Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

4.32

875 reviews

46101 Rocky Point Rd

Stargazing

Quick Facts

584 ft

Price

$4 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

59 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

584 ft

Price

$4 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

59 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

$4.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for standard, accessible, and group sites is $8.00 per vehicle per night. America the Beautiful pass holders receive a 50% discount, making...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$8.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(623) 580-5500blm_az_pdo@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 875 reviews

668 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanrestroomsfriendly

Some mention

noisereservation

"Overall, the Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground receives positive reviews, particularly for its quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, and clean facilities. Users appreciate the historical significance of the petroglyphs and the opportunity to stargaze under dark skies. Common complaints include the lack of enforcement of generator use rules and occasional overflowing dumpsters."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

46101 Rocky Point Rd

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

46101 Rocky Point Rd

Driving directionsExit Interstate 8 at Painted Rock Dam Road/Exit 102, about 12.5 miles west of Gila Bend. Travel north on Painted Rocks Dam Road 10.7 miles to Rocky Point Road. Painted Rocks Petroglyph Site is 0.6 miles west of Painted Rock Dam Road on Rocky Point Road.

The path to the Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground is on 11 miles of paved roads with an additional 1/2 mile of a dirt road. All roads in the campground and day-use site consist of hardened dirt and gravel suitable for larger RVs (Class A) and trailers (fifth wheels) when road conditions are dry. Flash flooding during monsoon season can make access challenging, so visitors should check weather conditions before planning their trip.

Nearby places

Gila Bend is approximately 12.5 miles away. Phoenix is 90 miles to the northeast.

Nearby supplies

The nearest town to purchase food, water, and supplies is Gila Bend, approximately 12.5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

The desert here plays by its own rules, painting each day with dramatic temperature swings that can span 30 degrees or more between scorching afternoons and surprisingly cool nights. This land of extremes reveals its dual nature during monsoon season, when the typically bone-dry landscape can transform in minutes as dramatic thunderheads unleash torrential downpours, creating temporary waterfalls and potentially dangerous flash floods. Seasoned desert travelers know to pack layers, plenty of water, and always keep one eye on the sky when dark clouds gather on the horizon.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Scorching afternoons, lack of shade and frequent summer complaints lower appeal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Positive reviews increase in cooler months; mild temps make fall favorable.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Generally favorable shoulder season; pleasant before high heat arrives.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in AZ

Popular spot for winter camping; mild temps and clear skies noted in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season information not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts specified.

About Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

Where ancient stories are etched in stone and the vast Sonoran Desert stretches endlessly before you, Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground invites adventurers to step back in time. This remarkable destination seamlessly weaves together thousands of years of human history with the raw beauty of Arizona's desert wilderness. By day, trace the mysterious symbols left by indigenous peoples on volcanic rocks; by night, lose yourself in some of the darkest skies in the Southwest. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics experience with vault toilets and trash collection but no water or electricity, it offers something far more valuable: an authentic connection to both ancient culture and untamed nature through hiking trails, exceptional birdwatching, and world-class stargazing opportunities.

This campground caters to a variety of camping styles. It provides options for tent camping, RV camping, and group accommodations. It is particularly well-suited for those seeking a primitive, off-the-grid experience.

Historical Significance

Indigenous HeritageLatino/Hispanic Heritage

Standing before the weathered rock faces at Painted Rock feels like opening a history book written in stone. For countless generations, indigenous peoples used this natural canvas to record their stories, beliefs, and observations, creating an outdoor gallery of petroglyphs that continues to mystify archaeologists and visitors alike. The rocks also bear witness to more recent history, including inscriptions from the legendary Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza, who passed through in the 1770s while forging routes between Mexico and California. Later, dusty stagecoaches of the Butterfield Overland Stage Route rumbled past, carrying mail and passengers across the frontier. This convergence of cultures and eras makes Painted Rock a crossroads where prehistory meets pioneer history under the endless desert sky.

Weather and SeasonsThe desert here plays by its own rules, painting each day with dramatic temperature swings that can span 30 degrees or more between scorching afternoons and surprisingly cool nights. This land of extremes reveals its dual nature during monsoon season, when the typically bone-dry landscape can transform in minutes as dramatic thunderheads unleash torrential downpours, creating temporary waterfalls and potentially dangerous flash floods. Seasoned desert travelers know to pack layers, plenty of water, and always keep one eye on the sky when dark clouds gather on the horizon.

ElevationNestled in the low desert basin of southwestern Arizona, the campground rests at a modest elevation that delivers authentic Sonoran Desert conditions year-round, where the landscape unfolds in layers of ancient geological history beneath expansive skies.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Sonoran Desert reveals its full splendor here, where towering saguaro cacti stand like ancient sentinels against a backdrop of rugged mountain ranges. To the northwest, Oatman Mountain rises dramatically from the desert floor, while the Painted Rock Mountains create a jagged eastern horizon that glows brilliantly during sunrise. This living desert showcases nature's resilience through jumping cholla that seem to glow in backlight, graceful palo verde trees that burst into yellow blooms each spring, and gnarled ironwood trees that have weathered centuries. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting desert mule deer browsing in the early morning, elusive kit foxes darting between rocks, prehistoric-looking chuckwallas basking on sun-warmed boulders, and coveys of Gambel's quail scurrying through the underbrush with their distinctive head plumes bobbing.

