Best Dispersed Camping near Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ

Petrified Forest National Park allows dispersed camping for visitors willing to rough it. You'll need to be completely self-sufficient since there are no facilities at these sites. Following Leave No Trace practices is essential—pack out all your trash and tread lightly on the landscape. Remember to set up your camp at least 200 feet from roads and water sources to protect the environment. Many campers head to the City Park Campground or Recreation Area within the park for basic sites. These spots tend to be quiet and feel far removed from civilization. Check for current fire restrictions before your trip, as they're common during dry periods. You can stay up to 14 days in one spot, giving you plenty of time to explore. The rough roads to most camping areas require vehicles with good clearance. The surrounding Arizona National Forest also has backcountry options if you want to extend your trip. Weather varies dramatically by season—summers can be dangerously hot while winter nights often drop below freezing. Come prepared with extra water and supplies since you'll be far from stores. These simple sites let you enjoy the ancient landscape without modern distractions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Petrified Forest Natl Park, Arizona (9)

    1. Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    29 Reviews
    Woodruff, AZ
    17 miles
    +1 (928) 524-3500

    "Right outside the South Gate of the Petrified Forest National Park. They offer free camping with no hookups for self contained rigs. Water is available at city hall if needed."

    "Dirt lot with about 20 spots for RVs, trailers, campervans, or any other self contained camper. They don't allow tent camping because there are no bathrooms available."

    2. 5 Mile Wash BLM Dispersed off Hwy 77

    3 Reviews
    Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ
    4 miles

    3. Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area — Petrified Forest National Park

    7 Reviews
    Chambers, AZ
    24 miles
    Website

    "After we paid the park entrance fee ($16, I think), we picked up our FREE back country permit from the visitors center first thing."

    "Dispersed Camping was wonderful here. Permits are available at the visitor center. We walked down into the wilderness area behind the painted desert Inn."

    4. Painted Desert Rim Drive Dispersed Pulloff

    5 Reviews
    Winslow, AZ
    25 miles
    Website

    "A bit of rough road,paved but holy, some graffiti on the pavilion says degenerate kids where here, gravel road is beat up,but OMG THE SUNSET ,you gotta see this sunset, trust me."

    "There are some picnic tables near the entrance, but that’s about it. I didn’t see any fire-rings, just plenty of parking."

    5. Winslow Visitor Center

    7 Reviews
    Winslow, AZ
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 289-2434

    " I always appreciate when cities allow overnight parking in town."

    "Overnight parking is allowed; however, the size of the lot will decrease significantly as they are building a new library in the dirt lot where campers were allowed to park in the past."

    6. Concho lake

    11 Reviews
    Vernon, AZ
    44 miles

    "Nice spot along the highway. You can hear vehicles but in a van, barely heard it. There’s prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus. Clean porti potties and decent AT&T signal."

    "Great, great free camping. ~20 sites, most official sites have concrete pads & trashcans but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings. Great Verizon Service."

    7. Dutch's Tank

    1 Review
    Heber-Overgaard, AZ
    35 miles

    "Would bring the family back for some boondocking in our camper. Despite being the first spot closest to the road, so few cars pass here I rarely noticed."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ

54 Reviews of 9 Petrified Forest Natl Park Campgrounds



Guide to Petrified Forest Natl Park

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of unique spots that cater to different camping styles and preferences.

Dispersed campers should check out Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

  • Located just outside the Petrified Forest, Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts provides a free camping experience with picnic tables and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for RVs and campervans.
  • The site is known for its stunning night skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing after a day of exploring the nearby park.
  • Visitors appreciate the quirky Route 66 theme, with nearby attractions like dinosaurs and teepees adding a fun twist to your camping experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Petrified Forest Natl Park, Arizona

  • When camping at Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area, remember that it’s a backcountry experience, so be prepared to hike in and pack out everything you bring.
  • This area is perfect for those who enjoy solitude and breathtaking views, as it features one of the largest deposits of petrified wood and stunning desert landscapes.
  • Make sure to obtain a free permit for backcountry camping, as this is required to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the wilderness.

Enjoy unique experiences while free camping near Petrified Forest Natl Park

  • If you’re looking for a quick stopover, the Winslow Visitor Center offers overnight parking in a large lot, making it convenient for travelers passing through.
  • For those who love the sound of trains, this spot provides a unique ambiance, though it can be quite noisy at night due to nearby train activity.
  • The friendly staff at the visitor center can provide helpful information about the area, enhancing your overall camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ is Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts with a 3.9-star rating from 29 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.