Nestled away in the eastern Arizona desert, Petrified Forest National Park is a treasure trove of ancient history. This area has long been known to many indigenous tribes for its fascinating geology and abundance of wildlife.
Visitors to this national park are left awestruck by the sights it has to offer, from the unique Painted Desert landscape and petrified tree stumps, to historic sites and museums that tell stories of people who lived here thousands of years ago. Those seeking an adventure will find plenty of hiking trails for exploration or even take part in wildlife watching activities!
For those looking for a truly unforgettable experience, camping out at Petrified Forest National Park is hard to beat. In this article we’ll cover all you need know about camping at the park – from things to do and see, where you can camp onsite, as well as tips for planning your trip. So don’t wait any longer; let’s start exploring!
Things To Do and See in Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is a stunningly beautiful destination for camping and exploring. Located in Arizona, the park boasts an array of unique colors, shapes, and textures that serve to create an incredible landscape. From painted deserts to petrified logs, there are many amazing features to explore while camping at Petrified Forest National Park.
The Painted Desert area is one of the park’s most breathtaking sights and provides visitors with a chance to see stunningly vibrant colors across the horizon. The hues range from deep reds to orange hues that look even more spectacular when contrasted against the blue sky in the background.
The Petrified Forest holds its own fascination- this ancient forest created by fallen trees that turned into stone over millions of years provides visitors with an awe-inspiring look into Earth’s past. Many pieces of petrified wood can be found here as well as fossils from other living things present during prehistoric times like plants and animals alike!
Historic sites & museums are scattered around Petrified Forest National Park, showcasing artifacts from both ancient cultures such as Native Americans who once lived in this part of Arizona before Europeans arrived on these shores centuries ago, or stories about those who settled here later on down the line after they had discovered it themselves!
Hiking trails provide scenic views and opportunities for exercise while wildlife watching gives visitors a chance to see some of nature’s creatures up close! From pronghorn antelopes roaming freely across their natural habitat or lizards basking near warm rocks; each creature provides its own unique experience you won’t easily forget! Last but not least, there are plenty of campgrounds located inside the park offering great facilities for RVers & campers looking for a place stay overnight or two throughout their visit.
Painted Desert
The Painted Desert is one of the most captivating and iconic landscapes in Petrified Forest National Park. Named for its breathtakingly colorful patterns, this area consists of badlands populated by petrified logs, buttes, mesas, hills, and cliffs that provide an incredible backdrop for exploration.
The main stretch of the Painted Desert is located along a 28-mile scenic drive with numerous pullouts offering stunning views. There are also several short hiking trails here that take you up close to some of the formations and allow you to experience the landscape from different angles.
The park’s historic sites like Newspaper Rock are also found within the boundaries of the Painted Desert as well as many wildlife species such as desert bighorn sheep, pronghorns, coyotes, and mule deer. Birdwatchers will be delighted by sightings of raptors such as hawks and eagles soaring above or perched atop rocks scouring for prey.
In addition to exploring on foot or by car during your stay in Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can spend time fishing at Frying Pan Lake or go horseback riding along some of the longer trails in this section of the park. No matter what type of activity you choose to do while visiting here, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Petrified Forest
The Petrified Forest in the National Park of the same name is a fossilized forest that dates back more than 225 million years. During this time, much of Arizona was covered by an ocean and the logs were preserved over time due to mineral-rich groundwater penetrating them. Today, visitors can still see sections of these ancient forests in their natural state with some logs measuring up to 10 feet long!
When visiting this section of the park, be sure to take advantage of all its unique features such as exploring the Crystal Forest and Rainbow Forest trails or looking for petrified wood specimens among other activities. There are plenty of lookout points scattered throughout where you can view the amazing panoramic views from atop high cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like pronghorn antelope, elk, black bears and coyotes while out on one of these hikes!
Historic Sites & Museums
Petrified Forest National Park’s historic sites and museums provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the park’s unique natural wonders. The Rainbow Forest Museum is home to a variety of educational exhibits, including fossils, petroglyphs and other archaeological artifacts found within the park boundaries.
The Painted Desert Visitor Center provides several additional interactive displays that explain the geology, ecology and history of the region. Visitors can also watch films on the area’s human history at this museum. Additionally, visitors can explore four distinct cliff dwellings at Newspaper Rock; evidence of early agricultural activity in this region that dates back approximately 800 years ago. Lastly, travelers should make sure to visit Agate House – a pueblo-style structure made entirely from stones gathered near the Petrified Forest which was built as a part of an excavation project during the 1930s by Civilian Conservation Corps workers (CCC).
