Camping spots near Counselor, New Mexico sit at elevations between 5,500-7,000 feet in high desert badlands terrain dominated by sandstone formations. The region typically receives less than 12 inches of annual rainfall, creating a stark landscape where temperature fluctuations of 40°F between day and night occur regularly. Most camping areas require vehicles with adequate clearance due to unpaved access roads that become hazardous during seasonal monsoon rains.
What to do
Explore ancient ruins: Chaco Culture National Historical Park offers remarkable archaeological experiences accessible from Gallo Campground. "Looking at pictures of these dwellings I had always expected that they'd be fenced off and observed from a distance, but you actually get to walk around INSIDE these buildings that were constructed from the 800s-1200s AD," reports one visitor who noted seeing "a divet in the landscape that is believed to be part of a superhighway of trade that ran all the way to Mexico."
Night sky observation: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Chaco is a dark skies park, so night sky gazing is fantastic on clear nights when the moon isn't shining," explains a camper who recommends attending "the astro-archeology park staff talks by the telescope" which "show how the ruins line up with canyon walls and celestial phenomenon."
Hiking unusual terrain: The otherworldly formations at Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area create an alien landscape for exploration. "I was pretty confused getting here," notes one camper, suggesting visitors should follow "online instructions from the blm website instead of using the pin." Another recommends using "Gaia GPS to pinpoint our coordinates to the 'cool' spots" though they "ended up getting detoured due to really cool formations all over the place."
What campers like
Canyon rim views: Campers praise the dramatic vistas from Angel Peak NM Badlands where "covered picknick tables and good pit toilets" complement the setting. "This is one of the most stunning views we have experienced! It is worth the 6 mile drive in," writes one visitor who advises looking "for the sign Angel peak scenic area. It is a gravel road."
Riparian access: Rio Chama offers water-based recreation opportunities uncommon in the high desert. "We chose a secluded site and the only people we saw were kayakers," reports a camper who enjoyed the area's versatility: "There are hiking spots, the echo amphitheater, and a monastery to visit. We even made objects from the clay in the river. Then fired them in the camp fire."
Thermal protection: Strategic shade structures at established campgrounds provide essential relief from intense sun. "There is a parking lot area with sites surrounding it on three sides. The set up allows for privacy between the sites which are nestled in among the rocks and plants," explains a Gallo Campground visitor who appreciated this thoughtful design during hot weather.
What you should know
Water limitations: Most dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency. "There is currently no potable water at the campground but water is available at the Visitors Center a short drive down the road," notes one camper about Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Elevation weather effects: The region's high altitude creates extreme temperature variations and unpredictable conditions. "Prepare for cold nights and intermittent rain, hail, and high winds, even during the 'summer' season. We experienced day time temps of 70s-80s and nighttime drops to the low 40s," writes a camper who witnessed "significant afternoon hail storms" that "nicely saturated everything."
Indigenous considerations: Remember you're visiting culturally significant sites. "Please do remember you're on another people's homeland, and treat all interactions with respect, like a polite guest should," advises a visitor noting that "indigenous people, the descendants of Chaco's creators, still live nearby and make use of Chaco today for ceremonies."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Certain campgrounds offer designated children's areas. At Gallo Campground, "there's a playground next to site 14 and this is a GREAT loop for folks with kids. If you're not a kid person, you'd probably prefer a different loop."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting native animals in their natural habitat. "We scared off a bunch of elk," recounts a camper at Chaco Culture Park who encountered wildlife during a trail run "up toward the older, smaller site."
Educational programming: Take advantage of ranger-led activities at Angel Peak Scenic View Campground. "The lookout and trail is something you don't want to miss," recommends a visitor. Another camper suggests families should "stay here on your way to Mesa Verde or Arches or Canyonland" to incorporate the site into a larger educational trip.
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: Check power reliability at established campgrounds. At Theresa's RV Park, one RVer reported: "I got my money's worth from my EMS that day! We got a reverse polarity error!!! Fortunately, the site near us was close enough I could run my power cable that way."
Level sites: Many areas require additional equipment for stable setup. "Sites are uneven, we had to add blocks to keep our motorhome from being held in the air by the jacks," notes an RVer who suggests bringing leveling equipment to camping areas throughout the region.
Road access limitations: Large rigs face significant challenges on unmaintained roads. "The entrance to the trailhead is a fairly tight turn from the east, narrow, somewhat U-shaped and sporty," explains an RVer who visited Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trailhead, recommending that RVers coming from the east should "try to turn around and entering the trailhead from the west" to avoid difficult maneuvering.
