Dispersed camping near Woodruff, Arizona provides access to high desert terrain at elevations between 5,000-6,000 feet, with significant temperature variations between seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-90°F, while winter nights regularly drop below freezing. Most campsites require traversing dirt roads that can become impassable during monsoon season from July through September.
What to do
Stargazing at night sites: The Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area offers exceptional dark sky viewing. "It's so quite, my husband said all he could hear all night was his tinnitus," notes one camper who adds, "You can see the Milky Way (it was my first time seeing it)."
Historical exploration: Visit the Winslow Visitor Center as a base for exploring Route 66 history. "It's a few blocks from the fun and kitchy part of town with all the 'Standing on the Corner' things, plus some other interesting things to see and some good places to eat," a reviewer mentions.
Wildlife observation: The varied terrain supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Concho Lake, visitors report: "There were lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake" and "There's prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus."
What campers like
Dramatic sunsets: The elevated position of Painted Desert Rim Drive provides panoramic sunset views. "The sunset was perfect, I'll be coming back soon!" remarks one camper, while another states, "The sunset and sunrise was magical!"
Museum proximity: Staying at Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts provides convenient access to geological exhibits. "The gift shop has some snacks and lots of interesting geological trinkets," notes a reviewer, adding that "Being so close to Petrified National Forest" makes it an ideal stopover.
Quiet seclusion: Many dispersed sites offer privacy from other campers. At Painted Desert Rim Drive, a visitor notes: "Private, there was 1 other camper on the rim, and they were probably 1/4 mile away... No light noise to ruin the stars, just my hubby, pup and me enjoying the solitude!!"
What you should know
Restroom limitations: Most dispersed camping areas around Woodruff have minimal or no facilities. At Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts, "Night time is a wee bit tricky as the restrooms are in the gift shop that closes at night."
Train noise: When staying at urban-adjacent sites like Winslow Visitor Center, expect regular train traffic. A camper warns: "VERY noisy trains all night long. Not just trains passing by, but some kind of dramatic CLU-CLUNKing going on pretty frequently."
Wind exposure: The open terrain offers little protection from strong winds. At Petrified Forest National Park, a visitor cautions: "What we were not expecting was the WIND!! Lots and lots of wind!! In this area there are not large areas of coverage from the elements."
Tips for camping with families
Unique accommodations: Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts offers unconventional camping options suitable for children. "There's a teepee village you can also use, would be a big hit for kids," suggests one reviewer.
Educational opportunities: Free backcountry permits at Dutch's Tank provide access to outdoor recreation areas. "In the back of this area is a huge ATV/Moto-x like course. Great hills and tracks!!" notes one visitor, making it suitable for families with older children.
Safety considerations: Some areas have challenging terrain requiring supervision. Near Timber Mesa Trailhead, a camper reported finding "a mountain lion kill site" near their camping area, indicating the need for wildlife awareness with children.
Tips from RVers
Levelness of sites: At Dutch's Tank, one RVer reports: "Easy to get in and out, road ain't terrible. Would bring the family back for some boondocking in our camper."
Hookup options: For RVers seeking electrical connections, Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts offers paid options. "25$ got us electrical and er we are in paradise now. Site is fairly level and there was a little shade," notes one RVer who appreciated the option during hot weather.
Parking logistics: Many locations have unmarked boundaries requiring careful positioning. At Winslow Visitor Center, "There was plenty of space for us to put out our slides," though the reviewer cautions that construction has reduced available space as "they are building a new library in the dirt lot where campers were allowed to park in the past."
