The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Window Rock, AZ

Tent camping options near Window Rock, Arizona include several established campgrounds scattered across the surrounding area. The Navajo Nation contains several tent-only camping areas including Hunters Point Campground, Antelope Lake Campground, and Ganado Lake Campground. South Shore Campground and Black Pinnacle Campground offer additional tent-specific sites approximately 40 miles north of Window Rock. For campers seeking a more defined camping experience, BEKI'S Kick Azz Campgrounds provides 8 reservable tent sites about 35 miles southwest of Window Rock.

Most tent campgrounds in the Window Rock region offer minimal amenities and primitive conditions. The data indicates fires are permitted at South Shore Campground and BEKI'S Kick Azz Campgrounds, which also provides firewood, while other locations prohibit campfires. Potable drinking water is not available at any of the listed campgrounds, requiring campers to bring adequate water supplies. Sites generally lack toilets, trash service, and picnic tables. Access varies by location, with South Shore Campground offering boat-in, drive-in and walk-in options. BEKI'S Kick Azz Campgrounds allows pets and alcohol, while most other locations do not permit either.

Backcountry tent camping in this region provides opportunities for solitude and cultural immersion in the Navajo landscape. The reservation setting offers unique perspectives on Native American lands not available in typical national forest or state park camping areas. Tent campers should approach the experience with respect for tribal regulations and an understanding of the more primitive nature of these campgrounds. Some locations may offer scenic views of the surrounding mesas and unique rock formations that characterize the Colorado Plateau. The proximity to Window Rock itself, the Navajo Nation capital, allows campers to combine outdoor experiences with opportunities to learn about Navajo culture and history.

Map showing campgrounds near Window Rock, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Window Rock, Arizona (6)

Show More
Showing results 1-6 of 6 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Window Rock Contest

Enter to Win

Tent Camping Reviews near Window Rock, AZ

178 Reviews of 6 Window Rock Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2022

    Cottonwood Campground

    Nice & Right Outside of Canyon de Chelly

    This is a really nice peaceful campground at the entrance of the Canyon de Chelly National Monument.  Canyon de Chelly is beautiful and amazing and worth going out of your way for.  Be sure to pre arrange with an authorized tour guide, if you want to go down into the canyon. We didn't plan ahead and didn't get to go down, though driving all the way to the end of the canyon (we went along the south side) was beautiful on its own.  Just about each pull off has native vendors selling handmade art and goods.

    $14/night (cash only!) for a tent site, and $5 for day use. Camp fee includes use of dump station and water fill, but heads up that the water is turned off for the winter. Dump station open year round.

    There are flush toilets but no showers. 2 of the restrooms were closed for the winter as well. 

    Sites come with a picnic table and grill, no fire rings (fires not allowed here). There is no privacy or any kind of barrier between sites. It was not a big deal when we were here as there were only a few other campers, but I could see it feeling crowded during busy season. Some sites have a lot of shade and some are in full sun, so there’s something for everyone. 

    Heads up - this is Navajo Nation and there is no alcohol or marijuana use allowed, and there are loose dogs hanging out everywhere. 

    ATT had LTE, and Verizon and TMobile were roaming.

  • Elsa L.
    Sep. 3, 2021

    Cottonwood Campground

    Cottonwood Camphround

    We stayed at this campground at Canyon De Chelly in a 35' Motorhome towing. No hook up but there is a dump station & potable water. Restrooms & showers are available & clean. Barbecue & picnic table at every site. $14 a day. They only accept cash. It was quiet & clean. Great place to stay and explore the Canyon.

  • J
    May. 12, 2023

    Cottonwood Campground

    Canyon de Chelly campground

    Slightly run down campground with clean bathrooms, flush toilets, no showers, no hookups. Dump station with water fill. The dispersed water fills not working. Close to visitor center but no views from campsite. Good shade trees. No problem getting site around 4:30p on a Thursday in May.

  • J
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Quaking Aspen Campground

    Nice campground

    Nice campground, camp sites are nicely spaced, plenty of shade under the pines, sites have picnic tables and fire pits, clean vault toilets, well maintained campground

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Quaking Aspen Campground

    Great sites no direct hiking

    Claen vault toilets, well spaced and quiet sites. We'll maintained. No water. No hiking from campground. Some trails and dispersed camping 1/2 mi down road south.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Quaking Aspen Campground

    Nice location

    We spent a few nights here. It’s not a big campground and we came in without a reservation. I don’t think reservations are possible? The sites are pretty spaced out and shaded. I think there were about 16 sites total though there might be more. There are clean pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Really nice hiking / mountain bike trails. The aspens are in the trails not the campground

  • Tyler G.
    Jun. 23, 2016

    Quaking Aspen Campground

    Wonderful Base to Explore the Hidden Beauty of the Zuni Mountains

    We used this campground as a starting point for a research trip sampling Precambrian rocks of the Zuni Mountains. I hadn't spent much time in this part of New Mexico, and assumed that the trip was going to be hot and sun-bleached, similar to the desert exposed in nearby Gallup, NM. I was surprised to drive into a beautiful forest just a few minutes off I40.

    The campsite includes basic forest service amenities: pit toilets, picnic tables, and metal-rimmed fire pit/grill sites. What set this apart from other non-hosted campsites for me was the condition of the grounds. The tent camping sites had well maintained, leveled tent pads, maintained gravel roads, and clean facilities. The Sites offered a reasonable degree of privacy, although some of the sites near the middle of the loop road place you in close proximity to your neighbor. The area is moderately wooded with pine and aspen, providing shade throughout the day and easy access to the dirt road that transects the Zuni Mountains, letting you out near the Bandera volcano and ice cave, which is a wonderful drive if you have a high clearance/4x4 and time to drive through.

