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Crystal Forest Campground

11 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Crystal Forest Campground, near Petrified Forest National Park, offers a unique camping experience right at the edge of a fascinating natural wonder. This spot features campsites outlined in petrified wood, giving you a taste of the area's rich geological history.

The campground is pretty basic, with picnic tables and electric hookups available at some sites, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the national park. Visitors have mentioned that it’s easy to find and quiet, perfect for a restful night before heading into the park for a day of adventure. One camper noted, “Not much to it, just some picnic tables on slabs next to parking spots. But if you plan to go into the park in the morning, it makes sense.”

While amenities are limited—no drinking water, showers, or toilets—some campers appreciate the option for free boondocking. The nearby gift shop adds a little charm, although it may not always be open. As one reviewer pointed out, “The gift shop is closed. Boondocking is free. No electric, water, or toilets.”

If you’re looking to explore, the campground is just outside the south entrance to Petrified Forest National Park, where you can hike and take in stunning landscapes. Just keep in mind that tent camping isn’t allowed here, so plan accordingly. Whether you’re in an RV or just passing through, Crystal Forest Campground is a straightforward spot to rest your head before diving into the wonders of the park.

Description

This is across the street from the Petrified Forest Gift Shop.

Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts is a free campground located at the Crystal Forest Gift Shop. The campground is open all year with approximately 20 camp spots. Please check with the gift shop before parking in the camp spots. The gift shop usually closes around 5 P.M. Water and power are available however, they may be turned off during the off-season.

The Petrified Forest National Park does not have a campground so, this might be a good option. The next closest campgrounds are 20 miles away in Holbrook. The campground is in a remote location so it can be very quiet at night.

Note: There are two gift shops at this location. One on each side of the highway. Both have camp spots available.

Restrooms are available while the gift shop is open.

Dry camping

Hookups

30 Amp
20 Amp
dry camping
Partial Hookups

Recreation

playground

Site Amenities

big rig
picnic table
pull thru

Facilities

general store
trash

Pets

pets

Fee Info

Pay at the gift shop.

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Location

Crystal Forest Campground is located in Arizona

Directions

6492 Petrified Forest Rd, Holbrook, AZ 86025

Coordinates

34.79297091306904 N
109.89231277353538 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Alien Acres

46 min away

Los Burros Campground

1 hr 13 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

1 hr 28 min from Flagstaff
2 hrs 40 min from Prescott Valley
3 hrs 15 min from Phoenix
3 hrs 22 min from Farmington

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Connectivity

Presented by T-Mobile Satellite

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Verizon
Possible Coverage
Verified by 17 users
AT&TLTE
Good Coverage
Verified by 20 users
Last on 7/17/25

Site Types

RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Electric Hookups
Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

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Lisa M.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2025

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.

Site4

Month of VisitAugust

Rachel A.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2025

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

Month of VisitJuly

new M.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2025

Entrance to petrified forest

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

Site3

Month of VisitJuly

Jeff R.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2025

Ok for a night or two

Quiet at night, electric only for $25 a night

Site5

Month of VisitJuly

Kiersten M.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 25, 2025

$25 30amp hookup

Neat gift shop with very nice (and knowledgeable) employees. There are a few pull through and a few back in spots - maybe 5 of each.

Site6

Month of VisitApril

Christine Z.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2024

Quiet stary night

Great overnight stop after a visit through The Petrified Forest. 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. We positioned our trailer to block the light from the Crystal shop so we could photograph the milky way. Felt very safe.

The Crystal shop opens at 8am. Bought a few affordable crystals, friendly and knowledgable staff. A few photo opps with old cars weighed down with petrified rocks.

Sitefenced area

Month of VisitSeptember

heidi H.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 27, 2024

Easy to Find. Quiet and convenient

Not much to it, just some picnic tables on slabs next to parking spots. But if u plan to go into the park in the morning it makes sense.

Month of VisitMay

Sandy T.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 3, 2023

Interesting, Easy In and Out

This is a unique experience. The campsites are outlined in petrified wood and the gift shops have fascinating pieces. We had a site with electricity, $27 a night but you can boondock for free; no amenities. It is just outside the south entrance to Petrified Forest National Park.

Site5

Month of VisitOctober

David A.

Scout

Reviewed May. 11, 2022

Free Boondocking

The gift shop is closed. Boondocking is free. No Electric, water or toilets. There are a handful of sites that have a covered picnic table. My stay was quiet. No complaints

Month of VisitMay

fred

Scout

Reviewed May. 4, 2022

No tents allowed

The app says there is tent camping at this site. This is not allowed per the sign on the fence

Month of VisitMay

Edward K.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 29, 2022

Cheap, electric only, near NP gate

This is a small campground next to a gift shop. 10 sites, all with 30amp electric and a picnic table. Nothing special, but it is next to the Petrified Forest National Park. The owner just bought the Crystal Forest Museum across the street. Free camping there with a picnic table and nothing else. No fires are allowed in either campground.

Site6

Month of VisitMarch