Dispersed camping opportunities exist on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land near Holbrook, Arizona. This high desert region sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, experiencing dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night. The area's unique geological features include colorful badlands, flat mesas, and distinctive red rock formations scattered throughout the landscape.
What to do
Dinosaur exhibits and museums: Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts offers more than just camping. "The Crystal shop opens at 8am. Bought a few affordable crystals, friendly and knowledgeable staff. A few photo opps with old cars weighed down with petrified rocks," notes Christine Z. about Crystal Forest Campground.
Night sky viewing: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing. "We positioned our trailer to block the light from the Crystal shop so we could photograph the milky way. Felt very safe," explains one camper at Crystal Forest Campground. Another visitor at Petrified Forest Campground adds: "Beautiful night sky."
Photography: The unique landscape offers excellent photography opportunities. "We'd suggest starting your trip along Highway 40 to the northern Painted Desert Visitor Center to get acquainted with the park, then making your way south and exit near the Rainbow Forest Museum," recommends SwitchbackKids at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA.
What campers like
Level sites: Many campgrounds feature flat, easy-to-access spots. "Sites were nice & level. Mary, the lady who runs the place, was very nice and accommodating. Only about 2 miles from the entrance to the national park," shares Lisa M. about Crystal Forest Campground.
Quick highway access: The proximity to I-40 makes these campgrounds convenient stopover points. "Convenient to the interstate, clean, straight forward, and easy spot to stop while traveling!" reports JL about Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA.
Pet-friendly atmosphere: Dog friendly campgrounds near Holbrook are plentiful. "We lucked out in finding this after mistakenly driving out to a campsite near the Petrified Forest entrance that was a total flop. OK RV Park was amazing to deal with," shares Amy E. at OK RV Park, which welcomes pets with a dedicated pet area.
What you should know
Limited shade: The desert location means minimal tree cover. "The sites were good size, easy to get into and level. If we go back to Moab, would probably return to OK. Price was reasonable and park was pleasant," notes Kloee S. about OK RV Park.
Highway noise: Several campgrounds are close to the interstate. "With a name like 'OK RV Park', we weren't expecting much, but we were actually pleasantly surprised. Unlike most Moab parks, it's not along the highway; it's actually back a few blocks and was very quiet!" reports Kloee S.
Road conditions: Some dispersed camping areas require navigation on unpaved roads. "Admittedly, the unpaved dirt roads leading to the campsite stretched for about 4 miles, which came as a surprise. However, this added element of adventure only served to enhance the overall rustic charm of the location," explains Brian L. about Petrified Forest Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities. "Very nice park, pool is nice, lots for kids to do, camp sites are close together not much shade, but very nice park with lots to see and do in area," shares Jayne W. about Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA.
Educational opportunities: The area's rich geological history provides learning experiences. "Inside the park (north to south), here are the must-sees: the Painted Desert National Historic Landmark (try to time it and attend a free ranger guided tour), the Blue Forest, Jasper Forest (below this overlook was our favorite trail of the park!), Crystal Forest, and the Giant Logs area," suggests SwitchbackKids.
Larger accommodations: Some campgrounds offer spacious cabin options. "This KOA has lot's of space, from private tent sites to RV with full hookups, fully equipped cabins, even a giant Wigwam to stay at. It also has a pool, playground, small library, and a well stocked store," describes Daniel L. at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: Many sites accommodate easy entry and exit. "Clean facilities, friendly staff, level sites and at a good price," says Roni J. about OK RV Park. "All spots are long gravel pull through. Some trees but minimal shade or landscaping," adds Chester T.
Spacing between sites: Site layouts vary between campgrounds. "Spacing is close but not tight, they alternate directions so it feels like the next vehicle is further away. No road noise pretty quiet," explains Chester T. about OK RV Park.
Electric hookups: Several campgrounds offer power connections. "We opted for the left side. $25 got us electrical and we are in paradise now. Site is fairly level and there was a little shade," shares Francois T. about Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts.
