Counselor is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
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 sixteen 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 difficlut 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. Marijuana on Federal Lands Posted: 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 of marijuana or use of any amount of marijuana is still prohibited in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, its facilities, concessions, and campgrounds.
The Visitor Center is located one mile from the Gallo Campground which offers a staffed information desk. There is an additional charge for Park entry separate from the camping fees. All campers are required to pay entrance fee at the Visitor Center or present a vaild pass. The Visitor Center offers a brief introductory information, a 25-minute introductory video and a bookstore with many selections of educational materials, books and gift items. After checking in at the Visitor Center, one can drive the canyon loop road where there are six front country and our backcountry hiking trails that lead to ancient cultural sites.
Gallo Campground is located in a lowland desert surrounded by canyon walls, arroyos and wash with plenty of southwestern desert plants and brushes, but there are no trees.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is isolated from various towns and cities. Within two to three hour drive, there are some attractions such as Aztec Ruins, Salmon Ruins, Mesa Verde National Park, El Malpais National Monument, El Morro National Monument, Canyon De Chelly National Monument, Four Corners Monument, Navajo Nation Headquarters and Museum in Window Rock, Arizona.
$60 / night
The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a rolling landscape of badlands which offers some of the most unusual scenery found in the Four Corners Region. Time and natural elements have etched a fantasy world of strange rock formations made of interbedded sandstone, shale, mudstone, coal, and silt. The weathering of the sandstone forms hoodoos - weathered rock in the form of pinnacles, spires, cap rocks, and other unusual forms. Fossils occur in this sedimentary landform. Translated from the Navajo language, Bisti (Bis-tie) means "a large area of shale hills." De-Na-Zin (Deh-nah-zin) takes its name from the Navajo words for "cranes". Because of the climate, most of the visits occur in the late spring/early summer and in the fall. Since this is a Wilderness Area, it is closed to motorized vehicles and mechanical forms of transportation (mountain bikes included). Also prohibited are campfires, collecting fossils or petrified wood, climbing on delicate geologic features, traveling in groups of more than eight people, and trespassing on adjacent tribal lands. Permits are required for uses such as grazing, scientific research, and commercial guiding. Though these trailheads are off regularly maintained roads, they are not paved. County Road 7500 can become extremely slick and impassible when wet. Conditions of roads can change at any time due to weather. Drivers should avoid dirt roads during rain or snow. Drivers should be cautious of wash-out following rain or snowmelt. Though camping in the Wilderness is a rewarding experience, there are no water sources. Visitors must carry all the water they will need for the duration of the trip.
$20 - $40 / night
Campground is closed for current season of use. Coyote Ranger District @ 575-638-5526 for current status
The Rio Chama is a developed no-fee campground where reservations are not required. Located along the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River, the developed campground offers a great place for families,
Ten individual campsites each include a picnic table and a campfire ring. RV's up to 20 feet can be accommodated in only a few sites. No potable water, or hookups.
Less than two hours from the city of Albuquerque, Rio de las Vacas Campground offers a cool oasis from the New Mexico heat. Visitors delight in the hiking and fishing opportunities available in the shade of the pine covered Jemez Mountains. A few of the campsites have the creek running along them, providing a soothing atmosphere for campers.
Local streams and the San Gregorio reservoir provide fishing opportunities for anglers, and hikers will delight in the many hiking opportunities in the nearby San Pedro Parks Wilderness.
The campground is located amid stunning ponderosa pines in close proximity to the Rio de las Vacas. The campground has a beautiful open meadow and scenic views of the surrounding Jemez Mountains. Fall brings migrating birds through the campground and the sounds of elk bugling to impress potential mates.
The San Pedro Parks Wilderness, just north of the Rio de las Vacas Campground, offers easy and scenic day hikes. The minimal grade increases of the trails into the San Pedro Parks make this wilderness an ideal backpacking destination for beginners and experienced backpackers alike. Three main trailheads, the San Gregorio, Palomas and Los Pinos, are within driving distance of the campground.
$10 / night
$5 - $14 / night
$8 - $18 / night
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 sixteen 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 difficlut 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. Marijuana on Federal Lands Posted: 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 of marijuana or use of any amount of marijuana is still prohibited in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, its facilities, concessions, and campgrounds.
The Visitor Center is located one mile from the Gallo Campground which offers a staffed information desk. There is an additional charge for Park entry separate from the camping fees. All campers are required to pay entrance fee at the Visitor Center or present a vaild pass. The Visitor Center offers a brief introductory information, a 25-minute introductory video and a bookstore with many selections of educational materials, books and gift items. After checking in at the Visitor Center, one can drive the canyon loop road where there are six front country and our backcountry hiking trails that lead to ancient cultural sites.
Gallo Campground is located in a lowland desert surrounded by canyon walls, arroyos and wash with plenty of southwestern desert plants and brushes, but there are no trees.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is isolated from various towns and cities. Within two to three hour drive, there are some attractions such as Aztec Ruins, Salmon Ruins, Mesa Verde National Park, El Malpais National Monument, El Morro National Monument, Canyon De Chelly National Monument, Four Corners Monument, Navajo Nation Headquarters and Museum in Window Rock, Arizona.
