Place · 0.2 mi away
Overview
Arch Rock is the quieter, more primitive of the park’s two campgrounds—29 first-come, first-served sites tucked into glowing Aztec sandstone. It’s simple and scenic: gravel pads, shade ramadas, fire rings and grills, and water spigots, with vault toilets nearby. If you want hookups or showers, that’s the neighboring Atlatl Rock Campground.
Why Camp Here
Privacy is the draw. Many sites are shielded by rock walls, so you feel wrapped in red stone rather than in a parking lot. Sunrise and sunset paint the cliffs right from camp, and the night sky is wonderfully dark for stargazing.
What to Expect on Site
- 29 sites; better for tents and small campers than big rigs
- No hookups; vault toilets; potable water available
- Each site typically includes a shade structure, picnic table, fire ring, and grill
- No cell service; plan to be offline
Nearby & What to Do
You’re on the scenic loop shared with Atlatl Rock, with the Petrified Logs just down the road. Use camp as a base for photography, short walks among the formations, and the park’s headline hikes (White Domes, Fire Wave, Seven Wonders, Mouse’s Tank, Rainbow Vista) a short drive away.
Wildlife
Expect common desert locals: ravens and other birds, lizards, and—if you’re lucky—desert bighorn sheep. Coyotes and jackrabbits roam the area too. Dawn and dusk are your best odds, especially in cooler months.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are prime—comfortable temps, golden light, and clear skies. Weekdays are calmer. For first-come camping, arrive early in the day (earlier on weekends/holidays). Photographers should aim for dawn and late afternoon; stargazing is best on moonless nights.
Heads Up
Summer heat can be brutal—bring ample water and shade. This campground does not take reservations and often fills, especially in spring and fall. Showers and flush facilities are at Atlatl Rock Campground when available.
Pro Tip
Walk the little loop roads on foot at golden hour—the formations reveal far more than you’ll catch from the windshield.
Pros
- Secluded, scenic sites tucked among red sandstone
- Excellent stargazing and sunrise/sunset light
- Potable water, fire ring, grill, and shaded picnic table at sites
Cons
- No hookups or showers; vault toilets only
- First-come, first-served and fills quickly in peak seasons
Tips
- Arrive early—sites are first-come and often gone by afternoon in peak seasons.
- Bring extra water and a shade setup; summer heat is intense.
- Need showers or a dump station? Use nearby Atlatl Rock Campground.
- Plan to be offline—there’s typically no cell service here.
- Stargaze on moonless nights; bring a red-light headlamp to keep night vision.
