The best camping near Petrified Forest National Park

Set amid the vast desert landscapes of northern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is a unique journey through time, known for its fossils and petroglyphs. What was once a sub-tropical forest over 200 million years ago now is home to the remains of fallen trees, which seem to have turned to stone. Take in views of the wide-open Painted Desert and then get an up-close view of the petrified conifers. Once a stop on Route 66, this park now straddles I-40, providing an easy drive-through loop for road trips. Though there are no NPS campgrounds in the park, private RV parks and glamping rentals can be found in the region. The park also allows backpacking camping with a wilderness permit—prepare to camp at least half a mile from your vehicle.

• Best for state park camping: Homolovi State Park is 55 miles west of the Petrified Forest and offers campsites with partial hookups.
• Best nearly free campsites: McHood Park Campground, a city park, is located near Winslow. It offers dry camping for a day-use fee.

• Homolovi State Park’s campground has a mixture of electric and non-electric campsites for both tents and RVs. Most sites have water hookups.
• Most sites at Homolovi State Park have 30-amp hookups but some have 50 amp.
• Arizona State Park sites may be booked 365 days in advance online or by phone. 
• McHood Park Campground does not have any hookups or dump stations onsite. It does have an onsite bathroom with flush toilets and non-potable water.
• McHood Park does not offer reservations.
• Dispersed camping is allowed in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

Prepare for sunny skies and dry heat much of the year. Think sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses. While summer temperatures average highs in the 90s, the evenings cool quickly, so take a jacket. Spring and fall are quite pleasant, though freezing temperatures are possible overnight. Late summer and early fall bring monsoon season, with the possibility of occasional thunderstorms, especially in the late afternoon. With highs in the 50s, winter provides comfortable weather for outdoor adventures during the day, while lows drop into the 20s.

• Petrified Forest National Park is pet friendly and offers a “Bark Ranger” program. Dogs are allowed on trails.
• The park’s elevation tops 5,000 feet, so you may feel the effects of the altitude.
• The park offers several hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
• Be sure to bring adequate water, especially if hiking.