5
Chaco Culture National Historical Park › New Mexico
› San Juan County
› Gallo Campground
› Campsite #5
Campsite #5 at Gallo Campground, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM
$20
Campsite #5
| Drive-In | 6 people |
| 20 ft | Back-In |
| 2 | fair |
3/8
3/13
Campsite #5 Features: Drive-In access, Back-In parking, 20ft driveway, Fire ring, Picnic Table, RV Site, Tent Site, Trailer Site, Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (25)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 60% |
| 4 star | | 24% |
| 3 star | | 12% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 4% |
@JosephR3961273 · Camped on Sep 27, 2025 at Campsite #5
We stayed at the campgrounds right before the Chaco ruins and it was very clean and well maintained. The bathrooms were also very clean. When we went to the visitor center the staff was very friendly as they always are at National Parks, the room showing everything was very informative and slightly interactive. Sadly they didnt have any artifacts on display and they had signs up saying why they were gone but I forgot what they said. However all of the Chaco ruins are crazy, being able to step back in time by just walking 5 minutes away from the car, its an unreal feeling. We did go for a stargazing event but it was raining almost all night. However, we eventually got a break in the clouds and the rain and we were stunned with a sky filled with stars. If you can definitely go for their events around this. They always have it when the moon is in the right spot so the moon light doesnt affect the sight of the stars. Well definitely be back for when its clear.
No Service
@KristinaZCC9EA · Camped on Jun 15, 2025 at Campsite #5
Had a fabulous time! I was beautiful and and amazing experience! The only suggestion I can give is... it would be nice to have some type of awning for shade at the tent sites. We were tent campers from Colorado and we had no shae so we left 1 say early because of the heat.But other than no shade it was amazing
No Service
@MIKEH4414321 · Camped on May 21, 2025 at Campsite #5
I had no negative experiences and the staff did what they were expected to do.
@RosemaryB08428 · Camped on Dec 6, 2024 at Campsite #5
Our experience at the Gallo Campground in Chaco Canyon was Fabulous! Road to get in was dry but we still only went 10-15 miles per hour in our 4x4 sprinter van , warm in the day , cold at night , bring wood and water
Major Issues
@ReneR1F85C2052 · Camped on Nov 18, 2024 at Campsite #5
Nice site, clean and well maintained. Bathrooms were clean and easily accessible. Not many Tennants since it was late in the season but turned out to be a great day to hike through Chaco's Pueblo's. Tough to decide which trip was better, Chaco or Mesa Verde. There both great!
Major Issues
@AndyB1366086 · Camped on Nov 3, 2024 at Campsite #5
Early November stay planned for 4 days during start of windy snow squall front. Decided on early departure due to nasty weather front. Nearly stranded due to mud conditions on south road out of Chaco. Well groomed sites, relatively easy access to toilets and water in building that is well maintained, reduced campground size due to areas being blocked from rockfall, and great place to be in golden light of dawn & dusk. No fires allowed, so plan on having gear to keep you occupied during night, either in tent or auto/RV. Highly recommend some sort of wind break or shelter.
No Service
@JeffM1730911 · Camped on Oct 25, 2024 at Campsite #5
We stayed in site 5 again. I was clean and ready to go. I was glad to see the west side restroom unlocked and available. No problems with Gallo.
No Service
@CrandallH4A61A · Camped on Sep 4, 2024 at Campsite #5
Small campground in a great location. Each campsite was had a tent pad and extra space for a second tent and the campsites with spaced out well. Pit toilets were clean and stocked with tp and hand sanitizer. Our site was surrounded by junipers and afforded a nice view of the valley. Our campers were very quiet.
No Service
@DevinH4230360 · Camped on Aug 12, 2024 at Campsite #5
Camped for one night. Explored the trail that led from the campground to the top of the mesa before an evening storm rolled in. Not much to block the wind. Facilities were fine and the campground was quiet, with fine views. Easy access to the visitor center and park loop road.
Major Issues
@JeniferTA19D4E · Camped on May 28, 2024 at Campsite #5
Great campground! Chaco at night is marvelous. The facilities and maintenance were NPS modern and clean. If you are prepared for the desert at night (it's cold), then you'll have a cool experience of vastness.
No Service
@JeffM1730911 · Camped on Mar 24, 2024 at Campsite #5
No problems other than 65 knot winds, snow and cold. You know, Chaco conditions...I hope you open up more camp sites.
No Service
@RobertS9225788 · Camped on Oct 25, 2023 at Campsite #5
The campsite had a nice bed for the tent. There wasn't much isolation from the neighboring sites, though, they are pretty much on top of one another. The have a nice eastern view which was great for the moon- and sun-rise.
@AndrewC2299590 · Camped on Sep 24, 2023 at Campsite #5
Nice campground, running water is great. Clean, no bugs or critters.. Scenery is amazing, Chaco is incredible in general. Lots of people and loud/lights, and to many RV's like most campgrounds these days, but mostly quiet around 9-10am. Hosts were excellent, very knowledgeable and nice. Would stay again or recommend for sure.
No Service
@EdwardA4E75D02 · Camped on Jun 19, 2023 at Campsite #5
Nice quiet campground. Wish the park service would install shade shelters on the sites. We tried using a portable shelter but with high winds it was pretty tough. Keep in mind you can't really just show up and expect to camp, nobody is around to help it's all internet reservations.
No Service
@DavidW7736336 · Camped on May 7, 2023 at Campsite #5
We thoroughly enjoyed Gallo Campground—it was a great base from which to all the sites. My only wish is that there were an exhibit showing the pottery types (it wouldn’t have to be bigger than one case as part of the whole site museum). Otherwise the exhibit is not very sstisfactory
No Service
@DavidW7736336 · Camped on May 7, 2023 at Campsite #5
We thoroughly enjoyed Gallo Campgroundit was a great base from which to all the sites. My only wish is that there were an exhibit showing the pottery types (it wouldnt have to be bigger than one case as part of the whole site museum). Otherwise the exhibit is not very sstisfactory
No Service
@RobertW1226972 · Camped on Apr 8, 2023 at Campsite #5
Quiet, clean nicely spaced sites.
@MaryF8191441 · Camped on Oct 18, 2022 at Campsite #5
A wonderful place as always. Unfortunately the campground is small and sites are necessarily close together. However people are generally very respectful regarding noise and generator use so it does remain a peaceful place. There were a number of empty sites that people did not cancel. Recreation.gov needs to find a way to incentivize people to cancel or to easily modify their reservation if they plan to arrive a day later. The current system actually penalizes people for changing their reservation.
No Service
@ReneeL6939274 · Camped on Sep 12, 2022 at Campsite #5
Nice quiet campground. That road to get there, though
No Service
@MichaelF110976 · Camped on Jul 28, 2022 at Campsite #5
I attempted to answer this before, but apparently my response didn't go through. Gallo campground was much too noisy. Campers ignore the 10 PM quiet hour requirement, and there is no enforcement. In our recent experience, people would talk late into the night, well after 10 PM. I had about 8 hours sleep over two nights.Chaco Canyon is one of the great spiritual centers in this country. However, it seems that too many folks camp at Chaco to socialize, not to absorb the spiritual energy of the place.My wife and I have visited Chaco many times, but the noise has only become worse with each visit. There is a campground host, but he/she is invisible. The host should go around every evening reminding campers that there is a quiet hour that should be obeyed. Other than that, there should be some enforcement procedure.Another recurrent problem is those who show up late in the evening. They invariably make too much noise getting set up. Perhaps there should be a site near the campground for late comers. A gate should be closed at 10 PM. Should there be an emergency within the campground, the host should be able to open the gate.We love Chaco and plan to vist in the future, but we may have to drive back and forth from Bloomington or Farmington to get any sleep,
@RonaldC5295622 · Camped on Feb 21, 2022 at Campsite #5
Nice campground with great sites. Very windy during our stay. Not sure if this common here. Had to anchor tent stakes with rocks to prevent pulling out in wind.
Some Coverage
@BRUCEL20709903 · Camped on Oct 22, 2021 at Campsite #5
Bad:1) The roads have not improved in the 5 years since our last visit. Terrible ruts. 2) The Chaco artifacts are still not displayed onsite after originally committed to at least 5 years ago.3) Many camp sites have closed without campground expansion to meet the growing need. There are no excuses for this.Good:1) Saw the elk herd. Wonderful to see the elk self repopulate without human interference.2) The ruins are beyond explanation. A must see.
No Service
@BruceL523 · Camped on Oct 22, 2021 at Campsite #5
Bad:
1) The roads have not improved in the 5 years since our last visit. Terrible ruts.
2) The Chaco artifacts are still not displayed onsite after originally committed to at least 5 years ago.
3) Many camp sites have closed without campground expansion to meet the growing need.
There are no excuses for this.
Good:
1) Saw the elk herd. Wonderful to see the elk self repopulate without human interference.
2) The ruins are beyond explanation. A must see.
1) The roads have not improved in the 5 years since our last visit. Terrible ruts.
2) The Chaco artifacts are still not displayed onsite after originally committed to at least 5 years ago.
3) Many camp sites have closed without campground expansion to meet the growing need.
There are no excuses for this.
Good:
1) Saw the elk herd. Wonderful to see the elk self repopulate without human interference.
2) The ruins are beyond explanation. A must see.
No Service
@MarjorieB55758 · Camped on Oct 15, 2021 at Campsite #5
Restrooms were surprisingly warm! Thank you for providing heaters during chilly weather. Very clean, and the camp host was pleasant. Experience was considerably better than anticipated. We will definitely be back. Cool things about the campground:1. Heated bathrooms <3 <3 <32. A level sand pad for tents. Bonus = eye bolts in the frame for attaching tie down ropes3. Paved surface for driving4. No cell service. Your time is your time, no interruptions from telemarketers :DThe only thing I would improve is having a dumpster for trash disposal- maybe it was there but we just didn't see it. We do PII/PIO anyway, so wasn't a big deal. Other things: Yes, the road into the park is washboard. Don't expect to go over 10-15 MPH on it. If it's been rainy, go even slower :) High clearance vehicles with 4wd helps. Bring all the food/beverages/gear you need for your stay. There's no shopping anywhere nearby.
No Service
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