Tent camping near Holbrook, Arizona includes both backcountry wilderness options and primitive established sites within driving distance. The region sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation with a high desert climate characterized by low humidity, significant diurnal temperature swings, and minimal natural cover. Summer temperatures can reach 100°F while winter nights often drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for outdoor recreation.
What to do
Stargazing in true darkness: Backcountry camping in Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. "See the Milky Way! There's no light pollution so seeing the stars and the milky way is no problem. It's so quite, my husband said all he could hear all night was his tinnitus," notes camper Mara F.
Wildlife watching: The wilderness areas around Holbrook provide opportunities to observe desert wildlife in their natural habitat. At Petrified Forest, Jeremy A. reports seeing "a very wary herd of pronghorn antelope," along with opportunities to view "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."
Fishing for trout: Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground offers fishing opportunities for those willing to make the challenging hike down to the water. According to Beth G., "Our group only caught 1 small trout but we met other people that were having better luck. Note: live bait is not permitted." The lake's remote nature means fewer crowds and potentially better fishing.
What campers like
Solitude and silence: Many campers appreciate the remote nature of camping options in this region. At Petrified Forest, Kate S. notes that their dispersed camping experience included "Beautiful views, an easy hike out, and no one else around." Similarly, at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground, Beth G. describes it as "my favorite type of site" with "semi established camping sites" that are "still classified as dispersed camping."
Primitive facilities: Some campers value the basic amenities available at established sites. Dorman G. describes Chevelon Canyon as "a small very primitive, four space campground off the beaten track" where "the silence here was stunning—only interrupted by the bugling of elk."
Cultural history: The archaeology and historical features near best tent camping sites around Holbrook attract history enthusiasts. Michael C. shares that Petrified Forest is "NOT a bunch of rocks laying around. (Ok there are plenty of those too) but awe inspiring views and colors that will blow you away. Please, if you are traveling Route 66 (I-40) and you are near Holbrook AZ, you will not be disappointed."
What you should know
Tough terrain access: Many camping locations require physical effort to access. The hike to Chevelon Canyon Lake is particularly challenging, with Beth G. describing it as "over a mile and 550 feet of elevation. It is not an easy hike back up. It's almost all non stop elevation gain and extremely rocky."
Wind exposure: The high desert environment means significant wind exposure for tent campers. Crystal C. warns about Petrified Forest: "What we were not expecting was the WIND!! Lots and lots of wind!! In this area there are not large ares of coverage from the elements. Very minimal in fact."
Water requirements: Concho Lake Recreation Area camper Kiran B. notes "No bathrooms (October) or water available here but there is a water machine and showers at a laundromat .5mile away." Similarly, at Petrified Forest, permits are free but as Shavit L. states, "Once you're out there - you're out there! No amenities and you only have what you packed!"
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for convenience: When tent camping with children near Holbrook, choose sites with appropriate facilities. Jesse M. shares about Mountain View: "The ground were nice but a bit rough on our minivan to get there. Our family took a nice hike to see the lake view. And had a good time in the woods. But we cut our trip short because our kids were covered in dirt, hot, and exhausted."
Pack extra supplies: Facilities are minimal at most sites. Hannah M. points out that Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground "has 6 sites which each have a fire pit (with grill piece), picnic table, and room for 1-2 vehicles. There are two pit toilets on site, no water, trash service, or electrical."
Consider weather timing: Plan family camping trips during moderate seasons. At Chevelon Canyon, Beth G. reports "In mid-September, highs were mid 70 degrees Fahrenheit and lows were in the mid 50s. Our whole group commented on how nice the weather was on this trip."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many primitive camping options near Holbrook have significant access challenges for RVs. At Chevelon Canyon, Audrey R. cautions that "The terrain for the sites is very rugged" and suggests "If you have an ATV, I highly recommend bringing it."
Road conditions: Be prepared for rough driving conditions. Kiran B. describes Concho Lake Recreation Area having "Dirt roads with a bit of rutting and rocks but easy enough to handle, rain does get it pretty muddy and slick." Beth G. found at Chevelon Canyon "some rough road the last .5 mile before you reach the camp on FR 169B. Some of it had washed out and there are a few step areas."
