Petrified Forest National Park Camping: Camping Near

The first thing to understand about camping near the petrified forest is that there isn't a campground inside Petrified Forest National Park. Not one developed site. No RV hookups, no tent pads, no shower building. The park has no front-country campground at all. For anyone who pulls up to the gate expecting a designated site, that's a surprise. The only camping allowed within park boundaries is backcountry camping with a permit, and that's a very different experience than pulling into a numbered site with a picnic table.

So when people search for camping near the petrified forest, they're looking at either the backcountry option inside the park or the private and public campgrounds in the surrounding area - mostly in and around Holbrook, Arizona. This guide covers exactly what those options are, how to book them, and what you need to know before you arrive.

The Booking Reality

Because there are no developed in-park campgrounds, "booking" here means either applying for a backcountry permit or reserving at a nearby private campground. Backcountry permits are issued at the visitor center in person on the day of your trip - no advance reservations. Permits are free and limited to 10 groups per night, but in practice they rarely fill outside of spring break and the October peak. If you want a backcountry campsite, your strategy is simply to show up early (the visitor center opens at 8 AM) and request one.

For private campgrounds in Holbrook (about 19 miles south of the park's south entrance), reservations are handled individually by each property. Some take bookings through major sites, others require a phone call. Book at least two weeks ahead during summer and during school breaks. The town of Holbrook has roughly half a dozen RV parks and two basic tent campgrounds; they rarely fill completely, but the nicer ones with shade and clean showers can sell out on holiday weekends.

There is no walk-in availability for backcountry camping - you must get the permit in person - and there is no first-come, first-served developed camping anywhere in the park.

Backcountry Camping in Petrified Forest National Park

Setting and Atmosphere

Backcountry camping in Petrified Forest is not like camping in a forest. There is no tree cover. No running water. No facilities of any kind. You camp on the open grassland or among the fossilized logs of the Painted Desert, under the kind of night sky you only get when the nearest town is 20 miles away. The ground is hard-packed red dirt and sandstone. Wind is a constant companion. Temperatures can swing 40 degrees between day and night - summer days above 100°F, winter nights below freezing.

What you get in return is solitude. The park issues only 10 permits per night, and the backcountry covers 50,000 acres. You will very likely be the only person in your drainage. The sounds are coyotes, wind, and the occasional distant train from the rail line that runs along the park's eastern boundary.

How to Get a Permit

Permits are issued at the visitor center only - currently located at the Painted Desert Inn, two miles past the north entrance station. (Note: park headquarters phones are down as of 2026; call 928-235-2467 for the visitor center.) You must appear in person between 8 AM and 5 PM on the day you plan to camp. No phone reservations, no online system. Permits are free.

You will need to watch a short backcountry orientation video and sign a waiver. Rangers will ask about your experience level and gear. They will recommend specific zones based on conditions - some areas close seasonally for resource protection or fire danger.

What to Expect

• No water. Carry everything you need - at least 1 gallon per person per day.
• No fires. The park is a semi-arid grassland with frequent summer thunderstorms and lightning-caused fires. Camp stoves with an on/off valve are permitted.
• Pack it in, pack it out. All trash, including human waste (pack out using a WAG bag or similar).
• No designated sites. You choose your spot in the designated backcountry zone assigned by the ranger.
• Expect to hike in. There are no vehicle-accessible backcountry sites. You'll park at a trailhead (typically the petrified forest trailhead near the south end) and hike 1-3 miles to your zone. The hiking in petrified forest national park requires decent navigation skills; trails are faint, and GPS is recommended (cell service drops out at the trailhead).

Best Seasons

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the most comfortable for backcountry camping. Summer is brutally hot - daytime highs above 100°F - and afternoon thunderstorms can be dangerous for anyone caught in a wash. Winter is cold but manageable with proper gear; nighttime lows often drop into the teens.

Nearby Camping Options

Since the park itself has no developed campground, most visitors stay in Holbrook or at private campgrounds along I-40. Here are the general categories - specific names and pricing change frequently, so verify directly.

