The best camping in Yucca House National Monument, CO

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The best camping in Yucca House National Monument, CO

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
You will cross this bridge over McElmo Creek to enter the property.

1. Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

96%
(75)
8.4mi from Yucca House National Monument · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Cortez, CO
This magical place, surrounded by over 500,000 acres of protected land, is a 38 acre desert oasis near Mesa Verde, Sand Canyon and Hovenweep. Pitch your tent or park your small pop up or tiny rv (car and pull behind must be under 20 ft total) in a heritage orchard under and alongside magnificent red cliffs. We also have super clean bathroom with hot shower designated for campers. We have a fully equipped community kitchen for cooking, and a gas grill as well. We border Canyons of the Ancients immediately to the North, a 174,000 acre National Monument with the largest concentration of Ancestral Puebloan ("cliff-dweller") and archeological sites in the United States. A favorite public access point to The Canyons of the Ancients is the Sand Canyon trailhead, a five minute drive from the property up the main road. It is visited by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. We are a genuine "oasis" on exquisite high desert land with profound ancient puebloan sites within steps. Ideal home base for your Southwest adventure.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$70
 / night
There are 3 Tipis in The Views area, this is the biggest, The Raven.

3. Bright Star Campground

98%
(779)
12mi from Yucca House National Monument · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO
We have complimentary WiFi, drinking water, ice, hot showers, bathrooms, communal kitchen, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, art nook, ping pong, and more. We are open from April - October. All of our sites and amenities can be booked for retreats or events. There are two large covered pavilions. We customize reservations for small and large groups or longer stays. There are furnished tipis, camping cabins, tent/RV/van sites, and a Navajo Hogan (wooden yurt). Bright Star Campground: Originally established in 2012 as a church camp, it is now a place to connect, create, and rejuvenate in this spectacular high desert landscape. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic views of the Four Corners region, and only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many attractions nearby, such as 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. We are located 45 minutes from Durango, 1.5 hours from Telluride, and about 2 hours from Moab (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks). The nearest airport is in Durango. The nearest large international airports are in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

5. Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

98%
(78)
14mi from Yucca House National Monument · 8 sites · Tents · Cortez, CO
Zuma Bike Ranch invites you to ride.relax.repeat in the high desert of Dolores and Cortez Colorado. Surround yourself with views of Mesa Verde National Park, Sleeping Ute and the San Juan mountains straight from your tent or camper van. The ranch offers camping, and borders Phil's World mountain bike trail network. Our goal is to encourage community among campers and bikers and connection with the land and its rich history. Zuma Bike Ranch resides on native lands of Puebloan and Ute peoples. At Zuma Bike Ranch we provide professional mountain bike instruction and guided rides for individuals and groups. You have immediate access to over 60 miles of world class singletrack at Phil’s World trail network. More mountain bike trails can be found nearby at the Aquaduct trail system in Mancos, Boggy Draw in Dolores and Sand Canyon at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. In less than an hour you can be riding high alpine terrain with access to the Colorado Trail. We’re 45 minutes from Durango and 120 minutes from Moab, UT. We keep things simple at Zuma Bike Ranch. This is to minimize impact on the land and our environment. Each camp site can accommodate one vehicle or van/truck bed camper. Camp sites fit two tents. We have a nice rinse station, potable water source, and porta potty on site. There are no lights but there are plenty of stars! Please pack out what you pack in. Visit our website for questions or to book a group or private lesson.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Lavender Farm Stay

