Campgrounds near Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona range from established RV parks to primitive dispersed sites on public lands. The Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations approximately 20 miles west of the park entrance, while Crystal Forest Campground provides more basic facilities directly adjacent to the park boundary. Several dispersed camping options exist on nearby BLM land, including the 5 Mile Wash BLM area, where campers can stay without developed facilities. The region includes both commercial campgrounds with full amenities and more remote options for those seeking solitude.
Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this high desert environment. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. "This is a large paved lot, adjacent to an even larger paved gravel lot, where overnight parking is allowed. There is a dumpster in the parking lot but no other amenities," noted one reviewer about a free overnight parking area. Cell service varies throughout the region, with stronger coverage near Holbrook and more limited connectivity in remote areas. Many campgrounds prohibit campfires due to the arid conditions and fire danger, particularly during summer months when fire restrictions are common throughout northeastern Arizona.
Campers frequently mention the spectacular night skies as a highlight of staying near Petrified Forest. The Crystal Forest Campground receives positive reviews for its proximity to the national park and stargazing opportunities. A camper wrote, "We positioned our trailer to block the light from the Crystal shop so we could photograph the milky way. Felt very safe." Several visitors note the convenience of Holbrook's commercial campgrounds for accessing both the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert sections of the national park. While most developed campgrounds in the area cater primarily to RV travelers, tent campers can find suitable accommodations at the KOA and at primitive sites on public lands. The relative lack of shade throughout the region makes summer camping challenging without adequate cooling systems or shade structures.
"We were pleasantly surprised with our campsite at the KOA outside of Petrified Forest."
"Lots are standard RV set-ups, all right next to each other. Lot was fairly level, but still needed from front/back leveling even in my small van. Gravel driveways, gravel lots."
$45 - $55 / night
"Ok RV park in Holbrook, Arizona just what we needed. Best park around this area and see Petrified forest or Winslow. Good Wifi and free cable TV. Showers and laundry are good, clean."
"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."
"It is tight next to south entrance of Petrified national forest."
"Right next to the Petrified Forest NP entrance. Easy access, flat and free! We think that the spot with tables has a fee so we moved to the part next to the teepee."
$30 - $40 / night
"This is a great little campground 2 miles outside of Winslow Arizona. It’s in the middle of a state park that has two areas of ruins. One area is located about a mile from the campground."
"Very surprised at how quiet it is because it is pretty close to I40. Only 5 miles outside of Winslow. Dump station and water fill at the entrance. Most sites have electric and water."
"Location awesome. We went to the area through the gate past the sheltered electric camp spots. There were cement pads as well in the fenced area."
"It is just outside the south entrance to Petrified Forest National Park."
"Got a good night's sleep with my fan and sound machine close to I-40. Would stay the night in the future."
"Pulled in late with no reservation after failing to get access to dispersed camping, host was very nice and accommodated our dusk arrival."
"The owners and staff here is really friendly, great location as they are conveniently located right off the interstate, and yet still fairly quiet."
$10 - $15 / night
"Away from it all on the off beaten path to get there but hey 1.25 acres for camping and exploring Jojo!"
$27 - $31 / night
"This place was about 3 miles off of the highway in Holbrook, Arizona about 10 minutes from the petrified national Forest."
"Host was responsive and provided great directions, location was close to the Petrified Forest and 100% boondocking. Plenty of space to spread out and relax, awesome sunset and sunrise views."
ScoutThere is no camping in the Petrified Forest NP. This is a super convenient location to stay at the night before or after a day of exploring the park. Gravel parking lot. Fairly level. Nice cement patio pad. Friendly staff in the sho.
GuideThis park is very clean and the sites are well spaced. Each site has a grill fireplace, picnic table and a remade. It is very open with just a few small trees and was very windy while I was there.
ScoutI received a very warm welcome from our host Gilbert. Camp very peaceful and I’m so glad I came to stay here. I do have T-Mobile lite (two bars) coverage at my location.
TravelerFree, flat, easy access, right outside the park. Slight sewage smell, not sure of source. So we rated it 4 stars instead of 5.
TravelerI camped in my SUV! First time ever! Best experience in my life. Great spot. The road was a little bumpy but not horrible.
TravelerI camped at the end of the road near the trailhead. There was only one other group there so I figured it was a nice, spaced out area. Obviously I wasn’t using my brain because everyone goes all the way to the end of the road before turning around, everyone parks there to hike the trail, and it was Friday night😅 when we woke up it felt like we were in a parking lot. I’d give it 5 stars if I had picked a better spot and not gone on a Friday night. One of my dogs is slightly reactive so I was trying to stay away from big crowds. Roads were easy and finding a flat area to set up camp was easy. The canyon provides nice shade if you pick a good spot! Pack in a pack out, saw a bit of trash and broken glass in our area.
LegendWe parked here along with two sprinter vans for the night. Very well lit parking lot near the train tracks, but trains are infrequent. All three of us who parked at the visitor center overnight had breakfast in town. The receptionist at the visitor center was delightful and informative We were able to get groceries, do laundry, and get a little sightseeing done.
RangerThis is a great place and very friendly. Especially if you want to tour the national park. They let you stay for free if you don’t need power. Power is available. And there’s another similar camping spot across the street. It’s right at the entrance of the national park
TravelerHere are some images we took while we tent camp on the property, very quiet and peaceful there I must reiterate, and even though there’s other campers, it has a feeling of privacy if you’re looking for somewhere more comfortable to pull off from Route 66 this is the place!
Dispersed camping near Petrified Forest National Park provides several options for travelers exploring this unique high desert environment. The park sits at approximately 5,400 feet elevation in northeastern Arizona where temperatures fluctuate dramatically between seasons. Many camping areas lack shade, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for overnight stays.
