Camping within the Navajo Nation

Well...if you say so! :) Why not do some mileage figuring from Page, AZ at least? It might be further to one destination but closer to another so it would even out. It would be a much nicer environment. I'm just interested in giving you a better 'picture' of this area!!

don't know if it was mentioned what you are using for an RV but when I visited the North rim I left the motorhome in Page on the lake, took the toad down with jammies and toothbrush, and got on the list for a cabin vacancy opening up. one did occur so we spent the night at the cabins there.
bumpy

To just answer Kiwi66 question, If I remember right the only campground available in Tuba City was behind the Quality inn. Stayed there two years ago and my site was full of dog deposits and there were barking dogs all night. However did not see any dogs in the park itself. Strange thing was a deposit collected on water faucet handle if you wanted to turn on your water, had to be returned in the morning or loose your deposit. Restrooms and showers were old and rundown but clean. Personally I would not stay there again, but nothing else was available close by. Felt very safe in the area with no problems.

Been watching this thread. Was saddened to read some of the negative comments. We've traveled the Navajo and Hopi tribal lands for many years. I had the honor of having had my hair washed and receiving a Tewa name. Although the Hopi tribe and Navajo tribes are not on the best terms, the people intermarry, and we've spent time on the Navajo Nation land.

Back to the OP. Are you safe? Yes, you are. Just keep your situational awareness. Most crimes are petty and probably your fault by leaving items visible in your vehicle etc. The biggest danger is driving. Lots of cows, horses and dogs on the road. Don't drive at night period. Too many drunk drivers. I've had fiends die or seriously injured because of drunk drivers.

Tuba City is not among our favorite places. The campground is dirty and noisy. As a nontribal member, you will probably feel a bit uncomfortable. You just have to leave your judgments in your pocket. It is, however, hard to overlook the drug and alcohol problem because it is so prevalent. As pointed out, the Navajo are a sovereign nation. Respect their ways and laws and you will have no issues. You will be approached by people selling crafts or asking for money. A polite "no thank you or not interested" will usually suffice.

Now, to the positive. The Navajo and Hopi/Tewa are actually very warm and welcoming. Don't ask questions about culture or religion. You will learn what you need to know by observing and being told. Don't use profanity or talk in a loud manner. Women should dress modestly. Look for an open cultural event such as a dance or craft fair and attend it. You will have fun. Eat the fry bread and Navajo tacos. Admire the crafts. The sellers will tell you about their significance to the culture. A question or two is appropriate as long as they are not too probing. This is where you will learn. You may make a friend and get invited to a dance or family gathering. Engage the young children. They are sweet and sometimes a bit shy, but they will win your heart. I have a wonderful photograph of my wife with a Navajo/Tewa child in her lap reading Dr. Suess together.

If you get real lucky, you'll make some close friends and have a very safe place to boon dock in somebody's front yard. You'll have 24 hour security! Bring gifts of food rather than offering money in exchange for camping.

Show respect and you will receive the same.

Thunder Mountain: Well stated, great post. If there was a "like" button I would be hitting it. Thanks for posting.

Bull Rider wrote:
Thunder Mountain: Well stated, great post. If there was a "like" button I would be hitting it. Thanks for posting.

Another "LIKE" here! We have spent considerable time on both the Hopi and Dene lands over the years and never have felt uncomfortable.

We haven't spent the amount of time that Thunder Mountain has, but on several trips in and around the Navajo and Hopi areas we have always been welcome, and never felt unsafe.

Sitting in, of all places, the McDonalds in Tuba City, and watching the very young, the teens, and the very old interact was a fascinating hour. The nearby museum/trading post is also great.

But the best was the invitation from the Hopi Cultural Center to "stop in at the high school tomorrow for Indian Days" -- which turned out to be several hours of young people from every Native community within bus-reach presenting their own traditional dances. And acting like typical American teenagers in the meantime!

We see the problems evident in the Native areas -- who doesn't? But we prefer to look for the positive things to see and experience in some of the less traveled parts of our country.

My grandmother was Cherokee Indian my mom was 1/2 Cherokee. I always felt safe around them even when we went camping. I called them Grandma and Mom. Just saying.

Just a couple additions to the comments about rules and regulations on tribal lands. They often require permits or as in Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley a guide to access some areas. There may be special rules about taking photographs. Always ask an individual before taking their picture unless it is a venue where picture taking is permitted. Some reservations have very strict rules about alcohol so be aware before sitting outside your rig with a can or bottle of beverage.

Hope you enjoy your trip!!!

This thread is an interesting illustration of what politically correct really means.

In my experience, folks are folks. Some are bad, some are good, and most of the rest of us are somewhere in between.

But it has become a fad, particularly here in America, to dictate to others how they should think and speak.

The original poster asked a valid question, one I would probably ask about the general area I grew up in. Anytime I overnight in an unusual or remote area I am concerned about safety-as well as what there is to do and see.

I think Thunder Mountains responses were great. But I will add one ithought: for me to attack another person because of a perceived slight to someone else, trying to enforce my own preconceived opinions, is just a (somewhat concealed) form of bias. Most folks can stick up for themselves.