Free dispersed camping sits along a deteriorating asphalt road at the rim of Little Painted Desert canyon, a short drive off the interstate near Winslow. The road is potholed and narrow in places, but reviewers in large rigs, including a 41-foot fifth wheel, report navigating it successfully by going slowly. A turnaround loop at the end makes exiting straightforward. There are no fire rings, no hookups, and no trash service, so everything campers bring must leave with them. Broken glass and discarded bottles have been a recurring issue, particularly around the picnic pavilions near the entrance.
The site sits on Navajo-owned land, deactivated as a county park since 2002. The tribe has kept it open for free, permit-free day and overnight access, with the expectation that visitors pack out their waste. Camping and hiking within the Navajo Nation proper requires a permit, but this parcel operates differently. The road runs roughly parallel to the highway, far enough that traffic noise is minimal but still audible. Wind is a consistent factor up on the exposed rim, and reviewers note it can be significant.
The western-facing rim gives open sightlines across the canyon, and sunsets draw consistent attention across nearly every review. A deteriorating staircase near the pavilions descends toward the canyon floor, though the steps are reportedly unstable in places. T-Mobile users report strong cell coverage, likely aided by a nearby repeater tower.
Crowd patterns vary by timing. "When we woke up it felt like we were in a parking lot," notes Bekki M., who camped near the trailhead on a Friday night. Weeknights and spots further from the loop tend to be quieter. Campers who want structured amenities nearby can look at Homolovi State Park Campground or browse places to camp around Winslow for additional options.
This spot works best for self-sufficient campers, whether in a van, truck, or larger rig, who are comfortable with an exposed, unserviced site and want direct rim access at no cost.
Description
Old county park that's no longer maintained but still accessible - it's a pulloff with views of the desert. Easy to pull off the main road.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPainted Desert Rim Drive Dispersed Pulloff is located in Arizona near Winslow
Coordinates
35.16083089884887 N
110.46425980826291 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 9/14/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 9/14/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 9/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 9/14/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 9/14/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 9/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Flagstaff, AZ
- 2 hrs 12 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 47 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 31 min from Farmington, NM


















































