Camping end of July in the Southwest

I've been to Moab but my family has not; in 1982 it was quite out of the way! Could fit that in too. I'm feeling better about this option, although it does come in at 3800 miles plus the extras. The only non-freeway portion is Topeka to Utah, which is a long way but less than with the backtrack to Santa Fe.

I was told by an archaeologist that Chaco is better for children than Mesa Verde because they can climb on the ruins and there are no ladders.

Climbing on the ruins is verboten in Chaco. Chaco is a spectacular place, but Mesa Verde may be a bit more magical, with it's classic cliff dwellings.

Dear god, what archeologist said you could climb on ruins? just so you know, you can't do that ANYWHERE. Only one ruin at Mesa Verde has a large ladder, the others are easily accessible. Chaco is fascinating and less developed than Mesa Verde, but I think Mesa Verde is more scenic in the traditional sense. And after all your issues with camping in hot, dusty, dry environs - the campground at Chaco is downright bleak. Its also the only accomodations at Chaco - anything else is at least 50 miles on gravel roads.

Although Chaco does have an amazing night sky program.

Does any of the ruins in the Hovenweep complex stand out as worth a special trip?

I must admit I was pretty shocked at the easy access to the 'ruins' at Mesa Verde NP, and also at Bandelier NM - much more fencing off would be good i think ...

Hovenweep is a pleasant, interesting place, less spectacular than Mesa Verde by far, but also more intimate. You can take a short hike and get up close with the ruins without being part of a large tour. To get there is a wonderful drive across truly remote countryside on paved roads. Overall, for archeological parks outside of Mesa Verde I like Navajo National Monument and Canyon de Chelly better, and Navajo will be a little cooler (and the campground is nicer too.)

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<hr>Check out Boulder Mt near Capitol Reef.<hr></blockquote>

I'll second that. Single Tree is next to a nice waterfall and there are many other lakes on teh Boulde Plateau that are perfect in July.

Bryce isn't that hot and can be cool at night, even in July. Cedar Breaks is actually really nice in July. I've even been there when it snowed in July. Zion is often hotter than heck, but at least there's a river nearby. Lava Point Campground in a different part of the park at 7000+ is much cooler.

When are you planning on doing this?

Oops, my bad. Next time I should read the headline.

Check out Fruita Campground in Capitol Reef NP. It is developed so has water and toilet facilities etc. And it's situated in the middle of fruit orchards so just the kind of idyllic setting you're looking for. There's even a stream nearby. And all this in the middle of red rock country.