Chaco Canyon campground to re-open 9/17!

[hikeaz]

I was at Chaco yesterday and learned that after months of closure for improvements the Chaco Canyon campground is scheduled to re-open on the 17th of this month, but will have limited services (ie. no water at CG but is available @ Visitor Center, port-a-potties on a temporary basis). Each site has a picnic table and fire grate (with a grill). Bring your own firewood or charcoal. ) Sites are $10.00 a night.
Late September/Early October is a perfect time to get out and explore Chaco Canyon.
Due to the extensive attractions there, I'd suggest at least 2 full days there; if you enjoy ruins, 3 would be ideal.
No stores nearby - bring in what you need. It may be a worthwhile (short) detour to stop by Window Rock on the way to/from as well.

[BobP]

Thanks beer mug backpacking guy. I mean Socialpelli. Thanks Kurt. I'm putting it on my wish list which means I have to do it sooner or later

[PaleoRob]

It was partially open last summer (2008). The RV loop was closed due to a sewer issue. Glad to hear it is fully operational again. An awesome place. At least two-three days needed to scratch the surface.

[azbackpackr]

In my experience it is usually MOBBED. We got there on a Saturday, late afternoon, in October a few years ago, and there were no empty campsites anywhere. A very nice man invited us to share his campsite. As I recall, you couldn't get reservations in advance. Just a word of warning--this was on a weekend. Maybe now with the bad economy there are fewer big RVs going out to those remote spots, but at the time it was filled with early snowbirds. Bad roads notwithstanding, a lot of big motorhomes and old people out there. Tent camp was full, too. We tented in the RV area, though.

It's a must-see place, but I haven't wanted to return. Too crowded for me.

[RedRoxx44]

Go in winter and during the week. I camped there ALONE in the campground and toured Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl solo. I saw a park ranger and then a couple in a vehicle as I was leaving. It was colder than Hades but I loved the solitude. My first trip there was over a Memorial Day weekend. It was busy but when some storms came quite a few people left. By getting up at first light again I had Bonito to myself to do photography. I don't like touristy places but this one makes my top list.

[PaleoRob]

In my experience it is usually MOBBED. We got there on a Saturday, late afternoon, in October a few years ago, and there were no empty campsites anywhere. A very nice man invited us to share his campsite. As I recall, you couldn't get reservations in advance. Just a word of warning--this was on a weekend. Maybe now with the bad economy there are fewer big RVs going out to those remote spots, but at the time it was filled with early snowbirds. Bad roads notwithstanding, a lot of big motorhomes and old people out there. Tent camp was full, too. We tented in the RV area, though.

It's a must-see place, but I haven't wanted to return. Too crowded for me.

It can be crowded, but we were able to get a campsite with limited spaces in 2008 on the solstice. Had solitude on the Penasco Blanco trail. Didn't have a problem getting a spot in July of 2003 either. Maybe because it is blazing hot! There is a private ranch a few miles south of Chaco that allows campers for the same fee as the Chaco campground. No water or toilet, but they're not going to run out of space either.

[big_load]

This could be a November trip for me. Maybe I need a warmer bag, though.