Crystal Forest Gift Shop & Campground
Campground
Write a Review 6493 Petrified Forest Rd. Holbrook, AZ 86025 928-524-3500GPS: 34.7925, -109.8909
Overview of Crystal Forest Gift Shop & Campground
RVs must be self-contained to stay here. Tent camping isn't allowed.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by RamFox on 2/11/2024
Longest RV Reported: 44 feet (Class A)
Reported by BCrockett on 3/14/2020
Number of Sites 15
Pad Type gravel with concrete patio
Elevation 5,380 ft / 1,639 m
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Crystal Forest Gift Shop & Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 928-524-3500
DFREIBERGER asked on 4/9/2021
Arriving to visit but concerned about the Petrified Forest Road into the park. Can a big rig motorhome pulling a car ...
Beachgirl asked on 1/30/2021
Is there a maximum stay of one night at Crystal Forest Gift Shop & Campground?
ShareC13 asked on 5/27/2023
Can you suv camp? I have my own water, potty. Self contained!
JAVI asked on 5/26/2022
I am a traveler in a sedan car, could I stay at the Crystal Forest Gift Shop campground for one night?
Tony asked on 2/24/2022
We plan on arriving after sunset, is the place well lit so that we can maneuver our rig into a site?
LMR asked on 5/24/2020
I'll be sleeping in my car and have a camping toilet with pop-up privacy shelter instead of in an RV. Is this allowed...
Reviews of Crystal Forest Gift Shop & Campground 81 people have reviewed this location.
“A real gem!”
Reviewed 10/13/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
RV Length: | 26' (Travel Trailer) |
Stayed here from 10/4/2020 to 10/6/2020. Camping options in this area looked very limited, but I decided to give this a shot. I came in on a Sunday and was the only one here. I popped into the gift shop before setting up just to double check it was okay for me to stay. The host was extremely friendly, but she lives on-premise and it wa... more
Stayed here from 10/4/2020 to 10/6/2020. Camping options in this area looked very limited, but I decided to give this a shot. I came in on a Sunday and was the only one here. I popped into the gift shop before setting up just to double check it was okay for me to stay. The host was extremely friendly, but she lives on-premise and it was clear that she did not like people staying and running generators, and suggested that if I needed electricity I should go across the street where they have electric hookups. She did say generators were okay but that she had quiet hours. I mentioned that I had solar and wouldn't be running a generator at all, which clearly made her very happy. I took the far site with the pavilion over the picnic table, which was a really nice and level spot. The second night 3 more rigs came in.
Another point worth emphasizing is that the host only allows self-contained RVs. So no tents or car campers. While I was there a couple people tried to come and tent camp and she had to turn them away (I assume this is mainly because there are no restrooms here).
The location here is incredible. You're literally right next to the gate to the park. It is worth noting this gate is only open from 8am to 5pm. While I was there people would get there early and have to line up in front of the gate until it opened at 8. If you're in the park when the gate closes, it will open automatically for you to get out, but you won't be able to get back in.
Verizon service here was spotty. I could generally get an LTE signal, but it wasn't very fast and would occasionally cut out. Still not terrible though.
If you stay at this campground you really should go into the gift shop and try to buy something if you can. It's great that the host allows us to stay here for free, so buying something from her is a great way to give back. It's also a really great gift shop and a good place to buy some petrified wood since you can't take any out of the park.
Blake would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Easy Free Spot right outside PFNP”
Reviewed 6/6/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
RV Length: | 16' (Pop Up Camper) |
We called ahead to make sure the owner still allowed free camping and she confirmed that yes she does on a first come first serve basis. There are no hookups and zero facilities. When we were there the restrooms in the gift shop were out of order, even though the large sign when you pull in says "Clean Restrooms". It is self-contain... more
We called ahead to make sure the owner still allowed free camping and she confirmed that yes she does on a first come first serve basis. There are no hookups and zero facilities. When we were there the restrooms in the gift shop were out of order, even though the large sign when you pull in says "Clean Restrooms". It is self-contained dry camping. She told us that if we wanted electricity that the gift shop across the way had electrical hookups available for a small fee. There are 5 pull-through spots with concrete slabs and picnic tables directly past the gift shop free and available for use. One had a shelter over the picnic table which we used. We were asked to not camp at the four covered picnic tables behind the pull-through sites, to allow the owner of the property some privacy. We were the only ones here, the site was level and easy to set up. The picnic table at our site had seen better days, looked like people did not clean up their messes. The owner was very kind. We asked for permission to throw our trash in the dumpster and she was very appreciative that we asked saying that most people don't ask. There was no shade and we had no cell service on AT&T but we were able to drive up the road towards Holbrook about 5 minutes to get service. PNF opens at 8 as did the gift shop.
