Gallo Campground

Star4.34
1.1K reviews
P.O. Box 220, Nageezi, NM, 87037, USA
Stargazing

Quick Facts

6,690 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service (NPS) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Gallo Campground
$20.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual sites are priced at $20 per night, while group sites (tent-only) accommodate 10-30 people for $60 per night. Additional reservation fees...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
505-786-7014 x221Chcu_Interpretation@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 1.1K reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Reviews of Gallo Campground are mixed, with many praising its proximity to Chaco Canyon's ruins and its dark sky designation for stargazing. However, recurrent complaints include the rough roads leading to the campground, lack of shade, and limited privacy."

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 220, Nageezi, NM, 87037, USA

Gallo Campground

P.O. Box 220, Nageezi, NM, 87037, USA

Driving directionsFrom the North: Driving from Albuquerque or Farmington, NM, take Highway 550, exit to County Road (CR) 7900 at mile marker 112; drive CR 7900 then turn westbound to CR 7950, which becomes a dirt road after three miles. Drive thirteen miles of dirt road to reach Chaco Culture National Historical Park. From the South: Exit Highway 9 to State Road 57, which is a rough dirt road for about twenty miles before reaching Chaco Culture National Historical Park. South entrance is not recommended during inclement weather.
Access to the campground is challenging, with rough, unpaved roads for 16 miles from the north and 20 miles from the south. In wet conditions, roads can become impassable due to mud and slippery surfaces. Travelers often report severe washboarding and potholes on CR 7950 and NM Rt. 57.
Nearby places
Farmington, NM - approximately 75 miles (1.5 hours drive)
Albuquerque, NM - approximately 150 miles (3 hours drive)
Cuba, NM - approximately 50 miles (1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and fuel can be found in Cuba, NM (approximately 50 miles away) and Farmington, NM (approximately 75 miles away). Campers should bring all essentials, as the park does not offer food services or supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Gallo Campground

Summer transforms Gallo into a land of dramatic contrasts, where blazing desert days give way to refreshingly cool nights perfect for stargazing. Winter brings its own fierce beauty with bone-chilling temperatures that demand proper preparation. Throughout the year, powerful winds sweep across the open landscape, carrying the essence of the high desert. Be aware that seasonal rains and winter snows can transform access roads into impassable muddy channels, adding to the campground's remote, adventurous character.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Blazing desert days and high winds; cool nights good for stargazing but heat reduces daytime comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Milder temps and steady access make fall a pleasant season for hiking and stargazing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Comfortable temperatures and good hiking/stargazing conditions make spring a strong season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round; heated bathrooms help but wind, snow squalls and frozen pipes pose challenges.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Year-round peak pricing of $20 per night applies to individual campsites.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, with reservations available on a rolling 3-month basis. Certain sites may close during winter months or due to safety issues like rockfalls.
  • Current Alerts: Some campsites are closed due to rockfalls. Campers are advised to check road conditions prior to arrival.

About Gallo Campground

Escape to the raw beauty of Gallo Campground, where 32 individual sites and two group camping areas nestle within the mystical landscape of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. This remote desert sanctuary invites adventurous souls to sleep under infinite stars while surrounded by thousand-year-old petroglyphs, mysterious inscriptions, and ancient cliff dwellings that whisper stories of the past. Here, modern camping meets ancient history in one of the Southwest's most captivating archaeological wonderlands.
Gallo Campground offers a mix of camping options suitable for both individuals and groups, with accommodations for tents, RVs, and group camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit and up to 30 total nights per calendar year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Gallo Campground can enjoy stargazing, hiking, and exploring ancient ruins. The campground is a great base for exploring the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, including its many archaeological sites and hiking trails.
HikingHiking is one of the most popular activities, with trails leading to ancient ruins and other cultural sites such as Pueblo Bonito. Visitors can also access backcountry trails that provide unique views of the canyon. Reviews mention the ease of access to trails from the campground.
BikingCycling is possible, with some visitors using bikes to explore Chaco Canyon's ruins and trails. However, the rough roads leading to the campground make transporting bicycles challenging.
Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities to view desert wildlife, including coyotes and birds of prey. Reviews mention the unique experience of hearing coyotes and other wildlife at night.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led tours and evening programs are available to educate visitors about the Chacoan culture and archaeological significance of the area. Astronomy programs highlighting the area's dark skies are a particular highlight.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions are hazardous during wet weather, and extreme heat or cold can pose risks. Wildlife such as coyotes may be present.
Active AlertsSome campsites are closed due to rockfalls. Campers are advised to check road conditions prior to arrival.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Gallo Campground

Reviews

4.3
1.1K reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Gallo Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Gallo Campground are mixed, with many praising its proximity to Chaco Canyon's ruins and its dark sky designation for stargazing. However, recurrent complaints include the rough roads leading to the campground, lack of shade, and limited privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 1084 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean and heated bathrooms, excellent stargazing opportunities, and proximity to archaeological sites. Many reviewers also commend the helpfulness of the campground hosts.
Based on 1084 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the washboard and poorly-maintained roads leading to the campground, lack of shade structures, and the close proximity of campsites leading to limited privacy.
Based on 1084 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water, food, and shade structures as there are no nearby services. The roads can be challenging, so drive a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle if possible. Campers recommend visiting...
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Based on 1084 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visits are marked by extreme heat and high winds, making shade essential for comfort. Winter campers appreciate the heated bathrooms, but note challenges with frozen pipes and occasional...
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Based on 1084 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The stars!" - Teresa D. "Best volunteer camp host ever!" - Martha B. "Road in was rough, but the camp was worth it." - John H. "Clean bathrooms and a dark sky park make this a must-visit." - Sheila...
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Based on 1084 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight group sites as being noisy but well-equipped. Campsites near the cliffs, such as #25, are praised for their views. Site #10 is noted for its proximity to bathrooms but...
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Based on 1084 reviews

Accessibility Features

One campsite is wheelchair accessible. Reviews of accessibility features are limited but note the paved roads and heated bathrooms as helpful.
Based on 1084 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviews emphasize the need for leashes and note that some areas restrict pets. Noise from dogs is occasionally mentioned as a concern.
Based on 1084 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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