Tent camping near Ganado, Arizona ranges from free backcountry campsites to lakeside tent campgrounds in proximity to the Painted Desert. Top-rated tent campsites in this region include options within the Petrified Forest wilderness area, where free permits grant access to a stark high desert landscape with exceptional dark sky conditions, as well as lakeside tent campgrounds like Ganado Lake Campground and Antelope Lake Campground.
Backcountry tent camping in Petrified Forest National Park requires campers to hike a minimum of half a mile from parking areas before setting up camp. All necessary supplies must be packed in, as no water sources or facilities exist in the wilderness areas. Free permits are available at the visitor center, and campers can access the wilderness area via a trail that descends approximately 200 feet from the Painted Desert Inn. The region experiences significant wind conditions that can complicate tent setup, with minimal natural barriers for protection from elements.
The primitive tent camping experience in this area offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. One camper noted, "There's no light pollution so seeing the stars and the milky way is no problem. It's so quiet, my husband said all he could hear all night was his tinnitus." Walk-in tent sites provide solitude rarely found in developed campgrounds, with visitors frequently reporting they were the only campers in the area. The high desert environment presents a stark landscape with red soil and petrified wood fragments scattered throughout. According to a recent review, campers should "pack a lower profile tent which does not grab the wind as much" and "bring a headlamp because it is a true dark sky when you are camping here, you can see nothing at night." The limited access hours of the national park make backcountry camping the only way to experience sunrise and sunset views within the protected area.
"After we did all the road side attractions by car, we headed to the trial head at the Painted Desert Inn."
"Backcountry Backpacking only. Get your free permit."
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
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.
GuideFull hookups, laundry, shower, pool, store, dog park, free Wi-Fi, Military discount. We've stayed here 3 times now as we like it here.
Tent campsites near Ganado, Arizona range from primitive wilderness sites to established campgrounds within Navajo Nation lands. The area sits at approximately 6,500 feet elevation, creating a high desert environment with significant temperature variations between day and night. Strong winds frequently sweep across the open landscape, particularly during spring and fall camping seasons when temperature fluctuations can exceed 40 degrees between daytime and nighttime.
Cultural immersion opportunities: Visitors camping at Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area can explore Puebloan civilization sites nearby. "See the night sky stars, a very wary herd of pronghorn antelope, the Triassic Chinle Formation that gives the Painted Desert its name, Route 66, Pteroglyphs, Puebloan Civilization sites, and one of the largest deposits of Petrified wood on earth," notes Jeremy A.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours offer opportunities to spot pronghorn antelope herds that roam the area. Backcountry campers report seeing these cautious animals from a distance during dawn hours when they are most active. "We even found out you can bring your dog with you in the desert!" shares one camper from Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area.
Night sky photography: With minimal light pollution, the area provides exceptional stargazing conditions. Consider bringing a tripod and camera with manual settings. According to Mara F., "You can see the Milky Way (it was my first time seeing it). It's so quiet, you get to live out fantasies of being part of the Apollo 11 mission."
Complete solitude: Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area offers remarkably isolated camping experiences. "After we paid the park entrance fee ($16, I think), we picked up our FREE back country permit from the visitors center first thing. There we were told we were going to be the only people in the desert that night," reports one visitor.
Unique geological features: The red soil and petrified wood fragments create an otherworldly camping backdrop. Kate S. notes, "Dispersed Camping was wonderful here. Permits are available at the visitor center. We walked down into the wilderness area behind the painted desert Inn. Beautiful views, an easy hike out, and no one else around."
Accessible backcountry experience: Despite feeling remote, the wilderness area remains relatively accessible for backpackers. "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," recommends Shavit L.
Wind preparation essential: Hunters Point Campground and other area sites experience consistent strong winds. Crystal C. advises, "What we were not expecting was the WIND!! Lots and lots of wind!! In this area there are not large areas of coverage from the elements. Very minimal in fact so it made it a bit harder than we had thought."
Water planning requirements: No natural water sources exist in the backcountry camping areas. All water must be carried in, limiting multi-day stays. "The only downside is you have to pack in all your water with you, making a multi-day trip a little harder," one camper notes about their experience.
Permit systems: Free backcountry permits are required and available at visitor centers. Michael C. explains, "I had my reservations about going here. I thought would see the park in 20-30 minutes. We took almost three hours to drive the 25 miles through the park. Some areas are very austere, however the OTHER areas more than make up for it."
Weather monitoring: Check forecasts specifically for wind conditions before camping with children. High winds can make tent setup challenging and potentially dangerous with younger campers. Crystal C. suggests, "Check wind advisories in area before traveling to the location."
Extra lighting: Ganado Lake Campground and surrounding areas experience complete darkness after sunset. Pack multiple light sources for children. "Bring a headlamp because it is a true dark sky when you are camping here, you can see nothing at night!!" warns one experienced camper.
Educational opportunities: Request the wilderness hiking booklet from rangers for children to learn about the area. "Ask for a wilderness hiking booklet as well, it's very well made and can help orient yourself in the vast wilderness as well as offer hiking options and specific destinations and points of interest," recommends a visitor to Petrified Forest.
Day-use alternatives: RVs cannot access backcountry areas, but day-use parking allows exploration of the region. Jeff N. notes, "It's a gorgeous place with the highest concentration of petrified wood known to man."
Limited hookups: South Shore Campground and other established sites near Ganado do not offer electric, water, or sewer connections. RVers must be fully self-contained and prepared for boondocking conditions with limited facilities.
Route planning considerations: The 25-mile scenic drive through Petrified Forest National Park takes approximately three hours with stops, an important timing consideration for RVers. "We took almost three hours to drive the 25 miles through the park," reports one visitor, suggesting RVers should plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ganado, AZ is Ganado Lake Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
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