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The best camping near Mancos State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mancos adventure.

100% (1 reviews)
100% (1 reviews)

From summer kayaking to winter ice fishing, this lakeside getaway has activities for all seasons.  

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Community favorites near Mancos State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Mancos State Park

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(37)

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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$30
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95%
(198)

Camping in the Mesas

8 sites ¡ Lodging, 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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$31.50
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99%
(531)

Bright Star Campground

32 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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$35
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100%
(5)

M and V's Mountain Paradise

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Dolores, CO
We have 1 1/2 acres, with one acre fenced in for dogs, Full RV hookups (30/50, water and sewer) We are 14 miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. Close State and County Parks too numerous to count! Hike, Bike, Run, Ski, Raft, Etc...We have it all. Amenites: VIEWS, clean air, a zillion stars, and Serenity! Durango 36 miles Telluride 48 Silverton 48.
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$50
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100%
(2)

Story Tree Guest Ranch

2 sites ¡ RVs15 acres ¡ Mancos, CO
Beautiful view of the La Plata mountains. 20 minute drive to Mesa Verde national park 30 minutes to Durango only 4 miles to downtown Mancos, where you can enjoy Art galleryiess, Mancos, Brewing, Company, and Fenceline cidery Tales and Tails a plenty. Story Tree Guest Ranch has llamas, horses, goats, ducks, chickens and a donkey and a very friendly pig named Charlotte
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$35
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100%
(1)

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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$30
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(13)

Zuma Bike Ranch

8 sites ¡ Tents40 acres ¡ Cortez, CO
Zuma Bike Ranch invites you to ride.relax.repeat in the high desert of Southwest Colorado. Surround yourself with views of Mesa Verde National Park, Sleeping Ute and the San Juan mountains straight from your tent or camper van. 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, you will find purpose-built trails and mountain bike skills areas. We provide professional mountain bike instruction and guided rides for individuals and groups. You have immediate access to over 50 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 two vehicles and two tents. We have a nice sun shower, 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.
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$40
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99%
(57)

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. Canines love it ! 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 (double occupancy/ charge). For each additional guest 30.00/ person up to 6 guests/ night. **One person, one night $40. Fire wood is provided free, a full kitchen with utencils, cups, and plates are available. Updated privy, and hot showers. Update 5/12/22.......The creek is running big, and the flowers are blooming. The Placer may not be for everyone. It is rugged beauty ( no kids ( 12 and younger) sorry). Here is a opportunity to enjoy peace and privacy, something that is becoming more rare, so I want this possible for hipcampers visiting the Placer. Four day maximum. 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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98%
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RV sites

3 sites ¡ RVs9 acres ¡ Dolores, CO
Learn more about this land: View of mts off of paved highway access. Within minutes to national forest, lakes and rivers. Enjoy fishing, biking, hunting, ohv riding also hiking and climbing within minutes of sites.
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$33
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97%
(216)

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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$30
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(2)

Mancos River Hideaway

2 sites ¡ RVs4 acres ¡ Mancos, CO
My husband and I bought this small farm 16 years ago in the Mancos Valley. Nestled at the base of Mesa Verde NP. We grow vegetables, have pasture available to board your horse, have a greenhouse and an art studio on site. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound since we are on the river corridor: wild turkeys, deer, fox and tons of birds! Abundant star viewing since this area is one of the darkest skies in the US. I know lots of wonderful places to explore in the area to hike, bike, fish, camp and sight see. We are a quick 5 minute drive from the town of Mancos where there are several great places to eat and drink: Olio (wonderful GF farm to table restaurant), Fenceline Cidery, Mancos Brewery, Absolute Bakery/Cafe, Columbine Cafe, Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters and several co-op art gallery/shops. Park your camper van or RV on our beautiful farm of 4.5 acres in the verdant Mancos River valley. This place is "story book" with flowing water running through the property, mature cottonwoods, fruit orchards & landscaping. Wake up to the sound of songbirds nesting in the canopy. Views of the La Plata Mountains, Bobcat Mountain & Mesa Verde. Dark skies and stars are abundant here. Very peaceful & quiet with a huge variety of birds. Hawks, orioles, grosbeaks, warblers, kestrels like to nest on our property. A heron rookery is a short walk down the road. Opportunities to see fox, wild turkeys and deer walking along the Mancos River corridor. Easy to access on paved Road J with little traffic, 5 minutes from the town of Mancos. 5 minutes from Mesa Verde National Park entrance and 30 minutes from Durango. We can accommodate your horse with a 3 acre grass pasture with water for an additional fee.
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$38
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95%
(123)

Grizzly Peak Ranch

1 site ¡ RV, Tent40 acres ¡ Hesperus, CO
Located in southwest colorado the Grizzly Peak Ranch is a beautiful 40 acre piece of land.  Home to a fun loving family, horses, and dogs!  We have seen Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coyotes, and even Mountain Lions on this property!  Close enough to town and it's conveniences- but far enough away you won't hear or see a soul.Learn more about this land:Located an easy 15 minutes from down town Durango this beautiful property offers guaranteed privacy and secluded camping- you will be the only campers on the sprawling 40 acre property, with convenient access to all that Durango has to offer, and just 10 minutes from Lake Nighthorse- great for fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, etc. Come pitch your tent or park your camper in the pinon and juniper trees, with magnificent views of the la plata mountains.  Abundant wildlife, magnificent stars, quiet seclusion.
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$36
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The best camping near Mancos State Park guide

Overview

About

Framed by lush pine forests and the distant peaks of the San Juan Mountains, Mancos State Park provides an idyllic setting for lakeside campers. The 225-acre Jackson Gulch Reservoir takes center stage—set sail across the lake, fish for yellow perch and rainbow trout from the banks, or paddle the shores in a kayak or canoe. Trails lead through the forests and hills, providing options for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, while winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Year-round camping and heated yurts are offered on both the north and south shore.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for year-round camping: The Main Campground has 22 sites for RVs and tents with easy access to the picnic area, boat launch, and trails.
  • Best for tent campers: The West Campground offers nine shady tent campsites located at the trailhead. 
  • Best for adventurous glamping: The park’s two yurts sleep up to six on comfy bunks and futons, and are heated for those frosty winter nights.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of the park’s 32 campsites or two yurts via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. All sites must be booked in advance, but same-day reservations are possible (depending on availability).
  2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance. 
  3. Campsites can book up as fast, especially on holiday weekends and during peak season (June through August). Book a minimum of three months in advance for these times.

When to go

Mancos State Park’s main campground and yurts are open year-round with a range of seasonal activities. Boating is  possible from spring through fall—the boat ramp closes from mid-October until March (or until the last frost). Expect snow and freezing temperatures in winter, while summers have average highs between 79-84°F. Whenever you visit, come prepared—Colorado weather can be unpredictable.

Know before you go

  • Mancos State Park is located 33 miles west of Durango, or about a 40-minute drive away along the San Juan Skyway. The park also makes a good base for exploring the Mesa Verde National Park, 14 miles south. 
  • Facilities include restrooms, canoe and kayak rentals, fire pits, a boat ramp, and a dump station. Firewood is available to buy from the ranger station in summer.
  • Fire bans are possible at Mancos State Park during dry periods, and the boat ramp may be closed when the reservoir is low. 
  • You can bring your own boats and watercraft, but there is a no-wake policy on the lake. 
  • There is one wheelchair-accessible campsite at the Main Campground.

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