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 |
12/5
12/12
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 (22)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 64% |
| 4 star | | 23% |
| 3 star | | 9% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 5% |
@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.
@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
@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
@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!
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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
@RobertW1226972 · Camped on Apr 8, 2023 at Campsite #5
Quiet, clean nicely spaced sites.
@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.
@carolyna117 · Camped on Oct 7, 2021 at Campsite #5
The campground was quiet and clean in a wonderful setting. The camp host was very personable and helpful.
This is a wonderful spot for camping and hiking.
This is a wonderful spot for camping and hiking.
@ZaneD556 · Camped on Sep 11, 2021 at Campsite #5
We had an amazing time. Camp grounds are well maintained and restrooms were clean. The road in is a little rough but not as bad as I though it was going to be. Camp sites are very close together with no privacy. Currently you can not have a camp fire but that did not lessen the experience at all. The night sky was amazing.
@MichaelS994 · Camped on Sep 5, 2021 at Campsite #5
Peaceful and calm. Love it.
@LouisP581 · Camped on Sep 2, 2021 at Campsite #5
Everything was great until Park Ranger Cody Cooper arrived at the park the morning I was checking out. The campground host, very nice woman, said that it was ok to cook with briquettes, after cooking breakfast along comes Mr. Authority. This kid doesn't even know the laws that he is supposed to enforce. Instead of asking the campground host if she gave me permission, he more or less called me a liar and after writing me a $180 dollar ticket and harassing me in the rain while I was packing up, he informed me that he would talk to the campground host and if she says that it was ok, he would void the ticket. I believe I would have asked her first. This kid needs a lesson in manners. I am a 100 % disabled veteran and I don't put up with stupid crap like this, nor should anyone else have to. Beautiful park.
@DebbieW943 · Camped on Aug 16, 2021 at Campsite #5
The destination is well worth the journey! Chaco Canyon is not just a physical presence but a spiritual one as well. The park rangers are very helpful with suggestions to fit your time frame. The camp ground is well maintained, bathrooms very clean and the camp host (Kathy) full of interesting information. I will be returning!!!
@ConradT992 · Camped on Jul 29, 2021 at Campsite #5
The park and campground were flooded out and cloaked and I was not able to stay there.
I’m still waiting for my refund.
I’m still waiting for my refund.
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