Camping options near Woodruff, Arizona range from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites across high desert and forested terrain. The area includes Petrified Forest National Park's backcountry camping and several RV parks like Crystal Forest Campground and Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground, approximately 30 miles southwest in Show Low, offers tent and RV sites with amenities in a pine forest setting at 6,200 feet elevation. The region balances remote dispersed camping on public lands with established campgrounds featuring full hookups and cabin rentals.
Access varies significantly with elevation and seasonal conditions throughout the area. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though higher elevation sites may have seasonal closures. "Probably the most beautiful campground in Arizona. Just outside Show Low, in the eastern part of the state, you are nestled in the pine & juniper of the region," noted one camper about Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area. Roads to dispersed camping areas like 5 Mile Wash BLM may require high-clearance vehicles, while established campgrounds generally provide accessible entry. Cell service can be limited in remote areas, particularly in canyons and areas distant from highways. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while winter brings potential for snow at higher elevations near Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside.
Visitors consistently mention the stark contrast between densely forested camping areas to the south and the open desert landscapes surrounding Holbrook and Petrified Forest. Campgrounds near lakes receive particularly positive reviews, with Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area earning high marks for its spacious, well-maintained sites and lakefront views. A visitor reported, "Beautiful year round with well maintained sites. Highly recommend making a reservation to get a primer spot." Star-gazing opportunities are frequently highlighted in reviews of more remote camping areas, with minimal light pollution offering exceptional night sky viewing. Petrified Forest National Park's wilderness camping provides some of the most remote experiences in the region, requiring backcountry permits but rewarding campers with solitude and unique landscapes featuring petrified wood and colorful badlands.
"It is tight next to south entrance of Petrified national forest."
"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."
"We were pleasantly surprised with our campsite at the KOA outside of Petrified Forest."
"Lots are standard RV set-ups, all right next to each other. Lot was fairly level, but still needed from front/back leveling even in my small van. Gravel driveways, gravel lots."
$65 - $70 / night
"Ok RV park in Holbrook, Arizona just what we needed. Best park around this area and see Petrified forest or Winslow. Good Wifi and free cable TV. Showers and laundry are good, clean."
"We lucked out in finding this after mistakenly driving out to a campsite near the Petrified Forest entrance that was a total flop. OK RV Park was amazing to deal with."
"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."
"Plenty of campsites along the trail. Standered nissan pathfinder was able to get through just fine."
"South of Woodruff, Arizona on a good dirt road. Pull off just before or just after the historic bridge over the little Colorado River, part of original route 66!"
$35 - $45 / night
"This place was about 3 miles off of the highway in Holbrook, Arizona about 10 minutes from the petrified national Forest."
"Host was responsive and provided great directions, location was close to the Petrified Forest and 100% boondocking. Plenty of space to spread out and relax, awesome sunset and sunrise views."
$10 - $15 / night
"Away from it all on the off beaten path to get there but hey 1.25 acres for camping and exploring Jojo!"
"Pulled in late with no reservation after failing to get access to dispersed camping, host was very nice and accommodated our dusk arrival."
"The owners and staff here is really friendly, great location as they are conveniently located right off the interstate, and yet still fairly quiet."
"Got a good night's sleep with my fan and sound machine close to I-40. Would stay the night in the future."
ScoutNot marked super well, but there is a closed gate you open to get into the camp. Used for ranging so expect cowpies. Plenty of campsites along the trail. Standered nissan pathfinder was able to get through just fine.
TravelerThis overlook is now Navajo tribal land and they do not do much (anything?) to maintain it. It is perched on the rim of Little Painted Desert canyon. I do mean “on the rim”! I am a little squeamish about high places and I had to hold on to the truck in order to appreciate the colorful landscape below. The “road” is rutted, pot holed and narrow. There are really only about four wide spots where anything larger than a van can fit. We squeezed our 41’ 5th wheel into the biggest spot to the right of the viewing area and were grateful for the turnaround at the end of the road. It was windy! We stayed two nights waiting for mail to be delivered to the Winslow Post Office.
ScoutWe were super fortunate to stay on a clear night. Our first experience boondocking! (Had to google what that was) We are New Zealander’s we would call that ‘out in the wop wops’
TravelerCame here after Petrified Forest and love it. Super nice camp host. Super clean bathroom and showers. You do need reservations ahead of time. We arrived and called the visitor center a little after 5 and managed to get an open spot. They close at 4:45 so we got a bit lucky. Call before then. Camp host go around with a list of booked sites and check spots at the end of the night.
ScoutThere is no camping at the trailhead, but if you continue up the trails you will see sites just off the road. There were deep ruts and places where the gravel road was washed out which stopped us from going farther in. It was a wonderful uneventful stay.
