Barringer Crater near Flagstaff, Arizona
Photo by: Mike Gieson (Stock Exchange)

Good morning from AllCampgrounds!

In our effort to find the best camping trips around North America, we’ve gone above and beyond– literally. Today’s blog will show you around tent camping and RV camp grounds outside Flagstaff, Arizona, near the impact site of the Barringer Meteor.

This natural marvel “dropped in” from space some fifty thousand years ago, but its now-famous Crater was only studied intensively starting in the 1800s. Considered a “national natural landmark”, it’s a little under three-fourths of a mile around and almost 600 feet deep. It also serves as the backdrop for all kinds of camping!

Meteor Crater RV Park: At the heart of Crater tourism is Meteor Crater RV Park. Completely fenced and gated, this place has 71 full-service pull-through sites with two ADA-compliant bathroom and shower facilities. Besides the fantastic Mexican restaurant, Meteor Crater is known for stargazing on beautiful, clear desert nights. On a full day, you can take in the Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, and yes, the Meteor Crater – and still be in time to have dinner at Hole Enchilada and catch a falling star. Online reservations are available!

Woody Mountain Campground: This ‘ground offers the shady grandeur of cool pine forests, making for a nice defense from the Arizona heat. A general store, sandwich shop, and playground give the place a secluded, down home appeal, but it’s actually at the crossroads of dozens of great local attractions. Both tenting and RV camping is reasonably priced, and come with free wireless internet. If Meteor Crater isn’t a big enough dent for you, you can also check out the Grand Canyon (which we covered in depth in a previous AllCampgrounds post.)

J and H RV Park: Tucked away in the hills of Flagstaff, J and H is an award-winning RV site that’s been recognized time and time again by organizations like the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the Arizona Travel Park Association, and Outdoor Hospitality Magazine. Equally friendly to seniors and children, it prides itself on a warm and welcoming atmosphere away from modern hassles. Free cable TV and free wireless internet grace every one of the 50 full hookup sites, and the staff use the friendly, community feel of this small park to keep quality sky high.

Arizona State Parks System: Sad to say, the former state park closest to the Crater has been shut down due to budget restrictions. The nearest current state facility is Riordan Mansion State Park, which has just been rescued from closure with a three-year agreement with the Arizona Historical Society. Riordan Mansion, in Flagstaff, is centered around homes belonging to the two Riordan families who resided here from about 1904.

The nearest state park with overnight tent camping facilities is Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which has four separate camp grounds: there are 100 total RV sites and a variety of primitive and developed sites. Each separate area is serviced with top-quality camping bathrooms that are ADA-compliant and feature hot showers