Camping at Petrified Forest: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations and Fees
The quick answer: Yes, you can camp at Petrified Forest National Park. The park has one developed campground with no electrical hookups, plus a backcountry camping system with free permits. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov. If the campground is full, Holbrook, about 19 miles north, has the area's private alternatives.
Campgrounds in the park (0)
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can you camp inside Petrified Forest?
Petrified Forest is a compact park with few facilities: no lodge, no restaurant, and just one developed campground. That fits the character of the place, a semi-arid grassland desert in Arizona that's a protected area. Outside designated sites, camping is strictly prohibited in the developed part of the park. The only exception is the backcountry, under specific conditions (see below).
Keep these three points in mind before you arrive:
- The $25-per-vehicle entrance fee is added to the nightly camping fee.
- The main campground has no electrical hookups or water hookups.
- The park road is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Campgrounds in the park
The main campground
The park's only developed campground is in the southern section, near the Rainbow Forest Museum and the trailheads for the main trails. It accommodates tents and RVs, with no hookups. The restrooms are functional but basic.
The practical advantage is that you pay the entrance fee just once for the duration of your pass (7 days), and you're on site at dawn, before the day visitors arrive. For photographing the petrified wood in the morning light, that's hard to beat.
There are only a few sites. We recommend booking as soon as the reservation window opens on Recreation.gov, six months ahead for busy periods.
RV or tent: which site should you choose
The campground accepts RVs, but it's dry camping, with no electricity or water hookups. Generators are allowed during the hours set by the park. Before you book, check the current vehicle length limits. Sites in the desert terrain rarely accommodate very large rigs.
For tents, the campground is adequate but exposed. There's little natural shade, the wind is frequent, and the ground is hard. Bring sturdy tent stakes, a sun shelter for midday breaks, and a warm sleeping bag even in May. Temperatures drop quickly in this high-desert environment.
Our RV camping guide to Petrified Forest covers the specific challenges of RV travel in Arizona's semi-arid parks.
Camping nearby: options outside the park
When the campground is full, Holbrook is the obvious base for supplies and services. The town is about 19 miles from the north entrance (I-40, Exit 311) and has most of the area's essential services.
One option is Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA Journey, with electrical and water hookups, Wi-Fi, and a pool. It's a comfortable alternative 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 lists lodging in Holbrook and the immediate area.
Backcountry camping and primitive camping
Petrified Forest allows backcountry camping in wilderness areas outside the developed zone. The idea is simple: you hike in, set up camp at least 1 mile from the main road, and sleep in a lunar landscape with no one around for miles.
You must follow these rules:
- A permit is required and free. Get one 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 piece of trash.
There are no accessible water sources in the backcountry. Bring enough water for at least 24 hours.
Our Petrified Forest hiking guide details the access points and recommended wilderness areas.
How and when to book camping at Petrified Forest
Reservations for the main campground are made through Recreation.gov. The window opens six months ahead. For a spring weekend (April-May) or a school vacation period, book on the first day of the window.
On weekdays during the off-season (January-February and October-November), sites are generally available at short notice. The busy season is short, concentrated in May and June and around spring holiday weekends.
Our guide to the best times to visit Petrified Forest compares the seasons to help you choose the right time.
Fees: how much does a night of camping cost at Petrified Forest?
The nightly camping fee is added to the park entrance fee ($25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days). America the Beautiful pass holders ($80 per year, covering all federal entrance fees) are exempt from the entrance fee, but not the nightly camping fee.
Backcountry camping is free with the day hike permit.
For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees and Passes page.
Camping safety and best practices
Petrified Forest has no bears or alligators, but its desert conditions come with their own requirements.
Temperatures: Temperature swings are extreme. Summer days regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Even in May or September, a four-season sleeping bag is useful. Check the weather every morning. Our Petrified Forest weather guide gives seasonal trends.
Water: The park is semi-arid, with no accessible permanent streams. Plan on at least 4 liters per person per day, and more in summer or when hiking.
Summer thunderstorms: Storms are short but intense. Head back to camp as soon as the sky starts building. Avoid exposed areas and isolated trees during a storm.
Desert wildlife: Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and spiders live in the area. In the morning, always shake out shoes and clothing left outside. 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 campground should you choose for your trip?
| Profile | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Total immersion, wake up at the sites | Campground in the park |
| RV travel, looking for comfort | Holbrook KOA (hookups, services) |
| Adventure and solitude | Backcountry camping (free permit) |
| Family with young children | Holbrook KOA + daytime visits |
Our complete Petrified Forest guide helps you plan your entire trip based on its length and your interests.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp at Petrified Forest National Park?
Yes, you can camp at Petrified Forest. The park has a developed campground and allows backcountry camping with a free permit obtained at the visitor center.
Which campground should you choose at Petrified Forest?
The campground in the park is ideal for visitors who want to get an early start at the fossil sites. Holbrook KOA is more comfortable for RV travelers and families.
When should you reserve a campground at Petrified Forest?
Reservations on Recreation.gov open six months ahead. For spring weekends and school vacations, book as soon as the window opens. During the off-season, sites are often available at short notice.
How do you camp at Petrified Forest?
Reserve a site on Recreation.gov for the developed campground, or get a free same-day day hike permit at the visitor center for backcountry camping.
How much does a night at a Petrified Forest campground cost?
The nightly camping fee is added to the park entrance fee ($25 per vehicle). Backcountry camping is free with the day hike permit.
Can you have a campfire at Petrified Forest?
No. Fires are strictly prohibited throughout the park, both at the campground and in the backcountry. There are no exceptions.