Jim H.recommendsApril 26, 2024
Horse-Thief Campground
Great location, friendly owners
For years we have wanted to visit Chaco Canyon during one of our trips through the Southwest, but hauling our Airstream over the roads in to the campground there was a non-starter after talking to friends who had been there, spending a half day getting to and from Chaco from campgrounds in Farmington wasn't a good option and dispersed camping sites were sketchy. When we found Horsethief Campground this year it offered a solution to our dilemma. Horsethief is located right at the end of the paved road leading into Chaco. It's a dry camping area with a vault toilet, for $40 a night. I've never paid that much for a dry camping site, but in this case it was worth it. Not only were we able to avoid beating up our trailer or spending hours commuting, but the site itself is quiet and secure, so we had the dark sky experience of the area and an enthusiastic welcome from Wayne and Yolanda and learned about their plans for the site. We were able to spend 3 days exploring the wonders of Chaco thanks to their efforts to make this alternative available for visitors to this unique area.
Paul D.recommendsApril 18, 2024
Horse-Thief Campground
Camping away from the crowd
Wayne was very accommodating. The campground is easy to find, provides a quiet and relaxing view of the stars, and has good proximity to Chaco canyon. The Port-o-Pot was clean, had toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The closest gas station is 30 minutes away which is convenient while you're in the backcountry. I preferred this to the crowded campground inside Chaco (at least in April). Also, fires are allowed which is not the case inside Chaco. Recommended
Connie C.recommendsApril 16, 2024
Horse-Thief Campground
A great jump off point to Chaco
The campsite is basically an open area with no amenities but that is exactly all it needs to be. It is placed perfectly for a day trip to Chaco Canyon, drop off your trailer and take the rough round to Chaco.
Directions to the camp could be more exact, a very specific and clear map would be greatly appreciated.
The host is a great guy and I certainly enjoyed talking to him. I genuinely appreciated that he came by, it is nice to know the owner takes an active interest in the camp and his guests.
Roger H.recommendsApril 6, 2024
Horse-Thief Campground
A nice campground outside of Chaco with plenty of space. The road to the campground was paved and their driveway was well-kept, which a nice contrast from the road leading into Chaco. Definitely glad we could leave our camper there as we would have had a hard time driving it in to Chaco. The location is very convenient as it’s only about 8 miles to enter the park.
Wayne and Yolanda were lovely hosts. They came by to check up on the campsite and the people staying every night. Price to stay was very reasonable. If you’re visiting Chaco this is the best place to stay with a camper.
Siri H.recommendsApril 4, 2024
Horse-Thief Campground
Best Host Ever
Horse Thief campground was excellent. There were several well cleared spots for tent camping. We picked one next to a tree with a fire ring.
When a surprise spring snowstorm that wasn't in the forecast blew in and the temperature dropped twenty degrees, Wayne came to check on us. He was worried we would be cold in our tents so he chopped up some of his own firewood and let us stay in the navajo hojan he has been building. He wanted be sure we were not cold at night. There was a wood stove inside that we cooked dinner and breakfast on and we were incredibly warm and cozy all night. Wayne made sure to check on us throughout the trip and went out of his way to make sure we had a good experience even though he is a very busy man who also has a ranch to run.
The hogan we stayed in is almost finished and will soon be available for travelers to rent out so keep an eye out. Wayne's place is a short drive from Chaco so his hogan will be the closest and cosiest vacation rental available.
Wayne's kindness and hospitality really made our trip. We look forward to all the plans he has for the campsite and will definitely stay there again. If you want a campsite with a caring and helpful host look no further than Horse Thief Campground.
Pete D.recommendsApril 3, 2024
Horse-Thief Campground
No water, Sewer, internet, or electricity. What you see is what you get. Not far from Chaco Canyon. Go exploring or bring a good book.