Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
4.30186 reviews46101 Rocky Point Rd, Gila Bend, AZ, 85337, USA
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
$2.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$2 per vehicle for day use; $8 per vehicle per night for camping. Discounts available: $4 for senior pass holders and America the Beautiful cardholders. Payments must now be made online via recreation.gov, as cash or check payments are no longer accepted.
About this campground
Where ancient voices speak through stone, Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground invites you to camp beneath the same stars that guided prehistoric peoples thousands of years ago. This remarkable desert sanctuary preserves hundreds of intricate petroglyphs etched into volcanic rock formations, offering modern adventurers a chance to connect with history while enjoying spacious campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. Though the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilets and no water or RV hookups, visitors are rewarded with profound quiet, generous site spacing, and immediate access to one of the Southwest's most significant archaeological treasures.
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground offers primitive camping facilities suitable for RVs, tents, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceStep into a crossroads where millennia of human stories converge on volcanic canvas. This sacred ground bears witness to an astounding collection of over 3,800 ancient glyphs, each one a message from prehistoric peoples who once called this desert home. The rocks here served as both spiritual canvas and historical marker, later becoming a landmark for Spanish explorers on the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail and weary travelers on the Butterfield Overland Stage Route. Visitors often find themselves awestruck by the concentration of petroglyphs, describing the experience as walking through an open-air museum where every boulder might reveal another glimpse into humanity's distant past.
Weather and SeasonsThe desert here dances between extremes, painting each season with its own dramatic palette. Summer arrives with fierce intensity, sending temperatures soaring and making this a destination best enjoyed by heat-lovers and early morning explorers. Winter transforms the landscape into a camper's paradise, with crisp, cool days perfect for petroglyph viewing and comfortable nights around the campfire. For those seeking the sweet spot, spring and fall deliver ideal conditions—warm days that invite exploration and cool evenings that beckon stargazers to linger outside their tents.
ElevationSpread across the flat expanse of the Lower Sonoran Desert, this campground rests in a landscape where the horizon stretches endlessly in every direction, creating an intimate connection between earth and sky that defines the desert camping experience.
Natural Features and SceneryHere, the desert reveals its most enchanting personality. Ancient volcanic rocks rise from sandy plains like nature's own sculpture garden, their dark surfaces serving as canvases for both prehistoric art and the ever-changing light of desert days. Campers consistently marvel at the spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in impossible shades of orange and purple, while the absence of light pollution transforms nights into celestial showcases. The profound quiet of this place—broken only by desert breezes and distant coyote songs—creates a meditative atmosphere that stays with visitors long after they've returned home.
Geological RegionNestled within the Lower Sonoran Desert's dramatic landscape, the campground sits beside an ancient volcanic rock mound that tells a story millions of years in the making. These basalt formations, born from prehistoric volcanic activity, provided the perfect medium for ancient artists to record their stories, creating a unique intersection where geological history meets human culture. The dark volcanic rocks stand in stark contrast to the surrounding desert floor, creating a landscape that's both scientifically fascinating and visually striking.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible sites and paths are available, and the petroglyph trail is described as handicap-accessible by several users.
Sites SizeCampsites are large and spacious, with plenty of room for big rigs and larger setups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to sparse vegetation, but the sites are well-spaced, offering some level of seclusion.
Total Campsites60 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites away from roads for quieter camping. Bring all necessary supplies, including water.
Best Campsites"Sites are huge and spread out," one user said. "Sites by online registration are some of the best sites."
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Day use or 14 days at campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSixty sites are available, with a mix of pull-through and back-in layouts on gravel.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round availability.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, as reservations are not allowed.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-served. "Never a problem getting a site," as stated by a user.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made in advance; the site operates on a first-come-first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground is primarily known for its historical and archaeological significance. Visitors can explore petroglyphs and inscriptions, learn about historic trails, and enjoy stargazing due to the remote location's dark skies.
Hiking
Several historic trails, including the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, are accessible from the campground. The petroglyph mound itself has a short, accessible walking trail.Biking
Biking is possible on nearby forest service roads, as mentioned in user reviews.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as Chuckwallas, ground squirrels, and hummingbirds are often spotted. One reviewer mentioned seeing foxes.Cultural and Educational Programs
The site features interpretive panels about the petroglyphs, historic trails, and area history. Visitors can learn about the area's significance through these displays.Winter Activities
Camping is possible during winter months. Many users recommend visiting in cooler weather due to extreme summer temperatures.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable to this location as it is in a desert region.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted only in designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are Generators allowed from 8 AM to 8 PM; no specified quiet hours otherwise.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water available on-site. Extreme heat in summer can be hazardous. Wildlife such as foxes and snakes may pose risks.
Weather forecast
101
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely available in Gila Bend, which is approximately 12 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingDumpster facilities are available for trash disposal. No specific recycling options are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features nearby. Water must be brought from Gila Bend.
Common complaintsLack of potable water and RV hookups, generator noise outside permitted hours, and occasional vandalism of petroglyphs.
HostOn-site hosts maintain cleanliness and provide friendly service. "Camp hosts are friendly," noted a user.
Campground Map
46101 Rocky Point Rd, Gila Bend, AZ, 85337, USA
Driving directionsExit Interstate 8 at Painted Rock Dam Road/Exit 102, approximately 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 campground is easily accessible via paved roads. "The road is paved and in perfect condition," according to user reviews. "Only 11 miles north of I-8," another user noted, making it convenient for travellers.Nearby places
Gila Bend - approximately 12.5 miles (about 15 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as firewood and water can be acquired in Gila Bend. User reviews note the Chevron Station in Gila Bend offers free water and RV dump facilities, although it is 30 miles away from the site.
Camper Reviews
4.3
186 reviews
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, spacious sites, historical significance, and dark skies for stargazing. Some complaints focus on generator noise and lack of potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 186 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, spacious campsites, proximity to archaeological petroglyphs, excellent cell service for some providers, and peaceful atmosphere. Several users appreciated the clean and...
Based on 186 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Generator noise during quiet hours, lack of potable water, and occasional issues with pet management by other campers. One user mentioned, "The complaints about the generators are real, that's all...
Based on 186 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and firewood. Visit in cooler months as summer temperatures can be extreme. Check site availability carefully as some are reserved only. "Bring firewood from Gila Bend at Chevron...
Based on 186 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The site is best enjoyed in cooler weather, such as fall, winter, and early spring. Summer temperatures can be extreme, with highs above 100°F reported. Winters are quiet and remote, ideal for...
Based on 186 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great place to see the stars! Very quiet at night," "Clean campground and clean pit toilets. Credit to the camp host!" and "The petroglyphs are amazing—apparently the #1 petroglyph area in AZ."
Based on 186 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Some reviews specify that the best sites are by online reservation only and that these are generally the most desirable sites. "Camped on the south end away from the main road," wrote one user.
Based on 186 reviewsAccessibility Features
Paths and petroglyph trails are handicap-accessible. Multiple reviews praise the site's accessibility features.
Based on 186 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Some complaints about pet owners not cleaning up after their pets. "Sadly, as is too often the case, pet owners do not leash their pets."
Based on 186 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025