Hiking Trails
Petrified Forest National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering dozens of trails to explore. There are trails for all levels of difficulty, ranging from easy strolls along the rim to more challenging hikes down into the bottom of canyons.
For those looking for an easy hike with stunning views, head out on the Painted Desert Rim Trail. This paved trail offers breathtaking views of the park and requires very little effort. If you’re looking for something a bit longer and more intense, try hiking The Crystal Forest Trail or The Blue Mesa Loop Trail which both offer incredible views deep into the heart of the forest.
More serious hikers will love exploring The Giant Logs and Long Logs Trails which wind through what remains of petrified trees that once stood thousands of years ago. These hikes are steep and strenuous but will reward you with some truly unforgettable sights!
If you want to experience even more remote areas within Petrified Forest National Park without spending too much time in transit, consider taking one or two day trips out on one of their backcountry trails like The Old Joe and Agate House Trails. During these hikes you’ll come across ancient ruins left behind by Native Americans centuries ago as well as amazing rock formations created over millions of years!
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife watching is one of the most rewarding activities while camping at Petrified Forest National Park. The park is home to a vast variety of wildlife, including roadrunners, bobcats, cougars, coyotes, and many species of birds.
It’s important to be aware that some animals may be dangerous if approached too closely or startled. To protect yourself and the wildlife in the park:
Avoid feeding any animals – this can disturb their natural behavior
Do not approach any wild animal closer than 25 feet
If an animal appears aggressive or scared do not follow it or try to take a picture
Keep pets on a leash at all times when outdoors
When you’re out observing wildlife make sure to minimize your impact by staying on designated trails and leaving nothing behind. It’s also important to remember that even if you don’t see them there are other hikers around so it’s best to stay quiet so as not to scare away any potential sightings!
Camping & RVing
Petrified Forest National Park offers some of the best experiences for both RV and tent camping. Whether you’re looking for a primitive campsite or one that has electric hookups, there are plenty of options to choose from within the park.
Painted Desert Rim Campground is located on the western side of the park and offers 24 sites with electric hookups, restrooms, potable water, and picnic tables. This campground is open year round but typically closes during extreme weather events such as high winds.
The Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA is located just outside the park boundary in Holbrook, Arizona and provides both primitive tent sites as well as full RV hookup sites complete with cable TV connections. The KOA also has an arcade room for kids, a swimming pool complex, horseshoe pits and other amenities making it a great spot to stay and explore this part of northern Arizona.
If you’re looking for something more rustic, try Rainbow Forest Campground which sits near several trails leading into petrified wood areas within the park boundaries – perfect if you want to get up early for morning photography or wildlife watching opportunities! This campground offers natural shade from desert trees along with fire rings at each site (weather permitting).
In addition to these main campgrounds, there are also several backcountry campsites scattered throughout Petrified Forest National Park that offer an even more remote experience – perfect for those who want to get away from civilization! Finally, don’t forget about Newspaper Rock Campground which is located just down the road from Rainbow Forest offering 14 primitive sites ideal for small RVs or tents – all without any additional fees beyond normal entrance charges.
Where To Camp in Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park has several campgrounds to choose from, so finding the perfect one for you and your family is easy.
The Painted Desert Rim Campground offers scenic views of the desert landscape with its spacious sites next to an ancient lava flow. This campground is perfect for tent camping and RVs up to 40 feet in length. There are no hookups, but there is a dump station available.
If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic, Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA provides some of the most secluded camping spots in the area. The campground features RV sites as well as tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, making it ideal for those who want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. There are also laundry facilities here if needed!
For those who prefer RV or trailer camping, Rainbow Forest Campground is a great option. With plenty of hookups available as well as electrical pedestals and water spigots, this campground makes it easy to stay connected while still enjoying nature’s beauty. Additionally, all campsites have grills and picnic tables so you can prepare delicious meals outdoors during your stay!
Finally, if you’re looking for something even more rustic than Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA then Newspaper Rock Campground should be on your list! Located at the very edge of the park boundary line, this primitive campground only offers six total sites which makes it an excellent choice for those seeking peace & quiet in nature’s beauty away from other people or distractions. All sites come equipped with fire rings & picnic tables; however no other amenities like water or electric hook ups are available here making Newspaper Rock best suited onlyfor experienced campers comfortable roughing it out without any creature comforts nearby!
