Map showing campground location near Canyon De Chelly National Monument, Arizona

Camper submitted image from Spider Rock Campground

Spider Rock Campground

Spider Rock Campground operates as a privately managed facility with sites ranging from $11-31 per night, accepting reservations and welcoming pets. Owner Howard Smith maintains this spacious property single-handedly, creating what Craig J. describes as "rough around the edges but you will be very close to the rim of the canyon." The campground accommodates RVs with water and sewer hookups, though larger rigs face challenges maneuvering the layout.

Sites sit within a grove of cottonwood trees, providing natural shade in the high desert environment. The property offers basic amenities including restrooms, showers, and a dump station, though maintenance varies. Campers report a fine layer of red dust coating surfaces throughout the area. WiFi access and campfire permissions add convenience for extended stays.

Access to Canyon de Chelly's rim trails begins directly from the campground, with the White House ruins hike starting nearby. The location provides proximity to multiple canyon overlooks accessible by vehicle or foot. However, the campground sits roughly 10 miles from town, requiring advance planning for supplies.

RV users should note the challenging turnaround situation, particularly for larger units. For additional camping options in the region, visitors can explore camping near Chinle or consider Cottonwood Campground within the national monument boundaries.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Camping The Route 66 Road Trip

Route 66 Road Trip Segment: Amarillo, TX to Kingman

Amarillo to Kingman: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsSpider Rock Campground is located in Arizona near Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Private Campground

Coordinates

36.07658321 N
109.41327055 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 3 users
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 3 users
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 11 min from Farmington, NM
2 hrs 49 min from Flagstaff, AZ
3 hrs 29 min from Albuquerque, NM
4 hrs 1 min from Prescott Valley, AZ

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Spider Rock Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Basic campground with friendly, knowledgeable owner Howard but minimal amenities and rough conditions. Close proximity to canyon attractions appeals to many, though larger RVs face access challenges.

Geoff S.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2024

Not reaaly good...

Juste pour vous partager ma mésaventure(Mieux vautêtre averti pouréviter les mêmes erreurs;)) 2 points importants: 1- L'indien Howard Smith(qui ne ressemble plusà la photo de son site depuis de nombreuses années) n'accepte les paiements que sur place en cash- Donc si vousêtes contacter avant, ce sont des pirates! Il est au courant, cela lui arrive régulièrement, mais il considère que c'est pas de sa faute, surtout qu'on est européens, et que les pirates sont tous desétrangers... 2- Hogan- C'est une aventure en soit unique. Mais si je ne pensais pas avoir payer d'avance, j'aurais fait demi-tour. Un lit de camps, une petite planche sur des parpaings avec un matelas qui dépasse... Rien de bon pour passer une bonne nuit en soit! J'ai regretté de ne pas dormir dans ma tente au final. Sachant qu'onétait 6 et qu'on l'avait dit, On peut dormirà l'aise sur ces matelas tachéà 3, pas plus... Les toilettes sont des toilettes de camping car. Le camping en lui même est idéalement situés et les camping car sont donc surement content du séjour.

SiteHogan

Month of VisitAugust

Gerald P.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 9, 2024

Great Cottonwood trees

Beautiful grove of trees. Maintenance people apparently not allowed to clean up bugs in bathrooms. Floodlights at night a bit bright.

Month of VisitSeptember

Francois T.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 12, 2024

Nice Rustic Campground

We trully enjoyed our stay. Close to the sights. The campground is a little rough along the edges but the sites are great. There is a great hiking trail that starts at the campground and goes to the canyon. Howard the owner is very friendly and a wealth of information.

SiteA 5

Month of VisitMay

Berton M.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 13, 2023

Basic Campground Close to Spider Rock

Basic campground run by a local with various sized campsite. There's a pit toilet. Nothing around the area and about 10 miles from town.

Month of VisitOctober

Bob & Ramona F.

Guide

Reviewed May. 16, 2021

Must have a small trailer.

We have a 28' 5th wheel and after looking at the potential spots, had to back our way out. There is no way to turn around. If camping here, I would have had to back my way into a spot. Scenic views a short drive or hike away but not an easy place to camp.

Month of VisitMay

Craig J.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 17, 2020

Rough but Serviceable Campground in a Spectacular Location

I visited Spider Rock and met the proprietor Howard Smith 20 years ago. He is still there maintaining this spacious campground on his own. It is rough around the edges but you will be very close to the rim of the canyon and within a short drive of amazing access points via car and foot. The campground has no amenities and is covered with a layer of fine red dust, but we did just fine in our 17-foot Casita RV. Call before you go to find out about limitations as the Navajo Nation has been hard hit by Covid. Don't miss the hike down into the canyon to see the White House (named after the large cliff dwelling ruin cut into white rock). The canyon is breathtaking: red cliffs surround lush-looking pastures cared for by Navajo inhabitants but off limits unless you access via Lighthouse Trail, which offers limited access to the canyon floor, or arrange a guided tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Spider Rock Campground?

Spider Rock Campground offers basic amenities in a rustic setting. The campground features various sized campsites spread across a spacious area, with pit toilets as the main bathroom facility. The campground is family-owned and operated by Howard Smith, who maintains the property. While facilities are minimal and described as "rough around the edges," the location provides excellent access to Canyon de Chelly. There are no nearby services, with the nearest town about 10 miles away, so come prepared with supplies. A hiking trail starts directly from the campground leading to the canyon rim.

Are there good photo opportunities at Spider Rock Campground?

Yes, Spider Rock Campground offers excellent photo opportunities. The campground's location provides easy access to Canyon de Chelly viewpoints, with some sites situated close to the canyon rim. A hiking trail from the campground leads directly to canyon overlooks perfect for photography. While the campground itself features a beautiful grove of trees worth capturing, the real photographic highlights are the short drives to amazing canyon access points that showcase the dramatic landscape. For serious photographers, the proximity to Spider Rock formation and other canyon features makes this a valuable base camp despite its rustic amenities.

What do visitor reviews say about Spider Rock Campground?

Spider Rock Campground receives mixed feedback based on visitor expectations. Many appreciate its prime location near Canyon de Chelly and the excellent hiking access to stunning viewpoints. Howard, the proprietor, is frequently mentioned as friendly and knowledgeable about the area. However, visitors note the campground is quite rustic with minimal facilities and maintenance. RV travelers with larger rigs (28' and above) report difficulties with navigation and turnaround space. Most visitors who enjoy their stay value the natural setting and proximity to attractions over luxury amenities.

Keep Exploring