Camping

Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area camping

NPS/Tara Harbert

There is no RV, car, or front country camping in the park. There is no boondocking, dispersed or “primitive” camping, or just pulling off into a parking area.

There is only backpacking/hiking into the designated Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area to spend the night in the park, at least a half mile from your vehicle. Please be prepared for this adventure!

The backpacking wilderness permit is free. You may obtain it in person from either visitor centers on the day that you want to backpack. Each vehicle must have a permit. The permits are available until 4:30 pm.

There are private campgrounds throughout Navajo and Apache Counties, in and around Holbrook, Sun Valley, St. Johns, Joseph City, and other communities.

 

Nearby national park sites with campgrounds:

• Canyon de Chelly National Monument
• El Morro National Monument
• Chaco Culture National Historical Park

The National Forest Service maintains great campgrounds in:

• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
• Coconino National Forest.

Nearby Arizona and New Mexico State Parks include:

• Blue Water State Park
• Homolovi State Park
• Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
• Lyman Lake State Park

Visit www.recreation.gov for information and reservations for public lands