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.