Geological RegionImmersed in the heart of the Sonoran Desert—North America's most biologically diverse desert—the campground sits within a dramatic geological theater. Oatman Mountain dominates the northwestern skyline with its volcanic origins clearly visible in dark, angular peaks, while the Painted Rock Mountains create a contrasting eastern wall of ancient stone. This unique positioning creates a natural bowl where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of arroyos, rock formations, and desert pavement. The iconic vegetation tells the story of adaptation and survival: majestic saguaro cacti that can live for 200 years, defensive cholla species that seem to jump at passersby, drought-deciduous palo verde trees that photosynthesize through green bark, and ancient ironwood trees whose wood is so dense it sinks in water. Together, they create a living museum of desert evolution.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time stated.

Check-out

No specific check-out time stated.

Stay Limit

No stay limit information specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No information regarding the maximum number of guests per site.

Groups

The campground includes two large group sites. No specific details on group size or vehicle limits are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized in gravel loops, with accessible sites and spacious pull-through areas. Sites are well-spaced to provide privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; sites are first-come, first-served via a Scan and Pay system.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served and must be paid for on-site via the Scan and Pay system.

Cancellation PolicyThis is a Scan and Pay campground. Payments cannot be refunded, modified, or canceled.

AccessibilityThe campground has several accessible campsites, and the day-use area includes accessible picnic tables and a double-vault toilet. Sites 1, 2, and 36 are specifically designated as accessible, with concrete sidewalks and extended picnic tables.

Site SizeLarge gravel pull-through pads, suitable for big rigs, trailers, and tents.

PrivacySites are well-spaced, ensuring a good level of privacy for campers. "Lots of space between camping sites," noted one user.

Total Campsites59 campsites

Recommended SitesAccessible sites (1, 2, 36) are recommended for those with mobility needs. Sites on the southern loop offer proximity to petroglyphs, while northern sites provide better sunset views.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground offers various recreational activities centered around its historical and natural features. Options include hiking, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and stargazing under the dark desert skies. The nearby petroglyph site provides educational opportunities to learn about ancient indigenous cultures.

HikingHiking opportunities include short, interpretive trails around the petroglyph site and nearby dirt roads for exploring the desert landscape.

BikingDirt roads surrounding the campground are suitable for mountain biking, offering an additional way to explore the area.

Wildlife viewingWildlife species commonly observed include desert mule deer, kit foxes, Gambel’s quail, chuckwallas, and desert iguanas. One user mentioned spotting a great horned owl and jackrabbits during their visit.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsInformational panels and interpretive trails provide insights into the history of the petroglyphs and the indigenous peoples who created them.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlash flooding during monsoon season is a potential hazard. Visitors are encouraged to check weather conditions before camping.

Active AlertsNo active alerts specified.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but visitors must bring their own firewood as none is available on-site. Restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Generators are permissible between 8 AM and 8 PM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services, including hospitals and police, are likely located in Gila Bend, approximately 12.5 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but there are no recycling facilities. Some users reported that dumpsters were overflowing during their stay.

Water FeaturesNo significant water features nearby. Painted Rock Dam is located south of the area.

Camp HostHosts are available, described as friendly and helpful in reviews. They maintain clean vault toilets and campground spaces.

Weather at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

Reviews

4.3

875 reviews

Recommended

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, the Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground receives positive reviews, particularly for its quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, and clean facilities. Users appreciate the historical significance of the petroglyphs and the opportunity to stargaze under dark skies. Common complaints include the lack of enforcement of generator use rules and occasional overflowing dumpsters.

Review Summaries

Based on 875 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Sites are large gravel pull-through pads with concrete picnic tables and fire pits." - "Very quiet at night. Great place to see the stars!" - "The petroglyphs are amazing." - "Clean restrooms and...

Based on 875 reviews

Common Concerns

- "There is no water or dump station available." - "Generator use was not always limited to posted hours." - "Overflowing trash dumpsters were an issue during peak visits." - "The reservation system...

Based on 875 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own water, as none is available on-site. - Visit during the cooler months for the best experience. - Bring a telescope for stargazing, as the area has minimal light pollution. - Firewood...

Based on 875 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews are more frequent during the cooler months (fall and winter), with visitors enjoying the mild temperatures and clear skies. Complaints about high temperatures and the lack of shade...

Based on 875 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The petroglyphs take you back in history. So many to see and explore." - "The campground is basic but very clean and spacious." - "This is the cleanest vault toilet I’ve ever seen!" - "The stars...

Based on 875 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Campsite 52 (Patayan Loop): "Beautiful sunsets and spacious sites." Rating: 5. - Campsite 36 (Patayan Loop): "Quiet, clean, and roomy." Rating: 5. - Campsite 41 (Patayan Loop): "Friendly hosts and...

Based on 875 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites (1, 2, and 36) are well-received, featuring concrete pads and accessible vault toilets. However, one user noted that transitions from concrete to natural ground could be uneven,...

Based on 875 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted but not allowed near the petroglyph site. Some visitors complained about unleashed pets and the lack of oversight from campground management.

Based on 875 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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