Gallo Campground

$20.00–$60.00/night

Overview

Gallo Campground is located within Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Tucked among the fallen boulders and cliffs of Gallo Wash, the campground offers camping in a rugged environment, surrounded by petroglyphs, a cliff dwelling, inscriptions and a high desert landscape. The area is remote with no services. Please be prepared with plenty of food, water, shade, sunscreen and cold weather necessities. 

Traveling to Chaco 

Two roads access Chaco Culture National Historical Park. From the north, Road 7900 turns off of US Hwy 550/44 three miles east of Nageezi and fifty miles west of Cuba. Continue on Road 7900 for five paved miles then turn right onto Road 7950 where the payment will continue for several miles. The rest of the thirteen miles are unpaved. From the south, turn north onto NM Rt. 57 for twenty miles of rough unpaved road. When the unpaved roads are wet (rain, snow, etc.) they can be difficult to traverse, and vehicles can become stuck in thick mud or slide off the slippery road. Please keep in mind that there is no phone service and it is sometimes difficult to get tow service along these roads. Please contact us at 505 786-7014 for the latest road conditions.

 Campfires in Gallo Campground

A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other manufactured or synthetic materials is prohibited.

Marijuana on Federal Lands

Posted: May 27, 2022, With the legalization of marijuana in the State of New Mexico, Chaco Culture National Historical Park would like to provide clarification regarding the use and possession of marijuana on Federal lands. The recently passed New Mexico State law, which allows for limited recreational marijuana use under certain conditions, has no bearing on Federal laws which continue to identify marijuana as a Schedule I illegal drug, and prohibit its use. 

Possession of marijuana or use of any amount of marijuana is still prohibited in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, its facilities, concessions, and campgrounds.

Recreation

The Visitor Center is located one mile from the Gallo Campground which offers a staffed information desk. There is an additional charge for Park entry separate from the camping fees. All campers are required to pay entrance fee at the Visitor Center or present a vaild pass. The Visitor Center offers a brief introductory information, a 25-minute introductory video and a bookstore with many selections of educational materials, books and gift items. After checking in at the Visitor Center, one can drive the canyon loop road where there are six front country and our backcountry hiking trails that lead to ancient cultural sites.

Facilities

Gallo Campground has 32 individual campsites, one of which is designated as handicapped accessible. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire grate. There are five campsites for RV ONLY and the remaining 27 campsites allow either tent, small RV or travel trailer. Please read details featured for each campsite before reserving. 

There are two (02) group campsites available to accommodate groups with 10-30 people, tent camping only. Each group campsite has picnic tables and a fire grate.

The campground has restroom facility with flushable toilets. There are no showers, hookups, convenience store or food services. There are no cell phone services. Please call 505 786-7014 for the lastest road condition.

Natural Features

Gallo Campground is located in a lowland desert surrounded by canyon walls, arroyos and wash with plenty of southwestern desert plants and brushes, but there are no trees.

Nearby Attractions

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is isolated from various towns and cities. Within two to three hour drive, there are some attractions such as Aztec Ruins, Salmon Ruins, Mesa Verde National Park, El Malpais National Monument, El Morro National Monument, Canyon De Chelly National Monument, Four Corners Monument, Navajo Nation Headquarters and Museum in Window Rock, Arizona.

Camp site features

Across 28 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 28 sites
  • Picnic table: all 28 sites
  • Pets allowed: 26 of 28 sites
  • Group sites: 2 of 28 sites
  • Longest RV: 41 ft
  • Largest party: 30 people
  • Equipment: CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, FIFTH WHEEL, PICKUP CAMPER, RV, Trailer

Fees

Several campsites were recently closed due to significant rock fall

Directions

From the North: Driving from Albuquerque or Farmington, NM, drive on Highway 550, exit to County Road (CR)7900 at mile marker 112; drive CR 7900 then turn westbound to CR 7950 which will turn into a dirt road after three miles. Drive thriteen miles of dirt road to reach Chaco Culture National Historical Park. From the South: Exit Highway 9 to State Road 57. State Road 57 is a rough dirt road for about twenty miles before reaching Chaco Culture National Historical Park. South entrance is not recommended during inclement weather.

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

969 reviews
5 stars
633
4 stars
221
3 stars
53
2 stars
27
1 stars
35
Sherie S
Loop:Gallo Campground
Site:
Reviewed 12 days ago
The access road to Chaco Canyon is quite challenging, but once at the visitor center and the campgrounds, all was good. Sites are well marked and roomy for all our RV and camping gear. Bathrooms were clean. There were several walking trails from the campgrounds, allowing us to roam around without moving the vehicle.
Carolyn G
Loop:Gallo Campground
Site:
Reviewed 16 days ago
I unknowingly put my 21' trailer in a tent spot. It was tight but I managed to squeeze in. The host was wonderful; the visitor's center was fabulous.
Clayton Y
Loop:Gallo Campground
Site:
Reviewed 16 days ago
Brian was the best camp host I have every had at a NPS campground!! Very hospitable, knowledgeable and always checked in on the campers. I was one of eight campers that was stranded at the campground due to heavy rains and raid closure. I was stuck in the park for 6 days and Brian was amazing!! You should do everything you can to keep him on as a camp host!!! The Ranger Brooke was fantastic as well! She coordinated a tour for the eight stranded campers that was incredible and fun! Ranger Peter was incredible! Peter checked in on me at the campground when I came in at night and in the rain. I reported to him inform about a person stranded on the road. He was cool, calm and very collected during the whole process and the rest of my stay when I was eventually able to exit the park. I called the front office to report my successful departure and Peter was there on the phone to take down the information I had gathered about road conditions. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers that took care of the stranded campers!!
Frank G
Loop:Gallo Campground
Site:
Reviewed 16 days ago
Great stay. Camp was clean and orderly. Camp Host was friendly, helpful and informative. The staff at the visitor center were great and helped me decide how to plan my stay. The hikes to both Pueblo Alto and Peñasco Blanco were well worth it. Getting up early and having Pueblo Bonito entirely to myself was a definite plus, the early morning light and shadow made for some great photos. The quiet of the place is truly remarkable as was the solitude. Great place to unplug.
Alexander J
Loop:Gallo Campground
Site:
Reviewed 20 days ago
Easy to check in at the visitor center, good services and bathrooms. Overall had a really magical time under the milky way!
Aisha L
Loop:Gallo Campground
Site:
Reviewed 20 days ago
Staying in the park is the best way to ensure you have time to appreciate all of Chaco. There are some hikes available directly from the campground, and some rock art also at the campground. Bathrooms were clean, water was flowing in October, and staff were very helpful.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve
Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 4% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 5 years of reservations.

Season dates

Peak season

Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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