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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