Painted Desert Rim Campground
The Painted Desert Rim Campground is located in the northeast area of Petrified Forest National Park and offers both tent and RV camping. It has 25 sites, all of which have parking spurs for one vehicle and a trailer. All sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted.
The campground features standard amenities such as potable water, picnic tables, fire grates, flush toilets, and garbage service. There are also two electric hookups available at the campground office (these must be reserved in advance).
In addition to being close to many attractions within the park, such as Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark and Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, Painted Desert Rim Campground is also just a few miles away from nearby towns like Holbrook or St. Johns for any additional supplies you may need during your stay.
It’s important to note that the campsites do not offer shade or protection from wind so make sure you bring appropriate clothing for cooler evenings if necessary!
Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA
Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA is a well-maintained campground right off I-40. Located in the heart of the Painted Desert, this RV park offers stunning views and easy access to all of the area’s attractions.
For those looking for convenient camping close to the petrified wood, there’s no better spot than Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA. The campground offers full hookups with both 30 amp and 50 amp sites, as well as tent camping sites. Each site has its own picnic table and fire ring along with plenty of space for RVs or tents.
The amenities at Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA are top notch too; from laundry facilities to Wi-Fi access, you’ll find everything here that you need to have a comfortable stay in the park. There are also several shared areas where campers can gather around bonfires or simply enjoy some time outdoors together.
The onsite store at Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA has supplies for food preparation and propane refills, so you won’t have to worry about running out while camping here. Plus, they sell souvenirs so you don’t forget your stay!
Rainbow Forest Campground
Rainbow Forest Campground is a great choice for those looking to explore the Petrified Forest National Park. It is situated just outside the park, and offers a unique experience with breathtaking views of the Painted Desert and access to a variety of hiking trails.
The campground provides tent and RV sites that accommodate up to 35’ motorhomes, as well as pull-throughs for easy access. All sites have picnic tables and fire grills allowing you to cook your own meals if desired. There are also restrooms and showers available onsite.
Rainbow Forest Campground offers several activities such as fishing, biking, bird watching, geocaching, volleyball, horseshoes and more. The campground also features an amphitheater where guests can enjoy ranger presentations or movies throughout the summer months.
In addition to camping at Rainbow Forest Campground visitors may take advantage of nearby attractions including Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark Museum; Puerco Pueblo Ruins; Blue Mesa Trailhead; Crystal Forest Loop Road; Tepees Trailhead & Petrified Tree Viewpoint; Jasper Forest Trailhead & Agate Bridge Viewpoint; Newspaper Rock Petroglyphs Site viewable from both northbound (NPS road) or southbound (Highway 180) roads).
Newspaper Rock Campground
Newspaper Rock Campground is located in the northern part of Petrified Forest National Park and offers visitors a chance to camp in a scenic area with access to nearby historic sites and attractions. This campground is ideal for tent camping, as well as RVs up to 35 feet in length.
The campground features 12 individual campsites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. There are also two accessible restrooms within the campground that offer flushing toilets and sinks with running water. The campsites themselves are surrounded by Juniper trees providing shade during the summer months.
For those looking to explore popular attractions like Newspaper Rock or Pintado Point, this campground makes an excellent base of operations. Both sights can be reached by car from this location within just a few minutes’ drive. Additionally, there are several hiking trails nearby that provide more adventure options for outdoor enthusiasts ranging from easy nature walks to multi-day treks into backcountry areas of the park.
In terms of amenities at this location, some basic supplies such as firewood can be purchased on-site at the Check Station near the entrance gate. For everything else you’ll need for your stay such as food or other camping equipment you should plan ahead since stores and markets may not be close by depending on where you’re coming from before arriving at this destination.
Tips For Camping in Petrified Forest National Park
Camping in Petrified Forest National Park is a great way to experience the beautiful desert scenery and explore the park’s many attractions. However, it is important to take time to prepare for your trip by packing appropriately and understanding the rules of the park. Here are some tips for camping in Petrified Forest National Park:
Bring Enough Water: The desert can be very dry and hot, so make sure you bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning while camping.
Make Sure To Bring Warm Clothes: The temperatures in Petrified Forest National Park can vary dramatically from day to night. Be prepared with warm clothes so you don’t get cold when temperatures drop in the evening.
Pack Appropriately For Wildlife: While camping at Petrified Forest National Park you may encounter a variety of wildlife such as coyotes, foxes, javelinas, wolves and rattlesnakes. It’s important to pack properly for these animals by keeping food stored away securely and avoiding areas known to have high animal activity at night or early morning hours.
