Petrified Forest National Park — Visitor Info

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Petrified Forest National Park protects colorful badlands and one of the world's largest concentrations of petrified wood, along with sections of the Painted Desert. It's a drive-through park along a single 28-mile road — and one with no campgrounds at all. Here's what to know before you go.

Page content last verified: July 2026

Check current conditions before you go: There is no camping of any kind except backpacking into the wilderness area — no RV sites, no drive-up camping, no boondocking. Removing petrified wood or any natural/cultural object is illegal and enforced. Always check the official Petrified Forest Alerts & Conditions page first.
Quick Facts
Location
Northeastern Arizona, along I-40
Entrance Fee
$25/vehicle (7 days)
Reservation Needed to Enter?
No
Permit Needed For
Wilderness backpacking (the only overnight option — free, same-day)
Lodging
None in-park — no campground either; nearby Holbrook
Managed By
National Park Service

Visitor Centers

Painted Desert Visitor Center
At the north entrance, just off I-40. The main starting point for most visitors; issues wilderness backpacking permits.
Rainbow Forest Museum
At the south entrance. Also issues wilderness backpacking permits; near the park's densest petrified wood displays.
Painted Desert Inn
A historic National Historic Landmark along the park road, now a museum with a scenic overlook — not a lodging option despite the name.

Confirm current hours on the official NPS visitor centers page before you go.

Entrance Fees & Passes

The entrance fee is $25 per vehicle (motorcycle $20, per person on foot/bike $15), valid for 7 days. An Annual Pass is $45. This park does not accept cash — entrance fees and passes are credit/debit only.

Every Kid Outdoors — Free 4th Grade Pass

4th graders (and their families) can visit free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass, available at everykidoutdoors.gov.

Petrified Wood: Look, Don't Take

Removing petrified wood, rocks, fossils, or any other natural or cultural object from the park is illegal and actively enforced — don't be tempted, even by a small piece. If you want a piece of petrified wood to take home, several licensed rock shops just outside the park sell material collected from private land.

Permits & Reservations

You do not need a permit to enter the park or day-hike. The only overnight option requires one:

Wilderness Backpacking (the Only Overnight Option)

There is no car, RV, or front-country camping anywhere in the park — no boondocking, no pulling off to sleep in a parking area. The only way to spend the night in the park is by backpacking at least half a mile from your vehicle into the designated Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. The backpacking permit is free and issued same-day, in person, at either visitor center (available until 4:30pm) — no advance reservation. Group size is capped at 8, no fires are allowed (fuel stoves only), and there are no maintained trails or facilities once you're in the wilderness.

Campgrounds & RV Options

There is no campground, RV park, or drive-up camping anywhere in Petrified Forest National Park — the only way to stay overnight is the wilderness backpacking permit described above.

For RVs or a developed campground, the nearest options are in and around Holbrook, Arizona, a short drive from the park's north entrance.

Good to Know

  • No camping means no overnight base: most visitors see the park as a day trip or a stop along I-40, staying in Holbrook.
  • One road, two entrances: the 28-mile park road connects the north (Painted Desert) and south (Rainbow Forest) entrances — you can enter at either end.
  • No gas stations in the park — fuel up in Holbrook before or after your visit.
  • Elevation averages 5,800 feet: expect big temperature swings between day and night, and between seasons.
  • Petrified wood theft is a real, prosecuted problem — rangers do check bags and vehicles.

More National Parks

See our other National Park visitor guides, or browse the full National Parks guide.

Fees and regulations change from year to year. This page is a starting point for trip planning — always confirm current details on the official Petrified Forest National Park site before you go.

Sources: NPS – Fees & Passes · NPS – Backpacking · NPS – Alerts & Conditions