You might not know that Petrified Forest only allows overnight stays in five designated backcountry zones and they require a free permit from the visitor centers. If you’re planning to camp there, you’ll need to carry all your water, use a fuel stove, and follow strict Leave No Trace rules while scouting among colorful badlands and petrified logs. Keep going to learn which zones suit your group and how to plan safely.
What to Know Before You Go
Before you go, plan for a self-sufficient backcountry experience: there are no developed campgrounds inside Petrified Forest National Park, so you’ll need a free permit from the Painted Desert Visitor Center or Rainbow Forest Museum and must camp only in one of five designated zones (groups up to eight), like the popular Black Forest in Zone 2. You’ll practice backcountry camping with minimal impact—follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash, don’t collect fossils, and bury human waste properly. No open fires are allowed, so bring a reliable camping stove and fuel. Carry ample water—plan for at least one gallon per person per day—because desert landscapes offer little shade. Check variable weather conditions; temperatures swing dramatically, so bring layers and gear for extremes.
Where to Sleep: Nearby Campgrounds and RV Options
If you’re not planning to sleep in the park’s backcountry, you’ll find the nearest developed option at the Holbrook KOA about 20 minutes west—offerings there include RV hookups, showers, and a convenient base for daily trips into Petrified Forest. That KOA located near town gives you essential amenities and a predictable place to rest. Other camping experiences nearby include Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and Canyon de Chelly National Monument, both offering dispersed and developed sites. If you do consider backcountry camping later, remember permits are free at the Painted Desert Visitor Center and camping is allowed only in designated zones such as the Black Forest area. Bring at least one gallon of water per person per day; there’s no potable water in the backcountry.
Backcountry Camping Zones and Permit Process
Shifting from nearby campgrounds to the park’s backcountry, you’ll need a free permit to camp in Petrified Forest’s wilderness areas—pick it up at the Painted Desert Visitor Center or Rainbow Forest Museum at least one hour before closing. The wilderness area covers over 50,000 acres divided into five camping zones; Zone 2 around the Black Forest is a popular pick. Follow the permit process carefully: register your trip, state your intended zone, and learn park regulations like remaining north of Lithodendron Wash in the northern section. For backcountry camping, pack one gallon of water per person per day and use a stove—open fires are prohibited. Practice Leave No Trace: pack out trash, don’t collect artifacts, and bury human waste properly to protect this fragile landscape.
Essential Gear and Safety Tips for Desert Camping
Because water, reliable cell service, and firewood are scarce in Petrified Forest’s backcountry, you’ll want to prioritize a short checklist of essentials: at least one gallon of water per person per day, a fuel stove with a windscreen, layered clothing for big diurnal temperature swings, and a good map plus GPS/compass for navigation. When camping in Petrified, pack that gallon of water per person per day and a camping stove—open fires are prohibited—plus a small fuel reserve. Use appropriate layers for hot days and cold nights, and secure gear against wind. Practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash and food waste. With spotty cell service, rely on GPS and compass and carry detailed maps from the visitor center.
Best Times, Trails, and Scenic Campsite Picks
While spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for camping in Petrified Forest National Park, you’ll also want to time your trip to avoid the busiest weekends and secure a backcountry permit at the Painted Desert Visitor Center or Rainbow Forest Museum. Plan spring (mid-60s to high 70s) or fall (mid-80s to low 60s) for milder conditions and fewer crowds. Popular trails like Blue Mesa and Crystal Forest showcase unique geological features and work well for families and beginners. For backcountry camping, consider Zone 2’s Black Forest for higher elevation and scenic views; there are five designated zones total. Pack at least one gallon of water per person per day, follow permit rules and Leave No Trace, and pick sites that balance solitude with safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Camp When Visiting Petrified Forest National Park?
You can camp near the park at Holbrook KOA or backcountry with a free permit; check campground amenities, reservation tips, campsite regulations, campfire policies, scenic views, stargazing opportunities, wildlife encounters, hiking trails, family friendly options, seasonal considerations.
What Is the Difference Between Camping and Backcountry Camping?
Think of backyard comfort versus wild poetry: camping means car, tent or RV camping with campsite amenities, camping gear, campfire regulations, camping etiquette and camping safety; backcountry demands wilderness survival, navigation, minimal impacts and different camping activities.
Can You Backcountry Camp in National Forests?
Yes—you can backcountry camp in national forests; you’ll follow camping regulations, get permits, practice Leave No Trace, manage fire safety, plan campsite selection, expect wildlife encounters, pack gear essentials, hone navigation skills, and enjoy a solitude experience.
How Much Time Do You Need at Petrified Forest National Park?
You’ll need at least one full day, two for backcountry. Plan time for petrified fossils, park highlights, best trails, wildlife spotting, visitor center, scenic viewpoints, photography tips, family activities, weather conditions and safety precautions for a relaxed visit.
Conclusion
You’ll leave Petrified Forest with quiet wonder and practical know‑how: the park’s silent, fossil‑strewn expanses feel ancient and fragile, yet your planning—permits, water, fuel stove, Leave No Trace—keeps you safe and preserves them. Camping near services or in a lone backcountry zone like Black Forest offers contrasting comforts: starry solitude against nearby amenities. Pack smart, respect rules, and you’ll trade worry for awe, returning refreshed, responsible, and quietly changed by the desert.
