Canyon De Chelly National Monument campgrounds operate within Navajo Nation lands, requiring visitors to follow specific tribal regulations. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 5,500 feet and experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Several camping areas near the monument remain open year-round, but facilities and water availability change seasonally.
What to do
Canyon exploration with guides: Authorized Navajo tour guides provide canyon floor access tours, as self-guided exploration is prohibited except on the White House Trail. A local camper notes, "Don't miss the hike down into the canyon to see the White House (named after the large cliff dwelling ruin cut into white rock)" at Spider Rock Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Wheatfields Lake, located about 30 minutes from Canyon De Chelly, offers fishing for rainbow trout. One visitor at Wheatfields Lake Campground shared: "Went fishing took my 12 footer aluminum boat caught a good amount of fish."
Hiking trails from camps: Some campgrounds offer direct trail access to viewpoints. At Spider Rock Campground, a camper mentioned: "There is a great hiking trail that starts at the campground and goes to the canyon."
What campers like
Quiet off-season camping: Winter and early spring provide nearly empty campgrounds. A visitor to Cottonwood Campground reported: "We were here in early February. We had the place all most to ourselves."
Shade from cottonwood trees: The mature trees at Cottonwood Campground provide valuable relief during hot months. One camper noted: "The interior sites have lots of cottonwood trees for shade. Not very busy either! We were here on Memorial Day weekend and there were still spots available."
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote areas, some campgrounds offer usable cell coverage. A camper at Cottonwood Campground shared: "Verizon = 3 bars."
What you should know
Seasonal water limitations: Water systems often shut down in colder months. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground reported: "Water refill station was closed for the winter."
Navajo Nation regulations: Alcohol and marijuana are prohibited throughout Navajo lands, including all campgrounds. As one camper noted: "This is Navajo Nation and there is no alcohol or marijuana use allowed."
Stray dogs: Free-roaming dogs are common at several campsites. One camper mentioned: "There are loose dogs hanging out everywhere," while another observed: "Stray dogs come in but they didn't bother us."
Variable facilities: Restroom and service availability changes frequently. A recent visitor noted: "Sewer is under repair so no dump station either."
Tips for camping with families
Plant hazards awareness: Some areas have vegetation that can cause problems. At Cottonwood Campground, one camper warned: "Be aware there are thorny Goat heads all over our dog had a tough time."
Security considerations: Keep valuables secure and don't leave equipment unattended. One camper shared: "Be careful what you leave out theft here is a problem, we had our bumper hitch stolen while we were in town shopping."
Local craft opportunities: Navajo artisans sell handmade items at pullouts along canyon roads. A visitor mentioned: "Just about each pull off has native vendors selling handmade art and goods."
Tips from RVers
Space limitations for larger rigs: Many sites can't accommodate larger vehicles. At Spider Rock Campground, a camper reported: "We have a 28' 5th wheel and after looking at the potential spots, had to back our way out. There is no way to turn around."
Dump station seasonal operations: The Cottonwood Campground dump station remains usable year-round even when water is shut off. One RVer noted: "Dump station easy to access with working black tank sprayer."
Pricing consistency: Most sites maintain standard pricing regardless of vehicle type. A camper shared: "$20/ night for all spots."
