The best camping near Mesa Verde National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mesa Verde National Park adventure.

Find cliff dwellings, rock art, and plenty of scenic views in this mysterious desert landscape.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Mesa Verde National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Mesa Verde National Park

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Bright Star Campground

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, CO

We have COMPLIMENTARY Wifi, Drinking Water, Ice, Hot Showers, Bathrooms, Shade, and an equipped Camper's Kitchen for our guests to enjoy from April 15 - Oct 15! There are TIPIS, CAMPING CABINS, TENT and BOONDOCK SITES. WE ALSO HAVE A NAVAJO HOGAN (wood yurt) OPEN-YEAR ROUND. All of our sites are not listed here. We can also accommodate groups and small events but not public events. We have a private covered group site as well. Bright Star Campground: Once used as a church camp, it is now a Campground for all to enjoy! We are a perfectly located vacation campground on 40 acres with amenities and wide-open spaces. Amenities include hot showers, an equipped community kitchen, a pavilion with hammocks, tables, ping pong, etc. Enjoy complimentary coffee, eggs, filtered drinking water and more. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic mountain/mesa views of the Four Corners region, all only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are in an arid desert climate. Water is scarce, stored in cisterns for use in camp. Because of this we ask that you be conservative with water use in camp. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that Cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many things to do/see nearby: Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. There are museums and cultural centers in the area as well. Durango is 45 min, Telluride is 1.5 hrs away, and Moab is about 2.5 hours away-including Arches and Canyonlands National parks. The best/nearest airport is in Durango. Cortez has Denver Air (Key Lime Air) with connections to Denver and Phoenix. The nearest large international airport is in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.

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Durango Placer

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hesperus, CO

Learn more about this land: The creek is just feet away from your tent site, with numerous waterfalls. Great hiking, or just taking in the scenery. So much to do in the immediate area: biking, hiking, fishing swimming, jeeping, exploring, rock hounding, birding, etc. Located 35 minutes from downtown Durango at 9300 feet. Visit the cool mountains and the cold creek. You will have the place to yourself. One group only on this property at a time. There are 3 tent sites to choose from, and a RV site to park. Up to 6 guests in a group allowed . Fire wood is provided free, a full kitchen with camp stove, sink , utensils, cups, and plates available. Updated privy, and hot showers. Enjoy ! The road closes in the winter so hosting is restricted from May 15th thru October 15th There is no cell service. Wifi is available. Landline is available in emergency. Happy Camping !

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MSB Legacy Retreat

4 sites · RVs9 acres · Mancos, CO

We have 9 acres with plenty of elbow room. Located 5 minutes from Mancos, right off CO 184, there is one site in the trees with full hookups and 2 sites on top perfect for group camping. Sites on top have a beautiful view of Mesa Verde to the west and the La Plata mountains to the east. Both sites have water and electricity and sewer dump nearby. The area is full of history, from Mesa Verde National Park to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. 3 ski areas within an hour, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, stargazing or just enjoying the sunsets. With Mancos only 5 minutes away, there are dining options, brewery, parks, library, and shopping all with a small, hometown feel. Come enjoy all the 4 Corners area has to offer!

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Tranquility @ The Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Hesperus, CO

5th generation, 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife; Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few. Learn more about this land: 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife (Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few) . Guests are encouraged to explore this beautiful piece of the southwest. The Farm is located just 12 miles from La Plata Canyon, 15 miles from Durango, 15 miles from Lake Nighthorse, and 35 miles from Mesa Verde National Park. There is one large campground that can hold up to 5 RV's and 1 secluded tent small camper site to choose from. Guest are welcome to purchase vegetables and fresh farm eggs.

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Camping in the Mesas

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Dolores, CO

This land was inhabited by the Ancient Anasazi and Pueblo people. The Anasazi Heritage Museum and archeological ruins are two miles away. There are ruins and sites on this land that have yet to be excavated. Many different ancient people came through this land, left and sites were inhabited by other people. One group of people would come and build upon the sites of another group, and taking part of their culture with them.

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Animas River Valley red cliffs

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Durango, CO

Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year. No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production. Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.

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RICO RIVER RANCH

6 sites · Lodging26 acres · Dolores, CO

This secluded riverfront property is located 35 miles South of Main street Telluride, Colorado. This private "campground" can host up to 16 guests, features a wood-fired sauna, 2 Rv spots with full hook-ups, two sheep wagons, two 900sq foot luxury lavvu tipi tents, a Finnish grillhouse, a santa maria grill and a large campfire ring with plenty of seating. Surrounded on both sides by National forest - you will be able to enjoy the land with no other campers nearby.

