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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.

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

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.

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.

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.

azbackpackr wrote: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.

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