National Park Service · Arizona

Painted Desert Wilderness Backcountry (Petrified Forest NP)

Near Holbrook, Arizona — Free and tent sites only, no RV pads by our record.

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Quick answer

Can I bring an RV to Painted Desert Wilderness Backcountry?

What length RV fits Painted Desert Wilderness Backcountry? Our record: Painted Desert Wilderness Backcountry is tent-only, with no RV pads. Free permits — same-day at visitor center. Book on the operator's own page.

Open: Our record: Year-round.

Camping at Painted Desert Wilderness Backcountry? Tell us the nights.

One email when an Arizona owner lists a rig for those nights.

Pick-up

Drop-off

On the ground

Only NPS unit in Arizona with free, walk-up backcountry permits and no quota — but you must be 1 mile from any road. Onyx Bridge area has the densest petrified wood concentration; pitch to the north of the wash for shelter from the predictable PM thunderstorm wind.

From our record

Open: Year-round
Booking: Free permits — same-day at visitor center
On site: Dry / no hookups
Camping styles: Tent camping

By PickRV·Cited primary sources

Check fees and dates at nps.gov

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Around Holbrook

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Painted Desert Wilderness Backcountry (Petrified Forest NP) questions

What length RV fits Painted Desert Wilderness Backcountry?: Our record: Painted Desert Wilderness Backcountry is tent-only, with no RV pads.
When is Painted Desert Wilderness Backcountry open?: Our record: Year-round.
How do I reserve a site at Painted Desert Wilderness Backcountry?: Free permits — same-day at visitor center. Book on the operator's own page.

Before you go

Arizona rules for RV renters

Arizona rules

Verified 2026-05-10

Rental tax: 8.3%
Min driver age: 21+ · 25+ Class A
Gravel roads: Allowed
Generator quiet hours: 22:00-08:00
Alcohol in cabin: No open container
Dump station: Standard

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