How much does camping cost at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground?

Camping fees at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground range from $8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground before I book?

Yes! Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground?

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground?

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground?

Cell phone service at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground have?

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground has 59 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground?

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground?

Fire policies at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground: There is no fire wood available for sale at the campground, please plan accordingly if you intend to have camp fires.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.32

875 reviews

46101 Rocky Point Rd

Top 3% in AZWinter

B-Report Card

Stargazing

Quick Facts

584 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

59 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

584 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

59 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Painted Rock Campsite: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Group Site Fee$8.00

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Provider

(602) 867-5400blm_az_pdoweb@blm.gov

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Campground Map

46101 Rocky Point Rd

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

46101 Rocky Point Rd

Nearby places

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

Weather at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

Current alerts(7)

Electrical hook-ups are not available at this location.
Fire Restrictions may be imposed due to dry conditions, at which time smoking, wood and charcoal fires may be prohibited. Call the Phoenix District Office at (602) 867-5400 to see if any restrictions are in effect.
Please plan accordingly as reliable cell phone service isn’t available at the campground.
Respect these fragile features by taking only pictures!

Best Time to Camp at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

Best season: fall. Fall brings the most comfortable desert weather — daytime highs typically range from the mid-70s to upper 80s°F (24–31°C) with cool nights in the 50s°F (10–15°C) — making hiking, biking, petroglyph viewing, and stargazing far more pleasant than in summer. Monsoon thunderstorm risk has usually ended and humidity drops, so trails are drier and flash‑flood worry is lower; wildlife is active as animals take advantage of milder days. Crowds are moderate (weekends busier), and the combination of long, Peak months: October, November, February, March Avoid: June, July, August

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 3% in AZ

Popular for winter camping; mild temps and clear skies attract many visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground sits in the Lower Sonoran desert west of Gila Bend, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The campground offers gravel pull-through pads with fire rings and picnic tables, serving as a base for viewing ancient petroglyphs and exploring the surrounding desert landscape. Vault toilets and pet-friendly policies support primitive tent, RV, and group camping during the seasonal operating window.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall brings the most comfortable desert weather — daytime highs typically range from the mid-70s to upper 80s°F (24–31°C) with cool nights in the 50s°F (10–15°C) — making hiking, biking, petroglyph viewing, and stargazing far more pleasant than in summer. Monsoon thunderstorm risk has usually ended and humidity drops, so trails are drier and flash‑flood worry is lower; wildlife is active as animals take advantage of milder days. Crowds are moderate (weekends busier), and the combination of long, Peak months: October, November, February, March Avoid: June, July, August

Elevation584 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOatman Mountain rises to the northwest, its volcanic origins visible in dark, angular peaks. The Painted Rock Mountains form an eastern wall, creating a natural bowl at 584 feet elevation. Saguaro cacti, some living 200 years, share space with cholla, palo verde trees that photosynthesize through green bark, and ironwood trees whose wood sinks in water. Desert mule deer browse in early morning, kit foxes dart between rocks, chuckwallas bask on boulders, and Gambel's quail scurry in coveys.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or formal accommodations within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesInformational panels and interpretive trails provide insights into the history of the petroglyphs and the indigenous peoples who created them.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesSites 1, 2, and 36 are designated accessible and located near vault toilets. Sites are large gravel pull-throughs with concrete picnic tables and fire pits. Spacing between sites is generous.

Amenities available

The Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground provides a basic but well-maintained camping experience. It features 59 individual campsites and two group sites, all equipped with picnic tables and steel fire rings. "Sites are large gravel pull-through pads with concrete picnic tables and fire pits," as one user noted. The campground has no water or electric hookups, but it does offer two vault toilets and trash collection services. Campers are advised to bring their own water due to the lack of potable water on site. "There is no dump station at this location," a facility rule specifies. Cell phone service is generally reported as good for Verizon and AT&T users, but poor for T-Mobile. Firewood is not available for purchase on-site, and campers are encouraged to bring their own.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyThere is no fire wood available for sale at the campground, please plan accordingly if you intend to have camp fires.

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

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is reliable for Verizon and AT&T users, but poor for T-Mobile service. One reviewer mentioned, "With our Weboost 4G, we actually had great internet way out here."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 875 reviews.

Campsite 52Loved
- Campsite 52 (Patayan Loop): "Beautiful sunsets and spacious sites." Rating: 5.. - Campsite 36 (Patayan Loop): "Quiet, clean, and roomy." Rating: 5.. -…
Campsite 7Mentioned
Good for stargazing." Rating: 4.. - Campsite 7 (Hohokam Loop): "Too rocky for staking a tent." Rating: 3..

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Painted Rock Campsite: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Group Site Fee$8.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(602) 867-5400blm_az_pdoweb@blm.gov

Go if

You want free desert camping with access to ancient petroglyphs and don't mind basic vault toilet facilities.

Skip if

You need hookups, flush toilets, or guaranteed quiet after hours enforcement.

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Campgrounds

Lower Sonoran Field Office

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 60% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 331 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Crowds & noise
Grade A-.Campsites
Grade A-.Getting there

Watch-outs

Grade D.Booking
Grade C.Facilities
Grade C.Scenery

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Arizona grades overall

About Lower Sonoran Field Office

Context for the broader area surrounding Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

The BLM Lower Sonoran Field Office manages 1.4 million acres of public land in south-central Arizona, including the half million acre Sonoran Desert National Monument, located 60 miles southwest of Phoenix. The Monument contains biologically diverse national communities, including large Saguaro cactus forests and contains many significant archaeological and historic sites. In an effort to rehabilitate damage from off-highway vehicles, access to about 20 percent of the monument has been temporarily closed to motorized use. Public lands within this field office are near developed and expanding communities and are heavily used. The lands are managed for multiple use and provide diverse recreational opportunities, mining, wildlife habitat, grazing, and wilderness, all overlaying a rich cultural past. The field office oversees six wilderness areas, four Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail and one property listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Directions

The Lower Sonoran Field Office is located in the northern portion of Phoenix, Arizona. From Interstate 17, take the exit for Deer Valley Road (Exit 215). Head east on Deer Valley Road to North &th Avenue. Turn south and the office will be on the east side of 7th Avenue.