$60 / night
The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a rolling landscape of badlands which offers some of the most unusual scenery found in the Four Corners Region. Time and natural elements have etched a fantasy world of strange rock formations made of interbedded sandstone, shale, mudstone, coal, and silt. The weathering of the sandstone forms hoodoos - weathered rock in the form of pinnacles, spires, cap rocks, and other unusual forms. Fossils occur in this sedimentary landform. Translated from the Navajo language, Bisti (Bis-tie) means "a large area of shale hills." De-Na-Zin (Deh-nah-zin) takes its name from the Navajo words for "cranes". Because of the climate, most of the visits occur in the late spring/early summer and in the fall. Since this is a Wilderness Area, it is closed to motorized vehicles and mechanical forms of transportation (mountain bikes included). Also prohibited are campfires, collecting fossils or petrified wood, climbing on delicate geologic features, traveling in groups of more than eight people, and trespassing on adjacent tribal lands. Permits are required for uses such as grazing, scientific research, and commercial guiding. Though these trailheads are off regularly maintained roads, they are not paved. County Road 7500 can become extremely slick and impassible when wet. Conditions of roads can change at any time due to weather. Drivers should avoid dirt roads during rain or snow. Drivers should be cautious of wash-out following rain or snowmelt. Though camping in the Wilderness is a rewarding experience, there are no water sources. Visitors must carry all the water they will need for the duration of the trip.
Campground is closed for current season of use. Coyote Ranger District @ 575-638-5526 for current status
The Rio Chama is a developed no-fee campground where reservations are not required. Located along the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River, the developed campground offers a great place for families,
Ten individual campsites each include a picnic table and a campfire ring. RV's up to 20 feet can be accommodated in only a few sites. No potable water, or hookups.
Ranger
Stayed in site 12 which was wedged between handicapped spot next to toilets and next RV over. Very small area although other campsites did not all appear so small.
Nice dog-friendly hike on wajiji trail which begins from campground, crosses road and is out and back of~3.2 mi in total. Otherwise, dogs not allowed on trails in park.
As noted here, the road can be rough, and we accessed Chaco off Hwy 550 (we were told that accessing Chaco from other direction can be even more dicey if roads are wet). Road was washboard and beware of steel protrusions on sides of road which can be sharp. We made it fine in camper van but went slow.
Scout
We expected a campground that was spread out, fire rings and vault toilets. It was perfect. The camp sites were far apart and you could chose between open meadows or in the trees. Hiking trails from the campground. Beautiful area.
Ranger
Traveling to Colorado from Albuquerque NM and this was a perfect place to camp. Arrived early Friday afternoon and got the only spot left our 26' toy hauler would fit in.
If you get there later in the afternoon on a weekend you will have a hard time finding a place in the official camping spots but you can disperse camp if the camp ground area is full.
We had good cell service with Verizon. It was cold for us but we had a nice fire to keep us warm.
Guide
This is not desert Rose campground but Morris campground. An old KOA from the '70s. Very well maintained and clean. Very friendly staff and helpful. Would stay again.
Ranger
We spent two nights here. I think I would’ve chosen the loop with campsites 1 through 19 instead of the other loop that we stayed at. We were in campsite 26 and it was a little difficult to get our trailer into it because we had to back uphill. Also, the other loop most likely would have a view overlooking the lake more. The showers were very nice and they do have a dump station. My only complaint I guess would be the road in from the main highway was pretty rough and had lots of potholes. That road is about 17 miles long.
Scout
Jemez is a popular camping destination. There are boon docking and campgrounds available. I do not recommend trying to bring a rig of any size through the Gilman tunnels. Best access for large rigs is taking 126 and accessing FS 376 from that route.
The Jemez are by far our favorite mountains to camp in within a 3 hr radius of my home.
Guide
31/2 miles gravel road good shape
Scout
Pulled in on Sunday afternoon and there was no staff. Parked and paid $20 Monday morning. They have power and water. Dump station. I did not ask about WiFi.
GuideJust arrived at Angel Peak dispersed campground near Bloomfield NM. It's Monday July 9th 2024. We stayed one night. The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape. Only one other camper in the entire area. This is completely dry camping. No potable water nor electricity. However, each site has a fire ring, picnic table and shade shelter. Everything is very tidy. Only a small bit of litter in the fire ring. Clean vault toilet nearby. Strong 5G TMobile cell signal.
Traveler
This campsite is beautiful and right next to the lake. Perfect for some chill camping. There are multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups. The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering the other campers. You need a bit of clearance to be able to drive the road but not much as my Crosstrek did it great. Even on July 4th this site wasn’t busy. We only saw one other camper since most people choose to pay for a campground right on the lake
ScoutHad camped back here 7 years ago, it's currently closed for forest management purposes. Found some camping on 106, but that's also closed at the slash pit.
