Petrified Forest National Park RV Vacations
Whatever your preferences for outdoor fun, you will find the greatest recreational opportunities at Petrified Forest National Park. Taking an RV vacation to this beautiful part of Arizona is something that should be on everyone’s to-do list. Sightseeing, hiking, photography, wildlife watching – it's all here.
RV VACATIONS TO PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
An RV motorhome is such a pleasure on a trip such as this. You have everything you need right at hand. You don’t have to search for lodging or food establishments. At the end of a busy day you can relax and prepare yourself for a new adventure come morning. Traveling in an RV is just about the perfect way to spend a vacation.
RV Camping near Petrified Forest
Although there is no RV camping in the park, you will find very convenient RV campgrounds where you can make your home base.
Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA: This park is in Holbrook and provides the following amenities:
- 50 Amp electrical
- 85-foot maximum length
- WiFi (fee)
- Cable TV (fee)
- Pool (from May to October)
- Pavilion
OK RV Park: This park is also in Holbrook and provides the following amenities:
- Pull-through spaces
- Full Hookups
- 30 or 50 Amp electrical
- Sewer Hookups
- Free Cable
- Free WiFi
- 24-hour laundry
Moon Meadows RV Park: This park is in St. Johns, less than an hour’s drive south, and provides the following amenities:
- Full Hookups
- 50 Amp electrical
- Laundry
- Large sites (40 x 90)
- New Bathrooms and Showers
- Shaded lots
Your First Visit to Petrified Forest
For those who love science or human history, the Petrified Forest offers the best of both worlds. Biologists, geologists come to this area to study fossils, earth formations and remnants of the grasslands to increase our knowledge of our planet. You will discover stories from prehistoric times and learn about the early explorers in this region.
There are nine separate historic sites within the park which are on the National Register of Historic Places. When you see petroglyphs and archeological digs, you will be taken back in time to days of our ancestors and how they lived. This national park also protects a section of the famous Route 66.
For the visitor, the scenery can be quite breathtaking, with the Painted Desert shining gloriously in the morning sun. You will experience the desert wonders when you visit the scenic overlooks, like Chinde, Kachina or Tiponi. At various times you will also be able to attend some cultural demonstrations which will amaze those of all ages.
Artists impact the world with their visions. They also help with the direction and expansion of our national park system. The Petrified Forest National Park has an Artist-in-Residence program which allows artists of any type of medium to use this park for inspiration. As you drive or hike about, you may see the current artist out painting or drawing some gorgeous view or formation. Say hello and watch a while.
Things to Do at Petrified Forest National Park
This marvelous park is not just about the petrified wood and fossils that exist all around you. There are many sights and sounds you won’t want to miss while visiting.
- Rainbow Forest Museum – See exhibits of fossils and petrified wood as well as some displays revealing the prehistoric animals that used to roam the region.
- Painted Desert Visitor Center – Learn more about the park here. And be sure not to miss the orientation film, shown each half hour. It’s free!
- Painted Desert National Historic Landmark – This landmark at Kachina Point provides a new view of the park, and you will be able to get a view of lovely vistas from the inn. A park ranger will be happy to give you more information about this historic building.
- Newspaper Rock – Here you can see over 650 petroglyphs. Gaze from the overlook to get a glimpse into the past.
- Scenic Driving – Driving through the park gives a real personal feel to the beauty and wonder of the Painted Desert. It is a 28-mile drive and worth every second.
- Hiking – There are many trails which will take you to places those less energetic will never see. The Puerco Pueblo Trail is a favorite, which allows you to see a huge archeological site where people lived more than 600 years ago.
Where to Find More Information
Find the hours, fees and other important information on the home page of Petrified Forest National Park.
While in Arizona, stop to see some other amazing sights. You will find nearby attractions on the Petrified Forest National Park Nearby Attractions page.
El Monte RV Locations near Petrified Forest National Park
You can fly into the Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix and travel to our
El Monte RV Rental location in Phoenix, AZ to pick up your RV rental. Then take off on your Petrified Forest National Park adventure. Call us at (888) 337-2214 today. We will help you get the ideal RV motorhome for your trip.