Top Free Dispersed Camping near Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Petrified Forest Natl Park? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ (6)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Petrified Forest Natl Park

17 Reviews of 6 Petrified Forest Natl Park Campgrounds


  • p
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Concho lake

    Ehh

    Got here at night and found it quite easily. Not the most scenic as the lake is dried up and the highway is visible (and audible). Trash cans were overflowing with trash, and a few of the sites were trashed as well. I also think I saw human poop by the bushes. At around midnight some guy came by our tent asking if we knew where the portopotties went, and said the site we were at is where he usually stays…

  • FearLes
    Camper-submitted photo from Winslow Visitor Center
    May. 7, 2024

    Winslow Visitor Center

    Trains

    If you love the sound of trains, this is the spot for you. There must have been a dozen trains that ran past my site (although I thought some may have been going through my tent). I didn’t sleep a wink. Then, the sprinklers started at 5:15 am. But at least it was free!

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Mar. 30, 2024

    Concho lake

    Concho Pronto

    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. WINDY. Pretty, too.

  • Ken W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Winslow Visitor Center
    Nov. 13, 2023

    Winslow Visitor Center

    Visitor Center RV parking

    Staff at the visitor center are very friendly and helpful. 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.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    May. 28, 2023

    Concho lake

    Peaceful and quiet

    Stayed here for a couple nights towards the end of May. There were a few other people camping while I was here but it was very quiet. I would estimate there are about 10 sites. Most appeared to have garbage cans. There were two port o potty’s that were not too bad. There were lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake. I was able to find fire wood around for a fire but it was a little challenging finding larger pieces of wood, I would probably bring some wood of my own if I ever returned. Overall it was a great place to stay for free especially since there aren’t lots of campsites in this area. Directions were accurate.

  • Carolyn S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Winslow Visitor Center
    Mar. 12, 2023

    Winslow Visitor Center

    Winslow Welcome Center

    Very grateful that Winslow allows overnight camping. This is a large parking lot at the welcome center. Best for a quick stopover. This spot is adjacent to a train station and large strucks were also parked. It was very loud until about 10pm and then it started up again around 6am

  • Ray L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Mar. 9, 2023

    Concho lake

    Mixed emotions.

    Reviews say this place is clean but it is Disgusting. The porta potties aren’t even worth trying to use and there was garbage EVERYWHERE. I would still almost give it 4 stars because when I was there it was nearly empty, but the one other person who was there blasted loud music all day and night and was clearly on drugs. Not great, not bad. Would I stay here again? Yeah I guess so. Definitely a mixed bag.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Winslow Visitor Center
    May. 6, 2022

    Winslow Visitor Center

    Free Overnight Parking Close To Town

     I always appreciate when cities allow overnight parking in town. As boondockers, it’s hard to explore a city and then go out to the outskirts to find a place for the night, so it’s always a treat to stay within walking distance of a town with things to do. 

    This is a large paved lot, adjacent to an even larger paved gravel lot, where overnight parking is allowed. We arrived on a Saturday late morning and left the next morning. The visitor center was never open for us to go in while we were there.

    There was plenty of space for us to put out our slides. There is a dumpster in the parking lot but no other amenities. Good cell service here for both ATT and Verizon.

    It’s a few blocks from the fun and kitchy part of town with all the “Standing on the Corner” things, plus some other interesting things to see and some good places to eat. 

    ** VERY noisy trains all night long. Not just trains passing by, but some kind of dramatic CLU-CLUNKing going on pretty frequently.  We'd stay here again just for the convenience, but we'll bring ear plugs next time.

  • Heather E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Jan. 4, 2022

    Concho lake

    Beautiful clean spot

    Stopped here prior to visiting the petrified forest. What a clean, quiet, gem. The lake was frozen over which made for tons of fun for us throwing rocks and listening to the ripple. I’d say there is at least 10 spots. Port-o-potty there and trash so please continue to keep this clean free site just that way!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Concho lake

    Pretty but closed due to fires

    Close to high way pass mile marker 369 - Due to fire danger in the area currently it’s closed.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Concho lake

    Good one night stay

    Stayed one day on my way to Reno. 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. I only checked out one loop but place has as least 10 spots. Some have cement pads and fire rings. No picnic tables that I saw.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Concho lake

    Decent, safe overnight

    Dirt lot with turnouts with shrubs and pines offering decent privacy and quiet. There are cement pads for vans or smaller RVs in some spots, and fire pits. The lake is now more marsh with abundant bird life. A gas station / convenience store is across the street. Good Verizon!

  • Michael R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Jun. 26, 2020

    Concho lake

    Right on the lake

    Nice spread out campsites right on concho lake. Trash, port-a-potties on site.



Guide to Petrified Forest Natl Park

Camping near Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, offers a unique experience filled with stunning landscapes and rich history. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of options to make your stay enjoyable.

What to do:

  • Explore ancient ruins: Check out the trails near Homolovi State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are a 1-mile hike from camp," making it easy to dive into the area's history.
  • Visit the Petrified Forest: The park is famous for its petrified wood and colorful landscapes. One camper noted, "The Petrified Forest is NOT a bunch of rocks laying around... awe-inspiring views and colors that will blow you away."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide an excellent opportunity for stargazing. A reviewer at Desert Skies Holbrook AZ said, "The star gazing is incredible, an astrologist's dream."

What campers like:

  • Friendly staff: Campers appreciate the helpfulness of the staff at places like Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA. One visitor shared, "The staff were friendly and helpful."
  • Clean facilities: Many campers enjoy clean bathrooms and showers. A review for OK RV Park mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean (but dated)."
  • Convenient locations: Campgrounds like Take It Easy RV Park are close to amenities. A camper noted, "Close to Walmart, Flying J, Standing on a Corner."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts, have minimal facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Not much to it, just some picnic tables on slabs next to parking spots."
  • Noise from trains: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that places like the Winslow Visitor Center are near train tracks. One camper said, "If you love the sound of trains, this is the spot for you."
  • No RV camping in the park: The Petrified Forest National Park only allows backcountry camping. A reviewer warned, "There is no RV, car, or front country camping in the park."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA, which has amenities for kids. One family shared, "Kid and doggo loved the amenities."
  • Plan for hot weather: Summer can be scorching. A camper at Homolovi State Park Campground advised, "It gets hot in summer—be prepared."
  • Bring outdoor games: With plenty of space, families can enjoy outdoor activities. A visitor at McHood Park Campground mentioned, "The camp host are from Winslow so they are very knowledgeable about the area."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: RVers appreciate spacious sites. A review for OK RV Park noted, "They took us to our site and it was huge."
  • Be ready for gravel sites: Many campgrounds have gravel sites, so leveling may be necessary. A camper at Take It Easy RV Park mentioned, "RV camping is a parking lot with power poles."
  • Consider nearby amenities: Campgrounds like Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA offer breakfast options. One visitor said, "They serve a delicious breakfast with a good variety."

Camping near Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, has something for everyone. With a little planning, you can enjoy the beauty and history of this unique area.

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 Petrified Forest National Park Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.