Holbrook RV Parks and Tent Campgrounds

Holbrook is the closest town to the south entrance of the park, about 19 miles away via Highway 180. You'll find a handful of RV parks that also accept tents. Most offer full hookups, restrooms, showers, and laundry. Rates as of 2026 range roughly $30-50 per night for tent sites, $45-75 for RV sites with hookups. Book directly with each property.

I-40 Exit 311 Area (North Entrance)

At the north entrance near I-40 Exit 311, there is no camping immediately outside the gate. The nearest developed campgrounds are in Holbrook or farther west near Winslow. However, the Painted Desert Oasis at the north entrance has a gift shop, gas station, and restaurant that are open during construction, but no camping.

Dispersed Camping on Adjacent Public Land

The park is bordered by state trust land and scattered BLM parcels. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on BLM land, but there is no specific designated dispersed area adjacent to the park. Check with the BLM Field Office in Safford or the Arizona State Land Department for current rules. This option requires a high-clearance vehicle and self-sufficiency - no water, no facilities, and no cell service.

What to Know Before You Arrive

Water

There is no potable water available in the backcountry. Fill up at the visitor center or at the Painted Desert Oasis gas station (restrooms available during construction). Carry enough for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. In summer, that means a gallon per person per day minimum.

Fire Restrictions

Fire danger is high in this ecosystem. Campfires are never permitted in the backcountry - not even in fire rings. Camp stoves are allowed. Check the park's fire restriction status before you go; during extreme drought, stove use may also be restricted.

Weather

Petrified Forest is a semi-arid grassland at about 5,600 feet elevation. Summer daytime temperatures exceed 100°F (38°C). Winter nights drop well below freezing. About 10 inches of precipitation falls annually, mostly as summer thunderstorms and winter snow. Lightning is a real hazard - if you hear thunder, get off ridgelines and away from tall lone objects. The weather can shift from sunny to violent in less than an hour. Check the forecast before you head out.

Wildlife

You'll share the backcountry with pronghorn, elk, coyotes, and a variety of snakes and lizards. Mountain lions are present but rarely seen. Keep a clean camp - store all food and scented items in hard-sided containers or bear-proof canisters (required by the park). Do not approach wildlife.

Cell Service

There is no cell service in the backcountry. Service is spotty even at the visitor center. The park recommends carrying a satellite communication device for emergencies. Plan to be fully self-reliant.

Quiet Hours and Generator Use

Not applicable in the backcountry - you'll set your own schedule. If camping at a private RV park in Holbrook, quiet hours are typically 10 PM to 6 AM. Most allow generators during daytime hours.

Reservation Strategy Summary

• Backcountry permit: Must be obtained in person at the Painted Desert Inn visitor center on the day of your trip. No advance reservations. Arrive when the visitor center opens at 8 AM to secure a permit, especially in spring and fall.
• Holbrook campgrounds: Book directly by phone or through online platforms. Two weeks ahead for summer weekends, one week for weekdays. Holiday weekends require a month's notice.
• Group size limit for backcountry: 6 people per permit. Larger groups may need multiple permits - check with rangers.

Practical Takeaways

1. There is no developed campground inside Petrified Forest National Park. Plan accordingly.
2. Backcountry camping requires a free in-person permit from the Painted Desert Inn visitor center. No reservations, no phone calls.
3. Carry all your water. The park is dry - no streams, no lakes, no reliable springs.
4. Allow at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for backcountry trips. More in summer.
5. Campfires are never allowed in the backcountry. You'll need a camp stove.
6. For a more conventional camping experience, stay at a private campground in Holbrook, about 19 miles south of the park.
7. The best seasons for camping near the petrified forest are March-May and September-November. Summer is dangerously hot; winter is cold but doable.
8. Cell service drops out completely once you leave the main park road. Print your maps and download your GPS tracks before you go.
9. Pack out all waste, including human waste. WAG bags are available at the visitor center.
10. For a broader park overview, see the complete visitor guide. For trail information specific to petrified forest trails and recommended routes, check the hiking trails page. If backcountry camping doesn't suit you, explore lodging and accommodations near the park.