    We saw abundant wildlife while working in the Zunis, including several brown bears, deer, and elk. While we didn't have any run ins with these guy in camp, be aware that large animals are present in the area and be sure to take necessary bear-proofing precautions.

    Camp fees were $5/night, which is quite the bargain given the well-kept grounds and wonderful scenery. If you're looking for a less-traveled escape from Albuquerque, or just want the chance to explore the under-valued Zuni mountains and western New Mexico landscape (and some pretty interesting geologic features such as orbicular granite), this campground is an excellent place to spend some time on the cheap.

    Photos included are from the Zunis south of the campsite, as I didn't think to take any photos while we were at camp.

  • Q
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Wheatfields Lake Campground

    High traffic low privacy

    Indian Route 12 runs north to south and bisects the wheatfields lake and the main campground areas. Overnight camping and fires are discouraged along the lake but people get away with it. There is sporadic night traffic on the roadway throughout the night and it is sometimes loud. The campsites are hit and miss. Some have old dilapidated picnic tables and along with sandstone fire rings or barriers. The roads to the campsite are not graded and over time roads have been created through campsites with no regard.

    There are 3 compost type toilet facilities at various parts of the lake. No running water. There are some trash receptacles but most leave their trash in piles next to the receptacles because the chutes to the receptacles are about 12x12 and wont accommodate a large trash bag. There are numerous stray dogs in the area that take advantage of the trash piles.

    Fishing: I have only seen small rainbow trout. Stockers from the Navajo Hatchery in Toadlena NM. There is no motorized access to the east side of the lake as it was blocked off years back by metal tube barriers.

    Too many rude fishers and kids running around unchecked. Fiddling with your fishing area and fishing gear.

  • Robert G.
    Jun. 11, 2023

    McGaffey Campground

    Tall trees, far from I40, clean bathrooms

    Great little campground if you love quiet. No hookups whatsoever so fill your water before you get here. The restrooms are some of the cleanest we’ve seen so there’s a big plus! The forest service website says 22’ max trailer but that’s not what we found! I’m in a 38’ motor home and there were NO tight spots at all! Site 10 is back in but we had 30’ to spare. No tow car this time. There’s an east 3 mile trail for those who like to hike/walk. You are 10 miles from I40 so no vehicular noise to deal with. NO cell service - at least AT&T so bring your Starlink if you’ve got it.

Guide to Window Rock

Tent camping near Window Rock, Arizona encompasses a range of primitive sites on Navajo Nation land. Located at approximately 6,800 feet elevation in the high desert, the region experiences significant temperature fluctuations with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Most camping locations require visitors to bring all necessary supplies including water, as potable sources are unavailable throughout the area.

What to do

Cultural exploration: The Navajo Nation Museum and Navajo Nation Zoo in Window Rock provide educational opportunities about the region's indigenous heritage. Hunters Point Campground serves as a central base for these activities.

Stargazing: The minimal light pollution in the Window Rock region creates optimal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. Black Pinnacle Campground offers unobstructed night sky views with visibility of the Milky Way on clear nights.

Fishing: Several reservoir campgrounds permit fishing with proper tribal permits. Visitors should verify seasonal regulations and permit requirements before arrival.

What campers like

Isolation: Many campers appreciate the remote nature of these sites. The primitive conditions at Ganado Lake Campground attract those seeking seclusion away from developed recreation areas.

Landscape photography: The distinctive rock formations and mesa scenery provide numerous photography opportunities, particularly during sunrise and sunset when lighting conditions enhance the red rock features.

Affordability: Antelope Lake Campground offers economical camping options compared to more developed sites in surrounding areas, though amenities are minimal.

What you should know

Permits and regulations: Most camping on Navajo Nation land requires tribal permits. Contact the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department before arrival for current requirements and restrictions.

Limited services: The primitive nature of tent camping near Window Rock means limited or no facilities. South Shore Campground allows campfires but provides no trash service, requiring campers to pack out all waste.

Weather preparedness: Summer monsoon season (July-September) brings sudden thunderstorms and flash flood risk. Spring conditions (March-May) often include high winds that complicate tent setup and maintenance.

Water planning: No potable water exists at most sites, requiring campers to bring 1-2 gallons per person per day, with additional supplies for cooking and cleaning.

Tips for camping with families

Educational opportunities: Schedule tent camping trips to coincide with cultural events in Window Rock for educational experiences. The Window Rock Tribal Park and Veterans Memorial provides historical context appropriate for school-age children.

Safety considerations: The lack of immediate emergency services means families should bring comprehensive first aid supplies and establish emergency plans before arrival.

Advance preparation: BEKI'S Kick Azz Campgrounds offers reservable tent sites, making it more suitable for families needing guaranteed accommodations. Their 8 designated sites provide more structure than dispersed options.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Most tent camping areas near Window Rock have restricted vehicle access and cannot accommodate RVs or trailers. Even sites permitting vehicles typically feature unpaved, rough roads requiring high clearance.

Alternative options: RV campers should consider staying at more developed campgrounds in Gallup, New Mexico (approximately 25 miles east) and making day trips to Window Rock attractions.

Generator regulations: All Navajo Nation campgrounds prohibit generator use, requiring RVers to be fully self-contained with alternative power sources if attempting to camp in permitted areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Window Rock, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Window Rock, AZ is Hunters Point Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Window Rock, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Window Rock, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring