2007 Camping restrictions

Date: February 21, 2008
Contact: Visitor Center, [phone] ext. 221

Chaco’s Camping Will Be Extremely Limited Until Further Notice

Camping at Chaco Culture National Historical Park will be severely limited until further notice. The Gallo Campground septic system needs to be replaced. The park is working on emergency repairs, and will construct a small lift station system to safely move sewage to the park’s main wastewater treatment system. Until the new lift station is installed, the park has suspended all group camping and reduced the number of regular camp sites from 49 to 35. Campground capacity will be reduced to no more than 100 people per day, which will allow the park to safely maintain public health while providing reduced camping for visitors. Groups visiting Chaco will need to make alternative arrangements for camping, and regular campers are encouraged to have other camping options in the event the campground is full.  The park regrets this inconvenience.

The nearest camping options in the park’s immediate area include:

Cactus Hill: 13 miles north of the park along CR 7950 (dirt road), local Navajo elders Mary J. Harrison and John Begay, invite campers to camp on their property. Camping is primitive and campers must be self contained (i.e. bring own food, water and pack out all trash). Contact by email at: [e-mail] or call for more info at 505-860-5412 (leave message).

Ruby Ranch: A working cattle ranch 16 miles south of the park on Hwy 57 (rough dirt road) invites individuals and groups to camp at their ranch. There is unlimited camping ($5.00 per person/per night) at the ranch. Camping is primitive and campers will need to be self contained (i.e., bring their own food and water, pack out all trash and properly dispose of human waste). The ranch can accommodate large groups. Large groups may need to make arrangements to rent portable toilets through local vendors. Call Mickey or Amy Williams at [phone] for further details.

Blanco Trading Post:  A working trading post located at 12341 S. Hwy 550, 29 miles north of Chaco off US 550. Fourth generation traders Justin and Savannah Higgins invite individuals and groups to camp adjacent to their trading post ($5.00 per person/per night). Group rates are available. Restrooms and food service are available at the post during operating hours 6:30am to 9:00pm (summer). Water is available. Call (505)-632-1219 or e-mail: [e-mail] for more info. Visit their web site at: www.blancotradingpost.com.

Angel Peak Scenic Area:  A Scenic Area managed by Bureau of Land Managementis located 39 miles north of Chaco, off US 550 on CR 7175. Look for a turnoff just south of mile marker137. A dirt road leads 6 miles to the primitive campground. Angel Peak Campground has nine sites available for tent camping; each with picnic tables on a concrete underfoot, gravel pathways, and fire grates. Picnic shelters are located at three campsites; two with single shelters and one with a double shelter suitable for larger groups. Two accessible vault toilets and trash receptacles are conveniently located in the campground. A short nature trail winds among the plants that have found a niche along the desolate rim and leads to an overlook of the canyon where a bench is provided.

Outlier Campsites: The Outlier offers camping along with views of Mt. Taylor, a scenic trail, trash receptacles, portable toilet, and fire pits. Excursions also available (see pamphlet at site). Prices: $20.00 per camp site or $7.00 per person if more than 5 people. Located 21 miles south of park on Navajo Hwy 9; 2 miles east of Hwy 57 and Navajo 9 intersection. Watch for Outlier Camping signs on north side. For information, contact Steve Williams at [phone] or [e-mail].

Updated: June 15, 2009