6. Lavender Farm Stay

100%
(52)
16mi from Yucca House National Monument · 3 sites · Lodging · Dolores, CO
Welcome to Mesa Verde Lavender! We are a working lavender farm with 2000+ lavender plants, a flower garden, vegetables, and a small orchard. Hike in the canyon that splits our property, roam with the birds in our pastures, pick some fruit if in-season, or sit and enjoy wildlife, sounds of the creek, and views of the La Plata Mountains, Sleeping Ute Mountain, and Mesa Verde. Our 50 acres is situated in Southwest Colorado between Cortez, Mancos, and Dolores. 5 minutes to Phil’s World for mountain biking, 1 hour to Durango, and 2 hours to Telluride. Pay for the experience - farm tour and all the fixings. The breakfast, stay and hospitality is included with the farm tour! Note: this is NOT a commercial campground; rather an agricultural business with a focus on all things lavender. Come adventure, smell the flowers (literally!), and enjoy feeling of these ancient healing lands!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$85
 / night
Dry RV site w/ Views of Mesa Verde

11. Dry RV site w/ Views of Mesa Verde

100%
(30)
21mi from Yucca House National Monument · 1 site · RV · Mancos, CO
Learn more about this land: **You MUST have your own self contained RV with a restroom!! Sorry, NO TENTS! Please include a description of your RV setup in your booking request!** Nestled on seven acres of former ranch land, and enjoy a relatively level RV site (pull in or back in) with views of Mesa Verde, the La Plata Mountains, and the shade of mature juniper trees. Feel far from everything while only a few miles from town.  Enjoy the starry skies, the company of wandering mule deer, and the sound of coyotes conversing with one another.  At 7,000' above sea level, in the high desert of SW Colorado, we get over 250 sunny days a year, big beautiful snows in winter (and sometimes as late as June), and monsoon rains in late summer.  Spring can be cool and windy, but you'll experience the reawakening of the plants, the lowing of mother cows and their calves on nearby ranches, and maybe even a blooming prickly pear or two! In the heart of the Mancos River Valley, you'll find yourself at the perfect basecamp for all that the area has to offer! It's just 15 minutes to the entrance gate at Mesa Verde National Park, designated in April of 2021 as the 100th Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. Take a scenic two mile drive to historic Downtown Mancos, to find art, dining, and fun. Historic Mancos, known for its thriving creative district, is the home of the The Raven House Gallery, The Artisans of Mancos Co-op, The Painted Turtle Gallery, Bombdiggity, and Kilgore American Indian Art. Downtown Mancos is also home to dining options from local food trucks to fine dining. Fenceline Cidery and their delightful riverside cider garden host a variety of local food trucks on a rotating basis Family friendly eats are always on the menu at the Columbine Bar & Grill. Deco Dessert, offers something for your sweet tooth with homemade ice cream, artisan chocolates, and cakes. Just across Hwy 160, you can enjoy craft beer, delicious locally sourced food, and a variety of fun events, including live local music, weekly triviaat Mancos Brewing Company. The long anticipated, Boathouse on Grand will open in Summer 2023 with fine dining fare. We even have a little bit of nightlife at the newly opened El Rio Cantina, featuring creative tequila cocktails. Other downtown offerings include locally roasted coffee at Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters, and an incredible variety of baked goods and delightful breakfast and lunch options.  Grab take out and sit at a picnic table by the Mancos River or in the park across the street or enjoy their dining area featuring local art.  Be sure to also check out local artists' work in the art vending machines at Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters and Fenceline Cider! Beyond downtown, you'll find easy access to Mancos State Park, mountain biking at Phil's World, Aqueduct, and the Boggy Draw trail systems, paddling at Summit Lake, paddling and boating at McPhee Reservoir, the 88 mile Canyon of the Ancients Scenic Drive, and miles of hiking and off-roading trails in the San Juan National Forest. Or head just 40 minutes into Durango for a ride on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a run on the rapids of the Animas River, or a powder day at Purgatory (resort an hour from the site). If you want to venture further afield, Telluride, Moab, Monument Valley, and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are all within 2.5 hours. Or take a drive along the San Juan Skyway scenic byway to see the best of Colorado's Western Slope including Silverton and Ouray. Your hosts are avid outdoor enthusiasts who can give you the details (and loan you some maps and guidebooks) on all of the great things that await you at our little slice of southwest Colorado!
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$35
 / night
Tranquility @ The Farm

