Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground

About this spot

The Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground are located approximately 90 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. The petroglyph site provides visitors the opportunity to view an ancient archaeological site containing hundreds of symbolic and artistic rock etchings, or "petroglyphs," produced centuries ago by prehistoric peoples. There are also inscriptions made by people who passed through during historic times. There is a $2 per vehicle fee for the site. Cash or check payment is accepted. Overnight camping is allowed at the adjacent Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground. This is a separate facility from the petroglyph site. Camping reservations must be made through the recreation.gov website (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10041410). We no longer accept cash or check payments for campsites. The campground has picnic tables, grills, steel fire rings, and a vault toilet. No potable water is available at the facility. Several historic trails lie within the campground. The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/national-scenic-and-historic-trails/Juan-Bautista-de-Anza), The Butterfield Overland Stage Route and the Mormon Battalion Trail are three trails that played prominent roles in the history of Arizona and the American West. Visitors can learn about the site and historic trails through professional interpretive panels located on the site.