TravelerNo dispersed camping - only back country hike in camping /w permit per NFS website
GuideOn the east side of the highway heading into the petrified Forest is the free side first come first serve, and it is a pretty good place to stay. We stayed there the first night we was here before we went into the petrified Forest, which is pretty cool. It was pretty hot so the second night we was here we moved over to the paid place. It cost $25 a night for 30 amp hookup $35 a night for 50 amp hookup. The staff is very friendly they have a gift store on both sides of the highway selling mostly rocks and and souvenirs.
ScoutIt was dark when I arrived so I parked near the entrance. Quiet, easy to find. Could see others already settled in.
TravelerThe road driving in is rough with potholes, but okay for all vehicles. There is some tagging and trash not massive, early on but further down it’s great. When I arrived there was one other vehicle and another when I left. There are 2 main pull outs. I will stay there again.
Camping near Woodruff, Arizona ranges from high desert terrain at 5,000 feet to pine forests reaching 6,500 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations throughout the year. The Little Colorado River flows through the region, providing water access at certain camping areas during spring runoff, though many sites remain arid with minimal shade even in forested sections.
Explore ancient ruins: Visit Homolovi State Park Campground where preserved Hopi archaeological sites are accessible via short hiking trails. "There are a lot of Hopi Indian historical sites within this State Park. They also have 'Star parties' throughout the spring/summer," notes a camper who enjoyed the cultural aspects.
View petrified wood collections: The area surrounding Crystal Forest Campground offers unique geological specimens. "Office is a gift shop and a Museum is across the street which is the entrance to the Petrified National Park. Campground is ringed with petrified sections of ancient trees," shares one visitor who appreciated the educational opportunity.
Astronomy viewing: The dark skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities, especially at more remote camping spots. "Beautiful night sky" reports a camper at Petrified Forest Campground, while another notes, "At night it is beautifully dark" at Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts.
Level, accessible sites: Many campgrounds provide well-maintained, flat camping areas. "Sites were clean with a little space from neighbors... Shower rooms look a bit rough, but the water was hot. Good cell service," reports a camper at Homolovi State Park.
Proximity to national park: OK RV Park in Holbrook offers convenience for Petrified Forest visitors. "This was a great campground location for getting out to The Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, and anything else near Holbrook," one camper shared. Another added, "Super nice hosts, very clean facility."
Budget-friendly options: Free and low-cost camping exists throughout the area. "Free and easy spot to stay for the night when checking out the petrified forest," notes a visitor to Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts, while another mentions, "$15 for non electric spot. I thought it was worth it because of everything that comes with it. Paved roads, large parking spots, picnic tables and grills, and fire rings."
Wind conditions: The open desert landscape experiences significant wind, particularly in spring. "It is VERY windy. Even if you were bundled up in a park, I don't see sitting out at the picnic table!" cautions a visitor to Homolovi State Park.
Road access challenges: Some dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At 5 Mile Wash BLM, one camper noted, "Meets the need for a quick off highway overnight. Forest road was closed." Another visitor to a nearby campground shared, "The unpaved dirt roads leading to the campsite stretched for about 4 miles, which came as a surprise."
Limited amenities: Many sites lack basic facilities. "The app says there is tent camping at this site. This is not allowed per the sign on the fence," reports a visitor to Petrified Forest Gift Shop, highlighting the importance of verifying campground information before arrival.
Unique accommodations: Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA offers family-friendly options beyond standard camping. "It also has a pool, playground, small library, and a well stocked store, everyday they cook food that you can buy instead of cooking yourself," shares a visitor who appreciated the amenities.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds incorporate learning experiences. "The visitor center is awesome. Amazing architecture for a visitor center in the middle of nowhere," notes a camper at Homolovi State Park about the educational facilities.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require planning. "We parked in the Yellow Row in a small tent space just across from the restrooms which are handicap accessible... If there was more than a couple I could see how it would be too crowded," advises a tent camper at OK RV Park, suggesting consideration of space limitations for larger families.
Electrical needs: Petrified Forest Campground offers various hookup options for different requirements. "Host was responsive and provided great directions, location was close to the Petrified Forest and 100% boondocking," notes one RVer. Another visitor to Crystal Forest Campground shared, "$25 got us electrical and er we are in paradise now. Site is fairly level and there was a little shade."
Site positioning: Some campgrounds allow flexibility in where to park. "We positioned our trailer to block the light from the Crystal shop so we could photograph the milky way. Felt very safe," explains one RVer at Crystal Forest Campground, demonstrating how strategic parking can enhance the experience.
Seasonal planning: The best places to camp near Woodruff, Arizona vary by season. "This park is just a short drive off I-40, but far enough the traffic and train noise are distant. All roadways and spaces are paved. The hook-ups are easy to access and spaces all appear relatively level," reports a visitor to Homolovi State Park, highlighting accessibility factors important to RV travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Woodruff, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Woodruff, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Woodruff, AZ and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Woodruff, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Woodruff, AZ is Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts with a 4.1-star rating from 38 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Woodruff, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Woodruff, AZ.
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