Pet-friendly camping near St. Johns ranges from free lakeshore sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups, suiting both tent campers and RV travelers with dogs. Concho Lake dispersed camping area welcomes pets with 10-20 sites featuring concrete pads and fire rings in a lakeshore setting. All sites accommodate both tent campers and RVs with pets at no charge, though the condition of the camping area varies seasonally. Several sites include trash receptacles and primitive fire rings, while portable toilets provide basic sanitation. The lake itself offers wildlife viewing opportunities with prairie dogs and rabbits frequently spotted around camp boundaries. Recent visitors note that wind can be significant in this open landscape where highway noise is sometimes audible.
Desert Falcon Ranch and ConchoLakeland RV & Tent Campground permit pets throughout their facilities without breed restrictions. For RV travelers with pets, Springerville RV Park provides full hookup sites with ample spacing between neighbors, making it suitable for dog walking within the campground perimeter. Sites remain clean with regular maintenance, though summer temperatures require careful monitoring of pet comfort. St. Johns RV Resort and Bear Paw RV Park also accommodate pets with more developed amenities including showers and electric hookups for climate control. Cattle sometimes graze around Concho Lake's perimeter, requiring dogs to be kept under control. The magnificent sunset views and star gazing opportunities provide peaceful evening activities when walking pets after temperatures cool.
"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."
"Close to high way pass mile marker 369 - Due to fire danger in the area currently it’s closed."
from $60 - $600 / night
"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."
"It is tight next to south entrance of Petrified national forest."
"The views of the volcano, the nearly always blue skies. Rainbows and antelope just are fantastic."
from $10 - $15 / night
"A peaceful place to think your thoughts, go on walks, listen to wildlife, look at wildflowers and read a book. Very serene. Magnificent sunsets and stars are bright at night."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $200 / night
"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."
"I only wish they had a dog run. We will stay here again."
"But after talking to Don the camp host you could get a spot with one at checkin or one if one is available at a nearby spot move to your spot."
from $45 / night
"We missed a crucial turn and wandered around for an hour on narrow, rocky gravel roads before Lew could talk us through the route."
from $10 / night
GuideI only had time to drive through and the lady in the store said to just take the road all the way because the gate automatically opens. I learned that you must acquire the free permit ahead of time. Drove into Concho and staid at the lake the rest of the evening. The cashier inside I wasn’t late at all. Some of the best views are in the setting sky.
GuideDrove in just after dusk and found a spot immediately. One family camping is all I noticed coming in this evening. I’ll be here a few nights as the sign states a daily limit of 4 Nights. I will confirm in the morning and take pictures.
TravelerGreat easy to get in
ScoutNew site with no showers restrooms or laundry yet charge full price. Dave the onsight guy is a sweetheart though. Super friendly and helpful. Close to town and when it’s all finished should be good
ScoutThe shop generously lets people without hookups stay for free. There are some hookup sites but I’m not sure if they are free – I suspect they are not. It’s a dirt parking lot with some concrete pads, where you can stay for free for three days. If you’re in a van or something small smaller, you could also park in front of the store. I’m here in late. October and the place is pretty full at 5:30. It appears to be right outside the entrance to petrified forest national Park
LegendA little crowded but worth it.
GuideA gem in Eastern Arizona. The campground is cared for, the bathrooms are clean, and the scenery is absolutely transfixing. The host patrols a few times per day, and was very friendly and attentive. Good rule enforcement as he visibly asked other campers to please turn off their generators during quiet hours, which they did. In some other campgrounds, the rules often go unheeded, so this was nice to see. Kudos to the host staying polite yet firm.
LegendGreat help from the campground ranger at the store to get a spot.
RangerThis is a rustic, quiet and amazing campground. No hookups, vault toilet, NO cell coverage. This campground is more than 50 years old and not really maintained but each site is so private with tons of tree coverage around. Robin, the camp host was so friendly. We chose site 49 which gave us such a great view of the meadow. We just relaxed and listened to the crowd and to the elk bugle. There are trash containers. No dump. There is water.
Concho Lake Recreation Area welcomes pets at all campsites with concrete pads available for RVs and tent spots suitable for dog owners. Free camping areas around the lake feature trash cans at most sites and portable toilets, though campers report cleanliness varies seasonally. ConchoLakeland RV & Tent Campground provides a more developed option with picnic tables and fire rings, allowing pets at all 30 campsites. St. Johns RV Resort offers full hookups across 137 sites with amenities including showers and sanitary dump stations for RV campers traveling with pets. The portable toilets at Concho Lake are generally maintained, though some visitors note occasional issues during busy periods. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near St. Johns, Arizona.
The dirt roads at Concho Lake Recreation Area become muddy and slick after rain, requiring careful navigation with pets in tow. Walking trails around the lake attract wildlife including prairie dogs and rabbits, providing natural entertainment for leashed dogs. Desert Falcon Ranch allows pets at their ten primitive camping sites with reservable spots for both tent and RV camping. Crystal Forest Campground near Holbrook (approximately 30 miles northwest) provides electric hookups and picnic tables with thirty-amp service for RVs traveling with pets. In winter months, the frozen Concho Lake creates unique hiking opportunities along the shoreline. The gas station and convenience store across from Concho Lake offers basic pet supplies for emergency needs, though campers should pack adequate food, water and waste bags for their animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near St. Johns, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near St. Johns, AZ is Concho lake with a 4.2-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near St. Johns, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 80 dog-friendly camping locations near St. Johns, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