SchwenyTribe would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Convenient, but staff inside is rude”
Reviewed 3/22/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 0 |
RV Length: | 25' (Bus) |
This place was the only free spot for the area we needed to be in. It's convenient, quiet, and the police drove by at night for courtesy checks. We went in the next morning to give them some business, as most businesses that offer free camping expect. The lady was complaining the whole time we were in there about how she only wants... more
This place was the only free spot for the area we needed to be in. It's convenient, quiet, and the police drove by at night for courtesy checks.
We went in the next morning to give them some business, as most businesses that offer free camping expect. The lady was complaining the whole time we were in there about how she only wants customers who aren't there to just use their facilities. Obviously it is a little rude to only use a business for it's bathrooms, but why offer free camping (a use of your facility) or have a sign that literally says clean restrooms if you don't want to offer it?
While checking out, the lady working wouldn't help me unless I was 6ft away. I understand that this is during the coronavirus update, but why be rude about it? She also made it clear to her co-worker that she is not to be near us.
I honestly wish I would have just told them to keep what we were buying. We were only trying to give a little thanks for offering the free camping, but we left feeling like we were totally unwanted there.
It's really hard to be a full time RVer during this time. It's hard to find a place to stay, it's hard to find resources, etc. And it really sucks when people aren't understanding, especially when they offer a free camping spot (something many full timers are looking for).
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great access to Petrified Forest”
Reviewed 3/14/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
RV Length: | 44' (Class A) |
Free dry camping on relatively flat ground! Store closes at 4PM but we just parked and then introduced ourselves the next morning. Very friendly staff inside the well stocked gift shop. Do not be fooled. Electrical outlets are not operating. Self contained only. Sweeping views and very quiet. Would definitely recommend!
BCrockett would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice spot near petrified forest”
Reviewed 3/2/2020
Nightly rate: | $12 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 2 |
When there’s nothing else this is great. We had shade and an old picnic table. It was quiet. We had 4 other friendly campers. Felt very safe. Beautiful sunrise in Indian country. Very convenient to petrified forest. Thru road is closed right now so this is really the only option near park.
Ojosarco would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice host”
Reviewed 1/18/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 0 |
Site Number: | 0 |
RV Length: | 24' (Travel Trailer) |
We stopped here for a visit to the National Park. The lady in The store was very informative, due to the cold weather she actually recommended we stay at the shop across the street, for they had power ($10 per night). Her parking lot had gotten pretty wet in the last rain, so the parking area was soft anyway.
Phil&Nan would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“So easy!”
Reviewed 10/11/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 1 |
RV Length: | 38' (Class A) |
Date of stay: Sept. 16-17, 2019 This lot only accepts fully-contained RVs, and because it's completely dry camping, I wouldn't want to stay at the height of summer, but you're not going to need more than a day or two to explore all the area has to offer. You'll also want to roll in with all the (real) food you'll need since neither ... more
Date of stay: Sept. 16-17, 2019
This lot only accepts fully-contained RVs, and because it's completely dry camping, I wouldn't want to stay at the height of summer, but you're not going to need more than a day or two to explore all the area has to offer. You'll also want to roll in with all the (real) food you'll need since neither neither gift shop offers anything but candy bars, soda, and beer. (Food/snacks and cell service are available in the national park.) The shops close up around 4 p.m., the gates of the park close at dusk, and all is quiet in the lot. For a few nights, it really was a great option to access Petrified Forest Nat'l Park.
Chasing Dirt would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Friendly and accommodating!”
Reviewed 7/1/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 5 |
RV Length: | 30' (Travel Trailer) |
I say we would stay here again, only because they are friendly and it fits all of our Boondocking needs. The reason we would not stay here again, is because it’s Arizona and with that comes the heat. Once you’ve seen the petrified forest, there’s really no reason to come back. I was here 40+ years ago and it’s changed so much!!! Not ... more
I say we would stay here again, only because they are friendly and it fits all of our Boondocking needs. The reason we would not stay here again, is because it’s Arizona and with that comes the heat.
