Gallup sits at an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet with surrounding forest lands ranging from 7,000 to 8,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between seasons. The high desert climate produces cool nights even during summer months, with nighttime temperatures often dropping 30-40 degrees below daytime highs. Primitive campsites in the national forest areas around Gallup typically close from mid-December through March due to seasonal road closures.
What to do
Visit El Morro National Monument: Just 42 miles southeast of Gallup, the monument contains ancient inscriptions carved into sandstone bluffs. "Morro National monument nearby is spectacular," notes a camper staying at El Morro RV Park and Cabins, which offers full hookups and cabin rentals minutes from the monument.
Hike Church Rock Trail: This moderate 3-mile trail near Gallup offers distinctive red rock formations and desert scenery. "Church Rock Trial and Pyramid Rock Trail are both about 3 to 3 and a half miles round trip from the campground. Your surrounded by desert on one side and dark red stone on the other," reports a visitor at Red Rock Park & Campground.
Explore Forest Service roads: The mountain roads through Cibola National Forest provide scenic drives with wildlife viewing opportunities. "Lots of fun and scenic driving. Spur trails are good 4x4 drives. The main road is 2wd friendly for a long way, with probably 10-15 camping sites/options along the way," writes a camper who stayed at Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Travelers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at established campgrounds. "Wonderful facility. Level sites. Cleaner than clean restrooms and laundry facility. Great store and great staff," writes a reviewer at USA RV Park, which maintains full-hookup RV sites and cabin rentals just off I-40.
Secluded camping spots: For those seeking more distance between campsites, forest service roads provide better options. "The valley road cuts through green canyon bluffs and rolling hills with good tree coverage. Lots of fun and scenic driving," notes a reviewer about Six Mile Canyon's dispersed camping options.
Natural shade: The high elevation forests around Gallup provide natural cooling. "Nice campground, camp sites are nicely spaced, plenty of shade under the pines, sites have picnic tables and fire pits," writes a visitor about Quaking Aspen Campground located at 8,000 feet elevation, providing respite from summer heat.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most forest service roads close during winter months. "The gate at the end of the road is closed Dec. 15 to March 31," reports a Six Mile Canyon visitor, while another notes similar closures at Turkey Springs: "This site is closed from December 15 to March 31."
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping areas varies with weather. "Don't drive the road after a rain," warns a Six Mile Canyon visitor, while another notes, "Six Mile canyon road off I40 is a bit rough in places. I did fine in my pro master but if it's muddy or wet I wouldn't attempt it without 4WD."
Primitive amenities: Most dispersed sites offer no facilities. "No running water but there's an outhouse toilet that's clean enough and a dumpster for waste," explains a visitor at Turkey Springs, where camping is free but services limited.
Tips for camping with families
Meal planning flexibility: Delivery services reach some campgrounds near Gallup. "We were able to get pizza delivered to our RV site which was a big hit with the kids," shares a USA RV Park camper, offering a convenient meal option after a day of activities.
Elevation preparedness: Higher elevations around Gallup mean cooler temperatures. "It was cool and shady in August so we quite enjoyed it as a stopover," notes a visitor at Quaking Aspen Campground, highlighting the need to pack layers even during summer months.
Wildlife awareness: Larger animals inhabit the Zuni Mountains. "We saw abundant wildlife while working in the Zunis, including several brown bears, deer, and elk. While we didn't have any run ins with these guy in camp, be aware that large animals are present in the area," advises a camper who stayed at Quaking Aspen.
Tips from RVers
Budget-friendly options: Established RV parks near Gallup offer reasonable rates for full-hookup sites. "They had all of the amenities I wanted, showers clean bathrooms, lots of pull through sites, and a pool. Just a mile off of I-40. I thought it was very well priced," explains a USA RV Park guest.
Level site selection: Campgrounds vary in site preparation. "The sites with power were already taken, but we can boondock and the pull-through sites were great," shares a visitor at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, located 30 miles east of Gallup.
Military discounts: Some pet friendly camping options near Gallup offer special rates. "Full hookups with military and good sam discounts. We've stayed here before and we will again. A dog park, showers, rest rooms and laundry available," notes a USA RV Park reviewer, mentioning benefits for service members traveling with pets.
