In the last entry we looked at seeing the majority of Canyon De Chelly highlights in a single day. However, for a more enjoyable visit I encourage RVers to spend a night or two on either side of their Canyon De Chelly experience by camping at the convenient Cottonwood Campground operated by the Navajo Nation. The campground is centrally located at the entrance to Canyon De Chelly, next to the national park visitor center and Thunderbird Lodge, where the majority of the canyon tours depart. Both are within easy walking distance from the campground. Note: There are no hookups available in the campground. Dry camping is $14 per night payable in cash. A dump station and potable water are available. The campground is typical of a state park campground with spacious paved spaces, picnic tables, fire rings and centrally located bathrooms with running water. The one atypical item is the sign requesting that you “Do Not Feed the Dogs”. Do not feed the birds and do not feed the wildlife signs I have seen, but “Do Not Feed the Dogs” is a new one for me. Not seeing any roaming dogs in the area, I shrugged it off as just another oddity. However, while taking a walk that evening during a moonless night by the light of a small flashlight, the sign and its meaning quickly came back to the forefront of my mind when two glowing eyes were illuminated in my peripheral vision from the side of the road. Once the hair settled back on my head, I took a couple steps back and shined my light towards the pair of glowing orbs. Sure enough it was a feral dog looking for a treat.
Having the bejeebers scared out of you by a hungry pooch, just another adventure in RVing!
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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