free dispersed camping with pets allowed, though facilities are minimal and visitors must hike into camping areas.
"Easy walk to visitor center. Only drawback were goatshead thorns....our poor dog couldn't spend much time outside without getting them in her paws."
"Great staging location for both North Rim and South Rim exploration. Private homes surround the park, fairly close. Stray dogs come around but were not aggressive. $20 for camper van."
from $30 / night
"Full hookups, laundry, shower, pool, store, dog park, free Wi-Fi, Military discount. We've stayed here 3 times now as we like it here."
"A dog park, showers, rest rooms and laundry available"
from $25 - $35 / 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."
from $11 - $31 / night
"Our dog also loves all the free reigns running. He can do, thank you, Janet for an awesome day."
"We just got here and it's amazing and semi offgrid but really close to highway. Janet is amazing and an awesome friendly host."
from $10 - $20 / night
"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"
"This property offers gorgeous stargazing opportunities, and is right next to the Petrified Forest. Thank you for sharing this gem, Ross! Book your adventure today and leave a review here!"
from $120 - $150 / night
from $10 / night
GuideI only had time to drive through and the lady in the store said to just take the road all the way because the gate automatically opens. I learned that you must acquire the free permit ahead of time. Drove into Concho and staid at the lake the rest of the evening. The cashier inside I wasn’t late at all. Some of the best views are in the setting sky.
TravelerNo water because of winter season. You can drive late and pay the next day. Place looks nice and cozy
GuideNice spot close to Gallup. I felt safe here as a solo traveler, and my dog loved it too. Clean bathrooms. I was the only one here (mid October), but I hear there are events throughout the year that pack the place up, so look those dates up prior or call.
The caretaker Mike was very nice. When I arrived, there was a gate next to his building, I knocked and let him know I was staying. He directed me to the camping area, to the left which had another gate to open and close behind me. Both gates are unlocked, open and close behind you.
There is also a great hiking trail within walking distance (video)! Locals come to the trail throughout the morning-day but again the camp spot is gated so it felt separated.
ScoutGreat facilities. They serve delicious food every night.
LegendDecent well maintained campground. Staff is friendly. Power outage during BBQ so I didn't get a chance to try it. Sites 106-108 are pull-ins not pull- throughs.
ScoutVary well kept and reasonably priced.
GuideI had to stop because of issues with my rig took too long before sunset and I don’t want to drive in the dark. Easy online booking, friendly people at check in. Two things a weary traveler appreciates! Shower house was tidy and water pressure excellent. Small dog area but adequate for my puppers to do their business.
ScoutLoved the park! Clean bathrooms and laundry room. Plenty of machines in the laundry area too. Big pull through spots with picnic tables. The staff was friendly and helpful.
GuideQuiet while I was there. $30 per night, cash only. Not even half full. Many sites under the trees with shade.
Dispersed camping options near Ganado, Arizona provide access to unique desert landscapes within the Navajo Nation at elevations ranging from 5,000-6,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during the day with nighttime lows dropping to 45-55°F, creating significant temperature swings campers should prepare for. The region's red sandstone terrain and juniper woodlands create distinct camping environments not found elsewhere in the Southwest.
Hiking at Petrified Forest: Access free backcountry permits at Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area for overnight camping experiences. "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 Shavit L. from Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location offers exceptional dark sky viewing. "It's so quite, my husband said all he could hear all night was his tinnitus. It was beautiful, magical and remote. There's no light pollution so seeing the stars and the milky way is no problem," shares Mara F. about her camping experience.
Canyon exploration: Visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument, located approximately 40 miles from Ganado. "We 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," reports Teresa A. about her stay at Cottonwood Campground.
Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for regional exploration. "We were here in early February. We had the place all most to ourselves. Water was still off :(. I am sure the trees are wonderful in the summer," shares Ken K. about his winter stay at Cottonwood Campground.
Primitive camping experiences: For those seeking solitude, LunaGaia Nomadic Village offers basic sites with limited amenities. "A little hard to find but Janet was so helpful! There's a shower and a communal cooking space and tons of options for camping. There's not really designated camp spots, so pretty bare bones, but you can't beat the price," writes Callie B.
Natural features: The unique landscape provides memorable camping backdrops. "Beautiful grove of trees. Floodlights at night a bit bright," notes Gerald P. about his stay at Spider Rock Campground, highlighting both the natural beauty and some infrastructure challenges.
Seasonal considerations: Water availability varies significantly by season and location. "Dump station open year round. There are flush toilets but no showers. 2 of the restrooms were closed for the winter as well," reports Laura M. about Cottonwood Campground.
Pet regulations: While most campgrounds are pet friendly near Ganado, Arizona, specific rules exist at each location. Spider Rock Campground welcomes pets but has limited facilities. "We trully enjoyed our stay. 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," explains Francois T.
Limited facilities: Many sites provide minimal amenities. "No amenities in the desert (no water available to pump from natural sources either). No showers for when you get off the trail," cautions Mara F. about backcountry camping at Petrified Forest.
Choose developed campgrounds: For families seeking more reliable facilities, established campgrounds offer better infrastructure. "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!" recommends ann M. about Cottonwood Campground.
Water planning: Bring adequate water supplies, especially for backcountry sites. "You have to pack in all your water with you, making a multi-day trip a little harder," advises a Petrified Forest camper.
Consider weather impacts: The region experiences significant temperature variations and seasonal weather patterns. "Check wind advisories in area before traveling to the location. Pack a lower profile tent which does not grab the wind as much," suggests Crystal C. after experiencing challenging wind conditions.
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer minimal RV services. "This 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. Dump station easy to access with working black tank sprayer," reports Christine Z. about her RV stay.
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. "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," warns Bob & Ramona F. about USA RV Park, highlighting the importance of knowing site limitations.
Alternative options: For RVers seeking more amenities, "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," notes jeanne A. about a more developed option for pet friendly camping near Ganado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ganado, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ganado, AZ is Cottonwood Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ganado, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 dog-friendly camping locations near Ganado, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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