Explore backcountry hiking: Petrified Forest National Park offers permit-based backcountry camping for those seeking solitude. "Since there are no developed campgrounds inside Petrified Forest National Park, you have two options: choose a private campground outside of the park, or grab a permit and set off into the backcountry. We did both during our visit," notes a visitor at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA.
Visit prehistoric ruins: The Homolovi State Park Campground provides access to archaeological sites with Native American history. "The ruins are cool, there are a few different sites and more is being uncovered all the time," shared a camper who found the visitor center "amazing architecture for a visitor center in the middle of nowhere."
Stargaze without light pollution: The clear desert air allows for exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Crystal Forest Campground noted, "Great overnight stop after a visit through The Petrified Forest. We went to the area through the gate past the sheltered electric camp spots. There were cement pads as well in the fenced area."
Close proximity to park entrances: Many campers value locations that minimize driving time to both sections of the national park. "The proximity and position of this campground to the national park allows for easy visiting and minimal backtracking. We'd suggest starting your trip along Highway 40 to the northern Painted Desert Visitor Center to get acquainted with the park," recommended a reviewer at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA.
Electric hookups for desert comfort: OK RV Park offers electrical connections that help manage the extreme temperatures. "Sites are pull through and almost level. The space was large, well-marked, and easy to find in the dark. The campground was clean and quiet, and the restrooms were nice," shared one camper who noted this was "a simple RV park and not a resort."
Open camping areas for astronomy: The lack of trees creates unobstructed views of the night sky. "We positioned our trailer to block the light from the Crystal shop so we could photograph the milky way," noted a camper at Crystal Forest Campground who appreciated the safety of the location.
Limited shade throughout region: The high desert environment offers minimal natural protection from the sun. A visitor to Homolovi State Park Campground observed, "Although they have planted trees, it's a lot of wide open space and sand. All spaces appear to have tables and fire rings."
Fire restrictions are common: Many locations prohibit open flames due to fire danger. At OK RV Park, a visitor noted, "The campground was clean and quiet, and the restrooms were nice. We'd definitely stay here again if we wanted to stay near Holbrook for a day or two."
Traffic and train noise at some locations: Proximity to Interstate 40 means some campgrounds experience noise disruption. "The tent sites sit packed together on the perimeter of the park overlooking the highway, which you can here all night long," reported one camper at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer facilities specifically designed for children. At Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA, a visitor praised the "pool, basketball courts" and noted, "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."
Consider educational opportunities: JoeStar Ranch Under Milky Way provides a different perspective for stargazing. The owner notes, "Each stay helps towards planting trees, on the property and in the fossil creek woods after the fire/closure of 2021."
Plan for temperature management: The desert climate requires additional preparation for families. A visitor to Homolovi State Park Campground shared, "Sites were clean with a little space from neighbors. Shower rooms look a bit rough, but the water was hot."
Choose pull-through sites for convenience: Several campgrounds offer easily accessible parking for larger vehicles. A camper at Sun Valley RV Park noted, "The owners and staff here is really friendly, great location as they are conveniently located right off the interstate, and yet still fairly quiet."
Check campground restrictions: Some locations have specific limitations on vehicle types. "Clean facilities, friendly staff, level sites and at a good price," reported a visitor at OK RV Park who found it a "perfect through stop."
Consider unique overnight options: For RVers seeking unusual experiences, alternative campgrounds provide memorable stays. "So the drive here is pretty bumpy but Bruce is a great host and gives excellent directions. The compound is surrounded by an electric fence and aliens to keep you safe," shared a visitor at Alien Acres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping allowed inside Petrified Forest National Park?
There are no developed campgrounds inside Petrified Forest National Park, but backcountry camping is permitted with a free permit. Overnight stays are allowed in the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area, where you can experience the park's unique landscape away from crowds. To camp in the backcountry, you must obtain a wilderness permit from the visitor center, hike at least one mile from any road, and follow Leave No Trace principles. This offers a rare opportunity to experience the park's painted desert landscapes and petrified wood formations in solitude, especially under starry night skies. Be prepared to carry all necessary water and supplies, as no facilities exist in the wilderness area.
Where are the best campgrounds near Petrified Forest National Park?
The best campgrounds near Petrified Forest National Park include Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA, which offers convenient proximity to the park with amenities like WiFi and cable TV. Many visitors use this as a base camp for exploring the national park. For a more natural setting, Homolovi State Park Campground is located about an hour away near Winslow and features spacious sites with electric and water hookups, plus archaeological ruins to explore. The campground is surprisingly quiet despite being close to I-40 and offers a dump station and water fill at the entrance. Both locations provide good access points for day trips to Petrified Forest National Park.
Are there free camping options near Petrified Forest National Park?
Yes, there are several free camping options near Petrified Forest National Park. The Winslow Visitor Center offers free overnight parking in a large paved lot adjacent to downtown Winslow, making it convenient for boondockers who want to explore the area. It's about 30 minutes west of the park. For those seeking a more natural setting, 5 Mile Wash BLM Dispersed offers free primitive camping on public lands. Additionally, the Hopi Travel Plaza permits overnight parking for self-contained vehicles. These free options lack amenities but provide budget-friendly bases for visiting the park without campground fees.
What RV camping facilities are available near Petrified Forest National Park?
OK RV Park in Holbrook provides good facilities for RVers visiting Petrified Forest National Park, with long gravel pull-through sites, WiFi, cable TV, clean showers, and laundry facilities. While spacing is close with minimal shade, it's considered one of the better options in the immediate area. For those willing to travel a bit further, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground near Show Low offers a more scenic experience with well-maintained sites among tall pines. This beautiful lakeside campground has spacious sites with good separation, making it worth the extra drive for RVers seeking a premium outdoor experience while still within reasonable distance of the national park.
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