About GALLO CAMPGROUND
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 CampgroundA 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 LandsPosted: 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
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to GALLO CAMPGROUND
Heading to GALLO CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for GALLO CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for GALLO CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250009) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to GALLO CAMPGROUND?
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 a…
How do I contact GALLO CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 505-786-7014 x221 or email: Chcu_Interpretation@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
