Camping at Petrified Forest: Backcountry Camping, Permits & Holbrook Alternatives
Quick answer: According to the National Park Service API (updated September 10, 2026), there isn't an NPS-run campground inside Petrified Forest. If the table above lists campgrounds, they're outside the NPS boundary or operated by another organization, so check each property's status before booking. The park's only NPS camping option is free backcountry camping with a permit. For a developed campground, Holbrook, about 19 miles north, has the nearest private options.
Campgrounds in the park (0)
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can You Camp Inside Petrified Forest?
Petrified Forest is a compact park with few facilities. There isn't a lodge or restaurant. One detail many visitors miss is that the National Park Service API, checked on September 10, 2026, lists no NPS-run campground within the park boundary. That fits the character of this protected semi-arid grassland desert in Arizona. Unofficial camping is prohibited in the developed area. The only NPS-approved exception is backcountry camping under specific conditions, described below.
If the table above lists one or more campgrounds, they're either operated by private concessioners or located outside the NPS boundary. Check each listing's status before booking.
Keep these three points in mind before you arrive:
- The entrance fee, $25 per vehicle and valid for 7 days, applies to every visit regardless of where you stay.
- There are no electrical hookups or water hookups within the NPS boundary.
- The park road is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Campgrounds Inside the Park
The Main Campground
As of this update (NPS API, September 10, 2026), no official NPS-run campground is listed inside Petrified Forest. If a property appears in the table above under “campground,” it's either privately operated or outside the national park's strict boundary. Its operations, rates, and booking policies are set by the managing organization, not the NPS.
To sleep beneath Arizona's starry skies inside the park, the only option recognized by the NPS is backcountry camping. Plan on camping at least 1 mile from the main road, and get a free permit the same day at the visitor center.
RV or Tent: Which Setup Should You Choose?
With no NPS campground in the park, the choice comes down to two very different approaches.
For RV comfort, the Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA Journey offers electrical hookups, water, Wi-Fi, and a pool. You can spend the day in the park and return each evening to a fully equipped site. If you're driving a large rig, check the length limits before booking. Not every site in the area can accommodate oversized vehicles.
For tent camping, backcountry camping suits self-sufficient hikers who are comfortable with the conditions: hard ground, no natural shade, frequent wind, and no water on site. Temperatures drop quickly in this high-desert environment, even in May. Bring sturdy stakes, sun protection for midday breaks, and a warm sleeping bag.
Our RV camping guide to Petrified Forest covers the specific challenges RV travelers face in Arizona's semi-arid parks.
Camping Nearby: Options Outside the Park
Holbrook is the closest base for supplies and services. The town is about 19 miles from the north entrance, off I-40 at Exit 311, and has most of the area's essential services.
The Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA Journey is the best-documented option for campers looking for developed facilities. It offers electrical and water hookups, Wi-Fi, and a pool. It's a favorite for RV travelers and families who want to visit the park during the day without giving up evening comforts.
Our guide to hotels and lodges near Petrified Forest covers lodging in Holbrook and the immediate area.
Backcountry Camping and Dispersed Camping
Petrified Forest allows backcountry camping in wilderness areas outside the developed zone. You start on foot from the park, set up camp at least 1 mile from the main road, and sleep in an open landscape with no facilities for miles.
Follow these rules:
- A permit is required. It's free and must be obtained the same day at the visitor center. Online reservations aren't available.
- Fires are strictly prohibited throughout the park, including the backcountry.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles strictly. Pack out every bit of waste.
There are no accessible water sources in the backcountry. Carry enough water for at least 24 hours.
Our Petrified Forest hiking guide covers access points and recommended wilderness areas.
How and When to Reserve Camping at Petrified Forest
Since there isn't an NPS campground in the park, reservations apply to private campgrounds nearby. For the Holbrook KOA, availability and booking windows are listed on Recreation.gov or available directly from the operator.
Backcountry camping doesn't require an online reservation. You get the permit the same day at the visitor center. Outside the busiest periods, including May and June, spring-break weekends, and school vacations, the process is quick and straightforward. On weekdays during the off-season, from January through February and October through November, nearby campgrounds generally have short-notice availability.
Our guide to the best times to visit Petrified Forest compares the seasons to help you choose when to go.
Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost at Petrified Forest?
The park entrance fee, $25 per vehicle and valid for 7 days, applies no matter where you stay. Even if you sleep at the Holbrook KOA, you'll pay the entrance fee each time you enter the park. America the Beautiful pass holders, who pay $80 per year and get admission to all federal recreation sites, are exempt from the entrance fee but still pay private campground nightly rates.
Backcountry camping is free. You only need the daily permit from the visitor center.
Private campground rates in Holbrook vary by site type and season. The table above summarizes the rates available in the latest update. Contact the operator directly for current prices.
For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.
Camping Safety and Best Practices
Petrified Forest has no bears or alligators, but its desert conditions come with their own challenges.
Temperatures: Temperature swings are significant. Summer days regularly exceed 100 °F, and winter nights can drop below freezing. Even in May or September, you need a sleeping bag suited to the conditions. Check the forecast every morning. Our Petrified Forest weather guide covers seasonal trends.
Water: The park is semi-arid, with no accessible permanent streams. Carry at least 4 liters per person per day, and more in summer or when hiking.
Summer thunderstorms: Storms are brief but intense. Get under cover as soon as the sky darkens. Avoid open areas and isolated trees during a storm.
Desert wildlife: Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and spiders live in the area. Every morning, shake out shoes and clothing left outside overnight. Never pick up deadwood with your bare hands.
Fossils: Collecting, moving, or damaging a piece of petrified wood is a federal offense punishable by a fine. There are no exceptions, even for a “small” fragment.
Which Camping Option Fits Your Travel Style?
| Travel style | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Overnight stay inside the park boundary | Backcountry camping (free permit, hike-in, 1-mile minimum) |
| RV travelers seeking comfort | Holbrook KOA (hookups, services) |
| Adventure and solitude | Backcountry camping (free permit) |
| Families with young children | Holbrook KOA plus daytime visits |
Our complete Petrified Forest guide helps you plan your entire trip around its length and your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Petrified Forest National Park?
According to the NPS API (updated September 10, 2026), no NPS-run campground is listed inside the park. The only NPS option within the boundary is backcountry camping with a free permit obtained at the visitor center. For a developed campground, Holbrook properties are the closest option, about 19 miles away.
Which campground should you choose at Petrified Forest?
For an overnight stay within the NPS boundary, only backcountry camping is available. You'll need a free permit, hike in, and set up camp at least 1 mile from the main road. For a developed campground, the Holbrook KOA offers electrical hookups, Wi-Fi, and a pool about 19 miles from the north entrance.
When should you reserve a campground at Petrified Forest?
There is no NPS campground to reserve inside the park. For private campgrounds in Holbrook, check availability on Recreation.gov or directly with the operator. On weekdays during the off-season, from January through February and October through November, sites are generally available on short notice.
How do you camp in Petrified Forest?
The park's only NPS overnight option is backcountry camping. Get a free permit the same day at the visitor center, set up camp at least 1 mile from the road, and camp without fires or water on site. For a developed campground, head to Holbrook.
How much does a night at a Petrified Forest campground cost?
Backcountry camping is free. Get the permit at the visitor center the same day. Private campgrounds in Holbrook charge rates that vary by site and season. The park entrance fee, $25 per vehicle and valid for 7 days, is added regardless of which option you choose.
Can you have a campfire at Petrified Forest?
No. Fires are strictly prohibited throughout the park, including the backcountry. There are no exceptions.