Petrified Forest by RV: Campgrounds, Rules, and Tips

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Petrified Forest

Petrified Forest packs 225 million years of geologic history into 28 miles of paved road through the heart of Arizona. For an RVer on a road trip, the park checks almost every box: a straightforward north-south route, no tunnels, and spacious parking areas at the main overlooks. The key point is that there are no developed campgrounds inside the park. Here's how to plan your RV stop.

Can you drive and camp in an RV at Petrified Forest?

The short answer is yes, you can drive through. You can't camp with hookups.

The main road is completely paved, with no tunnels or tricky narrow passes. Every type of RV, from compact vans to large Class A motorhomes, can handle it without difficulty. The parking areas at the main overlooks, including Painted Desert Rim, Blue Mesa, and Crystal Forest, can accommodate long vehicles.

However, the park has no developed RV campground. The only overnight option inside the park is backcountry camping, reserved for hikers on foot with a free permit. RVs aren't allowed there.

In practice, nearly all RV travelers stay at an RV park in Holbrook, about 25 miles west of the north entrance, then visit the park during the day.

RV Restrictions and Regulated Roads

Petrified Forest has no size restrictions on its main road. There's no maximum height, weight limit, or width restriction. A few points still deserve your attention:

• Parking. The large lots at the main overlooks can accommodate long vehicles, but some secondary access roads, including dirt roads into wilderness areas, are suitable only for shorter vehicles. The visitor center at the entrance can tell you which areas to avoid.
• Off-roading is strictly prohibited. Leaving the paved surface can result in a fine and damages fragile soils that have formed over centuries. Summer rain can turn the red earth into mud within minutes.
• Real-time alerts. Summer thunderstorms in July and August can lead to temporary closures. Check NPS alerts before you leave, especially in midsummer.
• Speed limits. Rangers patrol regularly. Wildlife can cross without warning, and posted signs require low speeds near sensitive areas.

For routes to the park from Phoenix, Albuquerque, or Flagstaff, see the Petrified Forest access guide, which covers the entrances and approaches.

The Park's Campgrounds

Petrified Forest has no developed campground for RVs. There are no sites with water and electric hookups, restrooms with showers, or dump stations within the park. This is fairly unusual among America's national parks.

Backcountry Camping for Hikers Only

The only overnight option in the park is backcountry camping in a wilderness area. The permit is free and available the same day at the visitor center. This option is strictly for hikers carrying camping gear. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the wilderness.

RV Parks in Holbrook and Nearby

Holbrook, about 25 miles west along I-40, has several RV parks with water and electric hookups. Expect to pay between $30 and $50 per night, depending on the amenities. This is the standard base for most RV travelers visiting Petrified Forest.

The Petrified Forest lodging options and the park camping guide list properties with contact information and up-to-date comparisons.

Boondocking Around the Park

BLM lands in Arizona offer boondocking without reservations or fees in certain dispersed camping areas. You'll find a few of them northeast of the park and in the Painted Desert, and they're accessible to vehicles.

If you're looking for a night in the wilderness at little to no cost, check local restrictions with the BLM Arizona office before setting up. Some areas close for environmental protection or during nesting season.

For longer stops along the Route 66 corridor, our Regions guide points out places to stop and spots around Holbrook, Winslow, and Flagstaff.

Dump Stations, Water, and Services

Since the park has no campground, it also has no RV services. Plan your logistics before you enter:

• Drinking water. It's available at both visitor centers, Painted Desert Inn in the north and Rainbow Forest Museum in the south. Fill your tanks before heading out, especially in summer, when temperatures regularly rise above 100°F.
• Dump stations. There are none inside the park. Holbrook's RV parks have them, and some offer day access without an overnight reservation. Check directly with the operators.
• Fuel. There are no gas stations inside the park. Fill up in Holbrook before entering, or in Gallup, New Mexico, if you're coming from the east.

Which Campground Fits Your Travel Style?

All RV travelers stay outside the park, so the real question is this: what kind of base fits the way you want to travel?

• Families with kids. Choose a full-service RV park in Holbrook with a seasonal pool, complete amenities, and stores nearby. The town is worth a stop for the Wigwam Motel, a Route 66 oddity kids love.
• Stargazers. Pick a BLM spot north of the park area, far from light pollution. Arizona's night sky is exceptional, and the Painted Desert provides a breathtaking backdrop at dawn.
• Hikers who want to be at the park when it opens. Choose an RV park on the west side of Holbrook, closest to the I-40 entrance. Arriving early helps you avoid the midday heat on the trails.

To choose trails based on your ability and the time of day, the Petrified Forest hiking guide breaks down the trails and recommended time slots.

Renting an RV to Visit Petrified Forest

Don't own an RV? Renting from a major Western city is the most flexible option for an Arizona road trip.

The two closest hubs are:

• Phoenix. About 3.5 hours of driving, or 200 miles via US-60 or I-40.
• Las Vegas. Between 5 and 6 hours of driving, or 360 miles via I-40 through New Mexico.

Which type of vehicle should you choose?

• Van or Class B. Ideal if you're visiting several parks in a row. Petrified Forest has no size restrictions, and a van is easy to maneuver in town.
• Class C. A good balance of comfort and maneuverability for a family. Check length limits at the other parks on your route, including Zion and Grand Canyon.
• Class A. Perfectly suited to Petrified Forest's road. Watch for restrictions in other Grand Circle parks, where narrow parking areas or tunnels can cause problems.

Book 2 to 3 months ahead between May and September. Demand along Route 66 and the Arizona parks circuit is strong. Our complete Petrified Forest guide includes a sample itinerary to help you plan your rental.

RVs, Pets, Budget, and Reservations: What to Know

Pets. Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They're not allowed on marked trails, in the wilderness, or inside buildings. Parking areas and picnic areas are open to them.

Entrance fees. The fee is $25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days, including RVs. If you're visiting several parks in Arizona and Utah, the $80 annual America the Beautiful pass pays for itself by your third park. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the national parks fees and passes page.

Overnight budget. Plan on $30 to $50 per night at an RV park in Holbrook. BLM boondocking is free, but comes with no services.

When to reserve. Petrified Forest is less crowded than Zion or Grand Canyon. Outside the July and August holiday weekends, you can usually find a site in Holbrook without booking far in advance. To fine-tune your schedule, the guide to the best times to visit Petrified Forest explains which windows to choose and which to avoid.

Our RV Plan for Petrified Forest

Petrified Forest is easy to visit by RV as long as you accept one key limitation: you'll sleep outside the park. Here's our standard plan:

1. Settle into an RV park in Holbrook the night before, with water, electricity, and a dump station.
2. Enter the park when it opens through the north entrance, I-40 Exit 311, or the south entrance on Highway 180, depending on your road-trip route.
3. Drive the 28-mile main road, stopping at the overlooks and sites: Painted Desert Rim, Puerco Pueblo, Blue Mesa, Agate Bridge, and Crystal Forest.
4. Finish your visit at Rainbow Forest Museum on the south side.
5. Head out and continue to your next stop, such as Grand Canyon, Sedona, or Monument Valley.

Two hours is enough to drive through without stopping. Set aside a full day to enjoy the trails and scenery. Find the detailed itinerary in our complete Petrified Forest guide.

Frequently Asked Questions