Best Campgrounds near Woodruff, AZ

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Woodruff, Arizona (86)

    1. Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    32 Reviews
    Woodruff, AZ
    8 miles
    +1 (928) 524-3500

    "It is tight next to south entrance of Petrified national forest."

    "Located right outside the park. It’s free!!!"

    2. Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA

    39 Reviews
    Holbrook, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 524-6689

    "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."

    3. OK RV Park

    26 Reviews
    Holbrook, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 524-3226

    $45 - $55 / 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."

    4. Crystal Forest Campground

    11 Reviews
    Woodruff, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 524-3470

    "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."

    5. 5 Mile Wash BLM Dispersed off Hwy 77

    4 Reviews
    Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ
    8 miles

    6. JoeStar Ranch Under Milky Way

    2 Reviews
    Holbrook, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 619-7143

    $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!"

    7. Sun Valley RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Petrified Forest Natl Park, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 460-1627

    "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."

    8. Hopi Travel Plaza

    2 Reviews
    Holbrook, AZ
    14 miles

    "Got a good night's sleep with my fan and sound machine close to I-40. Would stay the night in the future."

    9. Petrified Forest Campground

    6 Reviews
    Woodruff, AZ
    19 miles
    +1 (928) 202-2769

    $27 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "Right off the highway in Holbrook/Sun Valley AZ. 10 minutes from the Petrified National Forest."

    10. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

    45 Reviews
    Show Low, AZ
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 537-3680

    $25 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "The lake is fabulous for kayaking, or just hiking around.  Each campsite is spaced well away from neighboring sites, among beautiful, tall pines.  There is room to stretch out and relax.  "

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Recent Reviews near Woodruff, AZ

396 Reviews of 86 Woodruff Campgrounds


  • Mary Ann H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Los Burros Campground

    Pretty Quiet, best in Fall

    We love this campground.  Small, usually not full - we have been here summer and Fall, and only one night have we seen it full.  Easy roads but pretty basic, fire pits, table and clean vault toilet.  The elk come in in the fall and are delightfully noisy so if you have trouble sleeping this won't be your gig. Excellent trail system for hikes and mountain bikes and a trailhead right at the campground. 

    There is a camp host but site is free.  Dispersed camping nearby if you want more solitude.

  • Rene F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    Lots of spots with slabs to the left looking at building.

    Was going to stay the night before, but needed a real bed. So I stopped this morning. It is tight next to south entrance of Petrified national forest.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Crystal Forest Campground

    Close to Petrified Forest

    We camped on the north side of the road. I believe there are four campsites that are pull through and maybe five or six campsites back in . $25 per night for electric. Only 30 amp. Sites were nice & level. Mary, the lady who runs the place, was very nice and accommodating. Only about 2 miles from the entrance to the national park.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sun Valley RV Park

    Really nice park

    The owners and staff here is really friendly, great location as they are conveniently located right off the interstate, and yet still fairly quiet.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    OK RV Park

    Nice place, friendly and helpful.

    Long full service sites, multiple sewer connectors along the sites, picnic table, playground, laundry, clubhouse, nice showers.

  • R
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Crystal Forest Campground

    Easy access

    Wonderful option for people like us who got tired much earlier than expected and wanted to deviate from our original plan. Unbelievably gorgeous view of the sunrise, perfect pit stop on a longer journey

  • Bayard M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Petrified Forest Campground

    Easy, isolated site.

    Can't thank the host enough. The directions were spot on. Will stop by again. Beautiful night sky

  • nThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Crystal Forest Campground

    Entrance to petrified forest

    Nice place has electric available. Not sure of amperage we did not need it. Picnic table level gravel parking

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Painted Desert Rim Drive Dispersed Pulloff

    Beautiful location !

    Absolutely stunning view. I stayed on the right side maybe a quarter mile from the loop. My spot had a fun scramble down towards the bottom. Definitely use caution!!! Several of the stairs were wobbly. The sunset was perfect i’ll be coming back soon!


Guide to Woodruff

Camping near Woodruff, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Explore the Petrified Forest National Park: This stunning park is just a short drive away. One visitor said, "You deserve a break, turn off the interstate and tune into the Painted Desert," highlighting the breathtaking views and unique geological features.
  • Fishing and boating at Fool Hollow Lake: Enjoy a day on the water at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground. A camper mentioned, "Clean site overlooking body of water. Gentle breeze. No bugs."
  • Visit local attractions: Check out the quirky shops and restaurants in Holbrook. One reviewer noted, "The surrounding town is cute with amenities. Visit The House for a meal."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One happy camper at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA said, "We had the most beautiful view of the lake and plenty of wide open space for my kids to explore!"
  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground remarked, "Show and bathroom facilities are clean and nearby."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA said, "The staff are always friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A camper at OK RV Park noted, "The bathrooms were clean (but dated)."
  • Noise from nearby roads: Some campgrounds are close to highways, which can be noisy. A visitor at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA mentioned, "You can hear some of the freeway noise and an occasional train."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. One camper at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground suggested, "With some careful reviewing of site map and asking over the phone about specific needs this is a 5-star spot."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with ample space for kids to play. A family at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA enjoyed, "The hookups were staggered so it didn’t feel too cramped at all."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground appreciated the "plenty of wide open space for my kids to explore!"
  • Pack snacks and meals: Having food on hand can save time and money. A visitor at OK RV Park mentioned, "Clean bathrooms, good showers," making it easy to prepare meals.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's space. A reviewer at Venture In RV Resort said, "The RV spots are good size. Great hookups and a very quiet place."
  • Be prepared for gravel roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved access roads. A camper at LunaGaia Nomadic Village advised, "The road getting in is a bit bumpy, so take it slow."
  • Look for pet-friendly options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to travel with furry friends. A visitor at Desert Skies Holbrook AZ noted, "The owners are super helpful and very kind down to earth people."

Camping near Woodruff, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Woodruff, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Woodruff, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 86 campgrounds and RV parks near Woodruff, AZ and 11 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-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Woodruff, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Woodruff, AZ.