Camping in Petrified Forest National Park

There are no campgrounds in the park. Backpackers with backcountry permits can stay in the park after it closes for the evening, but they must hike at least 1 mile into the wilderness before setting up camp. For drive-in camping, head to Holbrook, 25 miles west of the park on I-40, where several commercial campgrounds offer all the usual amenities.

The Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA, 102 Hermosa Dr., Holbrook, AZ 86025 (www.koa.com; tel. 800/562-3389 for reservations, or 928/524-6689), has a large, inviting outdoor pool that shimmers like a mirage on sunny days (open in summer). There are 22 grassy tent sites and 100 RV sites. The cost is $22 to $24 for tents and $29 to $36 for RV hookups. Major credit cards are accepted. The campground has a playground, game room, snack bar, public phones, coin-op laundry, propane, dump station, and Wi-Fi (for a fee). It's open year-round. During the high season, campers feast at relatively inexpensive evening cookouts. Several camping cabins (from $44 double; pet fee $5) share the bathhouse and other facilities.

The OK RV Park, 1576 Roadrunner Rd., Holbrook, AZ 86025-2143 (www.okrvpark-llc.com; tel. 866/403-1392 or 928/524-3226), is an exceptionally well-maintained campground with everything you might want except a pool. There are 120 gravel RV sites with full hookups, plus an RV dry parking area (no hookups) and tent area. There are some trees, a coin-op laundry, and a convenience store. RV sites, at $29 to $34 for two people, include electric, water, sewer, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Tent sites and dry parking sites are $14 for two people. Major credit cards are accepted. The management requests that tenters and dry RV campers arrive before the office closes at 8pm. The campground is open year-round.