Take Time To Explore The Park: There are many things to see while camping at Petrified Forest National Park including historic sites & museums, hiking trails and wildlife watching spots. Take some time during your stay here to explore these attractions before heading out on your next adventure!
Bring Enough Water
Camping outdoors requires having enough water to stay hydrated. In the Petrified Forest National Park, there are no natural sources of water so it is important to bring ample supplies for your entire trip.
The park suggests bringing at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and cooking purposes. If you plan on doing any swimming or want extra drinking water, consider bringing even more than this recommendation.
It’s also a good idea to have a supply of potable water in storage for unexpected events such as prolonged rain or running out of your primary source while still in the park.
You may also want to bring a filter system like a LifeStraw or Sawyer if you plan on going off-trail hiking – that way, you can turn any natural source into potable drinking water as needed!
Make Sure To Bring Warm Clothes
When camping at Petrified Forest National Park, it is essential to bring enough warm clothing, as temperatures may vary significantly during the day. During the day, temperatures can be quite high and direct sunlight can make it seem even hotter. However, when night comes and the sun sets, the temperature drops drastically.
Therefore, when packing for a camping trip in Petrified Forest National Park, make sure to pack clothes that are suitable for both hot and cold weather. Layering your clothes is always a good option; having a few layers of thin clothing will help you stay comfortable no matter what the temperature is like outside.
It is also important to remember that while hiking or exploring any area of Petrified Forest National Park, you might get caught in unexpected rain showers or strong winds. To protect yourself from such elements carry rain gear like waterproof jackets and pants along with wool socks and hats which will keep you warm despite being wet from rain or sweat due to exertion during hikes.
Pack Appropriately For Wildlife
Petrified Forest National Park is home to a wide variety of wild animals. When camping in the area, it’s important to be prepared for any potential wildlife encounters. These steps will help you stay safe while exploring the park:
Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep an eye out for wildlife so you can react quickly if necessary.
Keep your campsite clean by properly disposing of food and garbage as this will help deter animals from coming into the campground.
Notify a park ranger or official if animals start entering campgrounds or other areas where visitors are gathered.
Do not leave pet food out in the open as this may attract unwanted wildlife such as coyotes, foxes, skunks, and raccoons.
Avoid getting too close to wild animals; they can attack when feeling threatened or provoked.
Some areas in the park have been known to contain venomous species such as rattlesnakes and Gila monsters; use caution when exploring these areas.
Take Time To Explore The Park
Petrified Forest National Park is an amazing place to explore. With its starkly beautiful landscape, its abundance of historic sites and museums, and the variety of wildlife that call this area home, camping in Petrified Forest National Park can be a truly unique experience.
When visiting the park, make sure to take some time to explore all that it has to offer. You can go on a guided tour or hike one of the many trails throughout the park. If you’re interested in seeing more wildlife, you can visit Rainbow Bridge Overlook or drive along one of the scenic drives through the park such as Rim Road or Planters Point Road.
The visitor’s center is also a great resource for finding out about current events at the park and what activities are available during your stay. Here you’ll find interpretive programs such as nature walks, talks by experts on different topics related to petrified wood and fossils, night sky viewing sessions with telescopes provided by rangers and volunteer astronomers from local universities, stargazing events led by volunteers from local astronomy clubs and more!
Make sure to bring your camera so you don’t miss out on any stunning views or wildlife sightings while exploring Petrified Forest National Park!
Conclusion
Camping in Petrified Forest National Park is a great experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of the area. The park has camping facilities to accommodate RVs, tents, and groups, as well as easy access to all of the park’s attractions.
Whether you plan on staying one night or multiple days, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy while exploring this unique and beautiful landscape. Take a drive through Painted Desert Rim road for panoramic views of colorful rocks that stretch across the horizon. Walk or bike through the petrified woodlands with ancient trees stretching up from their fossilized remains below your feet. Visit one or more of the historic sites within the park such as Newspaper Rock, Puerco Pueblo, and Crystal Forest for a peek into Native American culture. No matter which activity you choose first, make sure to bring enough water (1 gallon per person per day), warm clothes especially at night time, and appropriate supplies for wildlife watching.
Take your time exploring this special place – with both primitive backcountry campsites available as well established campgrounds located near many of Petrified Forest’s attractions – it’s easy to find yourself spending longer than planned here!
