Grand Canyon National Park Travel and Visitor Guide

Cottonwood Campground at Canyon de Chelly

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 9, 2026.

Cottonwood Campground at Canyon de Chelly National Monument in autumn

Cottonwood Campground at Canyon de Chelly. © NPS

Cottonwood Campground provides convenient RV and tent camping near the Welcome Center at Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Chinle, Arizona. Managed by Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation, the campground is open year-round and offers approximately 90 individual campsites along with group tent camping. Individual sites are generally first-come, first-served, making Cottonwood a convenient base for exploring the North and South Rim drives, White House Trail, Spider Rock and Navajo-guided canyon tours.

Campsites & RV Camping
Campground Amenities
Group Camping
Campground Rules
FAQ

Sandstone cliffs and canyon scenery near Cottonwood Campground at Canyon de Chelly

Cottonwood Campground Campsites & RV Camping

Cottonwood Campground has approximately 90 individual campsites available for visitors to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Individual sites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, and camping fees are collected by Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation.

Each campsite includes a parking area, picnic table and grill. RVs and vehicles in tow cannot exceed 40 feet in total length. The campground does not provide electrical, water or sewer hookups, so RV travelers should arrive prepared for dry camping.

Cottonwood Campground Amenities

Approximately 90 individual RV and tent campsites.
Picnic table and grill at each individual campsite.
Three restroom facilities with sinks and flush toilets.
Drinking water available at the campground.
Dump station located in Loop 1.
No showers or RV hookups inside the campground.
Group tent camping available by reservation.
Limited campground services may be available during winter.

White House Ruins Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling at Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Group Camping At Cottonwood Campground

Cottonwood Campground includes two group tent camping sites. Reservations are required for group sites, and they are intended for tent camping rather than RV use. Groups should contact Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation directly for current availability, capacity limits, fees and reservation requirements.

Cottonwood Campground map at Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Cottonwood Campground Rules & Visitor Tips

Individual campsites are generally available first-come, first-served.
Pets are allowed but must remain on a leash.
The maximum stay is 7 days per visit and 14 days per year.
Quiet hours are from 8:30 PM until 6:00 AM.
Generators and running vehicle engines are prohibited during quiet hours.
Do not collect firewood within the monument.
Camping is permitted only within designated Cottonwood Campground sites.
Check current Navajo Nation and National Park Service rules before arrival.

Best Time To Camp At Canyon de Chelly

Spring and fall generally provide the most comfortable conditions for camping and exploring Canyon de Chelly. Summer days can become hot, while winter nights can be quite cold and campground services may be limited. The campground remains open year-round, but visitors should check current weather and operating conditions before traveling, particularly during winter.

Things To Do Near Cottonwood Campground

Cottonwood Campground makes a convenient base for exploring Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Visitors can drive the North and South Rim routes to ten scenic overlooks, hike the public White House Trail, visit Spider Rock Overlook and arrange Navajo-guided tours into canyon areas that are otherwise closed to independent travel.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument Guide
Canyon de Chelly Visitor Information
Canyon de Chelly Maps & Directions