Once you’ve seen the petrified forest, there’s really no reason to come back. I was here 40+ years ago and it’s changed so much!!! Not really. It’s the same as it has been for millions of years. It definitely goes in the “been there, done that” column.
You can also opt to stay across the street at the Petrified Forest Gift Shop, where there’s some NA woman with a nasty disposition that runs the place. Grouch.
Yessa Biddadi would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Free parking next to Petrified Forest NP”
Reviewed 6/21/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | n/a |
RV Length: | 36' (Fifth Wheel) |
I stopped here for two nights to visit the Petrified Forest NP and it was perfect for me. Having read other reviews, I knew what to expect - I have a self contained fifth wheel RV that is set up for extended boondocking, so lack of hookups did not bother me at all. I showed up on a Tuesday and there was only one or two other RVs pa... more
I stopped here for two nights to visit the Petrified Forest NP and it was perfect for me.
Having read other reviews, I knew what to expect - I have a self contained fifth wheel RV that is set up for extended boondocking, so lack of hookups did not bother me at all. I showed up on a Tuesday and there was only one or two other RVs parked there overnight on the days I was there. It was dead quiet, and absolutely dark at night. Quite peaceful, although a bit of an afternoon t-storm and some wind came in the first night. Typical summer weather.
Arrival is easy - they are right on the corner of the road into the south entrance of the NP. There is literally nothing else around, so you can't miss them. Easy in and out for any size rig. Spaces are gravel, relatively level, and some have picnic benches. I parked in the back next to an empty cement slab since I didn't need a table.
There are very clear signs posted saying you must have a "self contained" camper with a toilet, and to not park along the fence line.
My favorite things about this place - no reservations, no problem getting a parking spot, and no cost! I spent one full day at the NP which was enough for me, so it was the perfect quick stop over.
T-Mobile service was non-existant at the site, but there was basic cell service from USA Cellular One. Driving a few miles north into the park, I had solid T-Mobile service.
There is a Maverik gas station / truck stop on the north side of Holbrook with a dump station if you need it. Easy in/out for big rigs, but be careful as they have the parking lot set up as a clockwise loop. The driveway by the truck/RV lanes is meant to be exit only back onto the 77. Pull into Crestview Dr south of the Maverik and bear right to enter the back of the parking lot, which leads around to the dump station and truck lanes.
Make sure you have enough gas to get here and get back to Holbrook. It's about 20 miles each way, and there is absolutely nothing in between. If you are on fumes getting off I-40, hit a gas station in Holbrook straight away.
Tim would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“RV Camping ONLY ”
Reviewed 6/13/2019
Days stayed: | 0 |
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Saw a recent review and called to confirm that the Park was open for anyone. The guy who answered the phone wasn’t very friendly and simply said “the manager doesn’t allow that” in response to being able to tent camp there.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Got chased off property and flipped the bird ”
Reviewed 6/6/2018
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 0 |
Site Number: | 0 |
Found this campsite on Campendium, several reviews of people who stayed with no problem. We drove up. Billboard right next to the camping spot literally says “RV parking, Free camping.” So we pull in and start scoping it to see where to camp. Some lady walks out yelling at us (not kind AT ALL) tells us to get out of here, this is priva... more
Found this campsite on Campendium, several reviews of people who stayed with no problem. We drove up. Billboard right next to the camping spot literally says “RV parking, Free camping.” So we pull in and start scoping it to see where to camp. Some lady walks out yelling at us (not kind AT ALL) tells us to get out of here, this is private property, we can’t camp here. We apologize and leave (didn’t even point out that a big billboard fifty yards away disagrees with her), and she flips us the bird as we’re leaving. Granted, it’s after 9 pm, but it’s basically a parking lot — we didn’t figure it would be an issue. So now we’re trying to find somewhere sleep for the night. Hopefully when we go to the gift shop tomorrow we can find someone to ask about it because they either need to deal with this person or update their billboard.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- dry camping
- Partial Hookups
Site Amenities
- big rig
- picnic table
- pull thru
Facilities
- general store
- trash
Pets
- pets
Nearby
Petrified Forest Gift Shop & RV Park
Perfect Place to use as a base camp for visiting the Petrified Forest
- T&K Images
Gateway to the Petrified Forest RV Resort
Friendly owners, great WiFi. Hot shower, and bathroom in a repurposed Class A
- camper-739681
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