12. Tranquility @ The Farm

98%
(256)
30mi from Yucca House National Monument · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Hesperus, CO
Dear Valued Guests, I hope this message finds you well. As we reflect on the past winter, we’ve observed that our area received minimal precipitation. While the lower elevations received almost no moisture, the higher elevations are at only 53% of the 20-year average snowpack. Given these conditions, I have made the difficult decision not to host campers this year due to the heightened fire risk. Your safety is my utmost priority, and I would never want to put any of my guests in harm's way. Please stay tuned for updates. If we receive significant rainfall this spring, I may reconsider hosting this year. Otherwise, I look forward to welcoming you in 2026. Wishing you all happy and safe camping adventures! Warm regards, Erin P.S. We can't wait to welcome you back for an even better experience in the future! 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.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$27
 / night
Nakation Getaway

13. Nakation Getaway

99%
(74)
34mi from Yucca House National Monument · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · La Plata, NM
Step out of your tent in the morning, and the sun kisses your cheeks... All of them. Private adult only (18+) Clothing Optional dry tent camping set on 20 rural acres. Book the entire campground for your Group Stay, for those who are looking for a private Getaway. Re-use, Re-purpose, Up-cycle... We are committed to making great treasures from one man's trash! Our sites have tables and chairs created from old tires. We are re-using old pallets to create tent platforms, benches and signs. Our little campground is primitive, but we are a work in progress, with amenities coming in the future. Property butts up against a large BLM area, with plenty of room to take a walk in the buff. We have an above ground pool if you would prefer to relax and skinny dip. Or if you're preferring to sight see, there are numerous places to go around our area. In New Mexico, in 45 minutes or less you can be at one of the following: Navajo Lake State Park, Aztec Ruins, Glade Run Recreational area, Jackson Lake Wildlife Refuge, Farmington Lake Recreational area. San Juan Quality Waters in the San Juan River offers world class fishing. The Animas River offers fun river floats. Chaco Canyon National Park is only 2 hours away. In Colorado, we are about an hour from these attractions: Mesa Verde National Park, McPhee Reservoir, Canyon of the Ancients, Lake Nighthorse Day Use Recreation area, Chimney Rock and Purgatory Ski Resort. La Plata Canyon has great mountain hiking and is only 30 minutes away. We look forward to assisting you in a memorable Getaway!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / night
Durango Placer

14. Durango Placer

100%
(107)
36mi from Yucca House National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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 !
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
HTR Durango

15. HTR Durango

98%
(27)
40mi from Yucca House National Monument · 73 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Durango, CO
CLOSED FOR WINTER NOV 1, 2025 - APRIL 30, 2026. ***Dry camping is May 1-14, 2026 & October 12-31. Only electric is available. Bathhouses and pool are closed. No cabin or tent campers. Only accepting reservations for self-contained RVs during dry camping season. The only water available is at the front of the park at the fill-up station. The RV sites do not have water or sewer, but they do have electricity. Our staff is available on-call.*** Nestled in a protected box canyon surrounded by high cliffs of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine and just minutes to downtown Durango, HTR Durango, formerly Lightner Creek Campground, is located on a seasonal mountain stream, making it an ideal setting for nature lovers of all ages. The paved county road off HWY 160W to our campground is well maintained, making the 1.5-mile drive easily accessible, regardless of what you bring. Enjoy various recreational activities in the Durango area, including many hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, river rafting, rock climbing, zip-lining, off-roading, horseback riding, shopping, dining, breweries, and much more. There is so much to see and do in the Four Corners Area! If you want a memorable vacation experience in Durango, look no further than HTR Durango. Please note wood burning fires are not allowed on property. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted. We require vaccination records upon arrival if you are bringing a dog. There is a $50 pet fee for cabin rentals.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Beautiful sunsets at Santa Rita Ranch!

16. Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch

99%
(129)
45mi from Yucca House National Monument · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Durango, CO
Santa Rita Ranch is located in a rural, agricultural valley south of Durango, Colorado. Originally a dairy and hay farm, the Mannix's raised all organic beef in the past. Currently it operates as a hay farm and Linda has three horses and three donkeys. Very quiet rural area with plenty of open space. Elevation 6,000 ft. Learn more about this land: The 40 acre Santa Rita Ranch has hayfields, irrigation and plenty of room to camp. Located 20 minutes south of Durango Colorado it is quiet and peaceful. Good internet access!  Porta potty available. Only 20 minutes to two wineries: Foxfire Farms in Ignacio, CO and Wines of the San Juans near Aztec, NM.  Paddleboarding and windsurfing on Lake Nighthorse. Lots of mountain bike trails near Durango and good road biking on our CR 213. Flying into Durango? We have a tent and camp chairs for you! Horses and donkeys available to pet.  Horse boarding available for those traveling with their equine friends.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Animas River Valley red cliffs

19. Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%
(129)
49mi from Yucca House National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.  
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

20. Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

100%
(1)
7.5mi from Yucca House National Monument · 1 site · Lodging · Cortez, CO
Play in nature, relax in comfort. 2 spacious safari-style tents nestled in a small orchard with big views of Canyon of the Ancients. Your stay includes a private bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers. Both tents have king beds and outdoor lounging areas and share a central campfire area. Clifftop hiking with views as far as Mesa Verde. We only accept one reservation at a time so the camp is all yours. The Details The Orchard Camp includes two large safari-style tents, each with a king bed, water cooler, mini-fridge, sheets & towels. The tents share cooking and camp amenities like a two burner Coleman stove and a propane-fueled "fire pit," and games like corn hole. Your private Bathhouse offers two sinks, two showers, two toilets, an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink for your dishes. The Orchard, with its young fruit trees and wildflowers, is your private garden. The Property You'll have access to roam much of this 38 acre property which includes a hay farm, cliffside and clifftop trail and a section of McElmo Creek. We just ask that folks stay away from the private residence on site, which is well-marked. We love pets and kids but due to the Wildlife with a capital W (and the occasional skunk) with whom we share this land we must limit our guests to humans ages 8 and up. Southwest Colorado is a land of extremes. We get hot, cold and everything in between. The tents are canvas so we offer electric blankets and small space heaters for colder days, and fans for the warmer days. And in advance, we apologize for the high cleaning fee. When you're here you'll understand why with the large showerhouse and all its windows, the large canvas tents and big decks, etc.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$175
 / night

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The best camping in Yucca House National Monument, CO guide

Overview

About

Yucca House National Monument is an NPS-preserved piece of land where  Montezuma Valley villages once stood, likely between 1100 and 1300 AD. The site consists of two pueblos, both of which have yet to be excavated. While the archeological significance is a big draw for many people, it's also an interesting spot for naturalists, and a variety of creatures, particularly reptiles, congregate here to hibernate and take advantage of the on-site perennial spring. The monument is also popular among bird-watchers, and it's not unusual to see bald eagles and peregrine falcons at the site.

When to go

Yucca House National Monument is open 365 days a year, except if bad weather conditions render the monument inaccessible. Yucca House is best visited from late-April through October, when the weather is at its warmest. While summer temperatures can get quite high, this part of the state is relatively dry and it rarely feels oppressively hot. That said, Yucca House is at a high elevation, so sun protection is crucial.

Know before you go

  • The closest town for getting gas and picking up supplies is Towaoc, about a 15-minute drive south of the monument. Alternatively, the small city of Cortez is about a 20-minute drive north of Yucca House.
  • You can visit (and park at) Yucca House National Monument free of charge.
  • Be aware of where you step—there are snakes at the monument.
  • While camping is not permitted at Yucca House National Monument, there are plenty of spots to camp in the general area, including private RV parks, Hipcamps, particularly in Cortez and in the Mesa Verde National Park area.
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