Tent camping near St. Johns, Arizona offers access to a range of Apache National Forest locations between 6,500-9,200 feet elevation. The area experiences significant seasonal weather variations, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime and 40-50°F at night. Winter camping is limited as forest service roads become impassable due to snow accumulation from November through March.
What to do
Backcountry hiking in Petrified Forest: Obtain free permits at the visitor center before venturing into the wilderness area. "Once you're out there - you're out there! No amenities and you only have what you packed!" notes Shavit L. about Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area.
Fishing access: Multiple small lakes and ponds offer trout fishing opportunities from April through October. "Always great fishing here," reports Shane W. about Hulsey Lake Fishing Site, though he emphasizes, "There is NO camping here. I repeat, NO CAMPING. But plenty of dispersed to be found up the road further all the way to Terry Flat."
Off-highway vehicle trails: Forest roads near Pratt Lake provide access to designated OHV routes. "Road is a little rough going in, in places," warns Shane W. about accessing the camping areas.
What campers like
Dark skies for astronomy: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. "You can see the Milky Way (it was my first time seeing it)," writes Mara F. about camping in Petrified Forest National Park, adding that it creates "incredible lunar landscape! You get to live out fantasies of being part of the Apollo 11 mission."
Accessible boondocking: Several areas offer primitive camping with lake access. "Boondocking at its finest! Quiet, large campground, easy access to lake, wildlife. Close to town but far enough that it feels like your way out," reports Sharon F. about Shush Bezahze on the Apache Reservation.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot deer, elk, and occasionally pronghorn. Jeremy A. mentions seeing "a very wary herd of pronghorn antelope" while backcountry camping in the Petrified Forest area.
What you should know
Water availability varies significantly: Only established campgrounds offer potable water sources. At Concho Lake Recreation Area, Kiran B. notes, "No bathrooms (October) or water available here but there is a water machine and showers at a laundromat .5mile away."
Weather conditions change rapidly: High elevation areas experience afternoon thunderstorms in summer and early snow in fall. "At 9200 ft elevation got cold at night in September," reports Gerald P. about temperatures at Beehive Spring Camp.
Road conditions determine access: Forest Service roads may require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall. "Dirt roads with a bit of rutting and rocks but easy enough to handle, rain does get it pretty muddy and slick," warns Kiran B. about access to Concho Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds for amenities: Families with young children benefit from sites with toilets and drinking water. The Apache Reservation campground offers more facilities than dispersed options.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Even summer nights require warm sleeping bags and layers due to elevation. Crystal C. advises, "Check wind advisories in area before traveling" and "Pack a lower profile tent which does not grab the wind as much."
Prepare for true darkness: Remote areas have no artificial lighting after sunset. "It is a true dark sky when you are camping here, you can see nothing at night!" warns Crystal C. about camping in the Petrified Forest.
Tips for RVers
Limited large-rig options: Most forest roads aren't suitable for large RVs. Concho Lake provides "concrete slabs for RVs available," according to Kiran B., making it one of the few accommodating options.
No hookup services: All camping in the area is primitive without electric, water, or sewer connections. Plan to be self-contained for the duration of your stay.
Access considerations: Many forest roads narrow considerably after turnoffs. As Krista Z. notes about Brown Creek Campground, "I wouldn't call this ideal for larger groups or units. There were only a few spots where I think you could have parked more than 2 tents or anything larger than a pop up camper."