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Fourth Sister Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · CO

Ten acres overlook the La Plata Mountains outside of Durango, CO. My small farm borders pinyon forest and rings with crickets, redwing blackbirds, and chorus frogs. You can find shady spots in the Forest, the orchard, or enjoy the view from the clearing. The irrigation ditch offers fun for dogs and ambient sounds. This is a working farm, and we are often in the greenhouse and garden. Leashed dogs only to protect wildlife and chickens! You’re likely to see deer, raccoons, foxes, hawks, hummingbirds, and maybe a skunk!

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Ramble at Mesa Verde National Park

27 sites · Tents20 acres · Mancos, CO

Ramble welcomes you to our private campground - Ramble at Mesa Verde National Park! We are located a 15-minute drive from the park. This is our second campground -- check out our 96% review rating for Ramble at Great Sand Dunes National Park (also listed here on Hipcamp) if you want to see some reviews of the Ramble experience. Located in Southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde, "Green Table" in Spanish, National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to see and experience a unique cultural and physical landscape. Ramble is a dog friendly campground so bring your furry friends. There is a pet leash hook for you to link up your dog at each site.

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Lazy Rooster Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Rico, CO

The ranch was the site of a sawmill in the early 1900s when the old Rio Grande Southern and Galloping Goose Railroads ran through the property along the Dolores River. All that’s left now is a little shack in the middle of the meadow and some remnants of the railroad tracks in the river.

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Sleeping Under the Mesa Verde

2 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Cortez, CO

We are conveniently located under the Mesa Verdes and next door to the world renowned Phills World Bike Trails. The Views include, Ute Mountain, Telluride, Lizard Head Pass and many more. You are 10 miles south of Boggy Draw Trail system and 10 miles from the Mesa Verde Park entrance. You can also just hang out and hike the 430 Acre property with pre-approved permission. It is an active ranch so there is usually always livestock roaming. Pets are acceptable, it's a ranch animal are always welcome. We have the one site now that is a leveled concrete pad with water and power. If you are visiting Cortez, CO and looking to camp or have an RV or camper in the back of the pick-up, we can find a place to let you enjoy the stay here. Directions. South on CR 27 off of HWY 160 till you get to CR H, Make a Left and its one mile on the right side of the Road.

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Twilight Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Silverton, CO

Twilight Falls is a 40 acres private paradise of natural forests, meadows, streams and waterfalls nestled within thousands of acres of San Juan National Forest. Come experience this amazing place. Words cannot describe it. This has been a family retreat for our family for decades, and we want to share it with you.

The best camping near Mesa Verde National Park guide

Overview

About

Situated in southwest Colorado near the New Mexico border, Mesa Verde National Park is the largest archaeological preserve in the United States. For over 700 years, the Ancestral Puebloan people lived in elaborate cliff dwellings tucked into giant alcoves beneath mesa walls. This once flourishing community was deserted in the late 1200s and no one is exactly sure why. Today, visitors can tour the area on ranger-led tours, hike to petroglyph panels, and view items left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans at the park museum. Morefield Campground is the park’s only campground and features both tent and RV sites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

With 267 campsites, Morefield Campground is rarely full. Reservations are accepted for standard tent and RV sites but are not required. It’s a good idea to reserve a site for holiday weekends in advance, just in case.
Only 15 RV sites with water, electric, and sewer hooks-ups are available, so advanced reservations are strongly recommended for these sites. Reservations often fill quickly, so book as soon as you know your travel dates.
Off-season camping is available a few weeks before and after the campground’s official operating season (from early May through mid-October), but services are limited during this time.

When to go

Mesa Verde National Park is open year-round, but the campground is typically only open from late April through early October. The best time to visit is spring and fall when the temperatures are most pleasant and all facilities are open. Summer is peak visitor season with high temperatures. No cliff dwelling tours are offered during the winter months, when some areas of the park may be closed due to snow.

Know before you go

Campsites include a fire pit, picnic table, gravel tent pad, and convenient access to drinking water, showers, and camping supplies.
The Knife Edge Cafe in Morefield’s village offers an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast each morning during the summer season.
Pets are allowed in the campground but not in archaeological sites or on most park trails. A boarding facility at the campground offers half-day and full-day rates.
Free wifi is available at the Morefield Campground Store. Wifi is also offered throughout the campground but the strength of the connection varies.
Wheelchair-friendly campsites and fully ADA-accessible restrooms can be found along the Apache Loop.