LegendThis campground is not easy to get to, so get your head around that. The last 5 miles of the unpaved road getting to the park boundary will be a challenge, so take it slllooow. It is worth it, and you’ll have fewer crowds at this amazing place.
The campground is similar to many national parks, with nicely spaced out, no hook up campsites. The toilets are clean and well maintained, flush toilets, and sinks, but no showers. Water is available throughout the campground, and there’s a big sink for dumping your dish water.
The campground is ideal for solar power, as is the New Mexico weather. We also had no problem connecting with Starlink, but there was no LTE or phone service to speak of.
Hiking in the park is simply stunning. With the ruins of the Chaco Culture all around, you can pick your adventure or simply drive the park loop road, stopping to wander through the remains of this vibrant place that was once the heart of a vast cultural empire.
Cycling is also a great option -- bike/ hike your way around the park from the campground. The visitor’s center is good, and worth spending some time in. The closest town with services is a long long way away, in any direction, so come prepared with your supplies, food, etc.
There is a convenience store/ gas station about 20 miles out, but the drive back along the rough road will take an hour in an RV.
This park is so worth a visit and the campground makes it easy to stay for as long as you can to soak up the solitude of this simply amazing place!
GuideGallo Campground is the place to stay to visit the Chaco Canyon ruins. It's very small and very difficult to get to given the state of the dirt roads through tribal lands. Unless an RV is designed for this type of environment, it would be better to stay elsewhere and drive in with an AWD vehicle. The location is remote so be sure to bring drinking water and all the food you need. There is very little water in the region, so the facilities are limited. There are bathrooms and a place to wash dishes, but nothing else. The camp hosts are kind and helpful. We were able to view the Milky Way on one night of our stay. The visitor center is nearby, but most of the artifacts have been removed for safe keeping as there are issues with the building. They have an excellent selection of books on Chaco to purchase. The trails are well kept and closely watched by the rangers due to the sacred nature of the fragile structures. It was well worth any inconvenience for the privilege of seeing this amazing, sacred place.
GuideI didn’t realize some sites are for RVs and some are for tents. I sleep in the back of my pick up truck and was stuck in the middle of RVs running their generators. Still loved the area. Great hiking right off the campground. Nice restrooms. 
TravelerStayed overnight on the way to Chaco. Quiet, clean bathrooms, spectacular views.
GuideNot at all what we expected. Amazing views. At thus time if year, only a couple of other RVers out here.
ScoutLet me say WOW! Beautiful campground. Great facilities. C The lookout and trail is something you don't want to miss.
Legend
Owners Wayne & Yolanda have created a space for camping with desert all around. It was a great place to see the annular eclipse and , most importantly, a safe place to leave our trailer so we didn't have to take it on the rough road into Chaco Culture Heritage Site.
There are no amenities and during the eclipse we were charged 40.00/nt. However, the space was fairly level and the owners were lovely folks, very hospitable. I'd definitely recommend utilizing their evolving campground while visiting Chaco.
GuideSights were incredible from site, easy to find. Woke up to amazing views.
Ranger
Stopped on our way to Moab.
Needed an overnight stay and wanted hookups to dump and get some water.
Theresa’s worked for us. Theresa was really nice and we came in at dark.
$30 got us a pull through site with water sewer and 50 amp electric. 30 amp also available.
Spot was gravel/ground up asphalt, bit actually close to level.
It was chilly (low 30s) at night but water still turned on.
There is some highway noise but we got a good nights sleep.
Guide
This is a nice spot next to the river, there are a couple of hiking trails. I was there during the week and it was pretty quiet
ScoutWent for the eclipse arrived here late. Sleeping in the prius so was easy to find a spot. Washboard road but managed without issue. Service is available though not the best coverage I was able to stream.
ScoutThank For This Update. I Am Finding This From Long Time Thank You Castle APk
ScoutThe road is a bit rough, but easy access and close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp. Fire pits set up, the first area is a big open space with a beautiful cliff view, we had it to ourselves but could be busy, if you drive further up there are areas to camp that would have more privacy if needed. Very quiet and peaceful. It does get cold at night since at approximately 8,000 elevation.
TravelerWe got there on a Friday and had our pick of sites. We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out. Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all. You can see every star on a clear night. The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane. But a woman managed it in a Jaguar so not too bad just go slow. Rustic and relaxing.
Guide
We found a secluded spot, not on the river. It was nice due to the area being overwhelmed with people. Overall it was enjoyable but can be a long winding journey for those that are impatient.
GuideThis camping spot is awesome but can be busy at times. One down side being close to the river is the bugs, literally thousands of them can make it unpleasant. Outside of that the spot on the river is fantastic for viewing pleasure. You can certainly find valuable relaxation here.
Camping near Counselor, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and rich cultural history. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Counselor, New Mexico, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards that come with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Counselor, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, Counselor, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 57 campgrounds and RV parks near Counselor, NM and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Counselor, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Counselor, NM is Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park with a 4.4-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Counselor, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Counselor, NM.
What parks are near Counselor, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Counselor, NM that allow camping, notably Abiquiu Lake and Cochiti Lake.
