Camping sites near Tonalea, Arizona offer access to high-elevation desert terrain, sitting at approximately 6,500 feet above sea level with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. The area experiences strong winds at several campgrounds, particularly Navajo National Monument where campsites sit at 7,300 feet. Water availability varies dramatically between established campgrounds and primitive locations, with most visitors needing to pack additional water supplies.
What to do
Explore ancient cliff dwellings: At Navajo National Monument Canyon View Campground, visitors can take ranger-led hikes to preserved cliff dwellings. "The visitor center has super friendly staff and lots of history on the Pueblo natives," notes one camper, adding that the "hiking trails were top notch!"
Visit Lake Powell beaches: Located near Page, many campers use these sites as a base for lake activities. "Fun trip with Sandy beach camping. Awesome fireworks show. Rainbow Bridge is breathtaking!" shares a visitor to Page Lake Powell Campground.
Stargaze without light pollution: The remote desert location creates exceptional night viewing conditions. One camper at Canyon View Campground observed, "The lot was paved, running water at the toilets, quiet site and the stars were AMAZING!"
Harvest piñon nuts: Seasonal visitors can participate in traditional harvesting. "People were harvesting piñon nuts while we were here," mentioned a Canyon View camper, noting this as part of their cultural experience.
What campers like
Cultural immersion opportunities: The Shash Dine' EcoRetreat provides authentic Navajo experiences. "Paul has really made this a place to immerse yourself in Navajo cultural experience," states one visitor about this unique accommodation option.
Short drive to major attractions: Many campgrounds serve as convenient hubs. "Short drive to either Antelope Valley Canyon or Horseshoe Bend," notes a camper about Page Lake Powell Campground, making it practical for day trips.
Boat-in camping experiences: For adventurous campers, Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite offers a unique perspective. "Had an awesome time camping out at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend! It was somewhat weird having people always taking pictures and looking down at the camp a couple hundred feet up," shares one camper who enjoyed this distinctive vantage point.
Wildlife encounters: The area hosts diverse desert wildlife. A Canyon View Campground visitor warned, "Beware, the first campsite I tried to camp at, was the last one in the row and was full of rattle snakes. So I agreed they owned that spot and moved on to another spot."
What you should know
Water shortages affect facilities: Water systems at campgrounds may be unreliable. At Roam America Horseshoe Bend, one visitor noted, "The bathrooms, although lovely, were CHRONICALLY out of toilet paper and paper towels. We learned to bring our own."
Weather can change rapidly: The high desert experiences extreme conditions. "The road up to the grounds is a climb, so larger rigs will need to be prepared for that," warns a Canyon View Campground visitor about accessing this elevated site.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Roam America Horseshoe Bend, a camper observed, "Many of the sites are sloping so be ready to level a bit," while another mentioned, "We had some issues getting our motor home level on our spot (82)."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds, with most areas having marginal coverage. Some campgrounds advertise WiFi but deliver spotty service, with one camper noting, "Wi-Fi was intermittent at best but for the three days we were here we were able to log on one time."
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Plan accordingly for campgrounds with limited facilities. "Running water toilets and sinks. Camping luxury!!" notes a Canyon View Campground visitor, highlighting how unusual good facilities can be in this region.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some sites. At Cameron Trading Post RV Park, a camper warned about being "right on the highway (hello noise)," adding it's "more of a stay-hitched-then-skedaddle quick overnight."
Swimming pool availability: Some campgrounds offer cooling options during hot months. A visitor to Roam America Horseshoe Bend mentioned, "The pool was closed for the season but looked nice," indicating seasonal limitations for water activities.
Pack extra water: Many campgrounds have unreliable water supplies. Multiple reviews mention water systems being shut off or limited, with one camper at Page Lake Powell Campground stating they "had no running water the next morning," affecting their family trip with young children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup reliability: Check campground utilities before committing. A Page Lake Powell Campground visitor reported, "We had a reservation for a tent site from July 20–22, but unfortunately, the water and electric hookups were not working when we arrived."
Watch for elevated campsites: Several campgrounds have curbed sites that can damage vehicles. At Roam America Horseshoe Bend, a camper noted, "The sites are up on curbs. We grounded out our hitch several times when pulling in or out."
Off-grid preparation essential: Many campgrounds lack full services. Cameron Trading Post RV Park offers minimal amenities with "No bathroom, no WiFi, no 30 amp electricity," according to one visitor.
Early arrival recommended: The most level sites fill quickly at popular campgrounds. "Got there pretty early so almost all the sites were open. Started filling up around 4 pm," shared a Canyon View Campground visitor about timing.
