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 reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Top-rated campgrounds near Mesa Verde National Park
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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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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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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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Zuma Bike Ranch
8 sites · RVs, 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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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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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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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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Nakation Group Booking
10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · 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!
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Cottonwoods
1 site · RV5 acres · Dolores, CO
Learn more about this land: High desert solitude - you got it - rented as the only spot available at Mesa Verde Hemp - a five acre working hemp farm. The farm is on Highway 145 so you will hear traffic during the day but very quiet at night. Fantastic stars at night. One dog is ok - before 10 am and after 6 your dog can run the whole farm - if he is friendly. I have a small dog that gets along fine with other dogs.
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Dry RV site w/ Views of Mesa Verde
1 site · RV7 acres · 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 as well as their own Fencepost food truck. 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 trivia with our local librarian, and karaoke twice a month on the expansive patio at 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 at the renowned Absolute Bakery and Cafe. 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, Chutes and Ladders, 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!
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Canyon Trails Ranch
18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, CO
The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area. The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.
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Story Tree Ranch 4 animal lovers!
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 galleries,
Mancos, Brewing Company for yummy locally sourced food,
and Fenceline Cidery next to a babbling creek
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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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.
Top cities near Mesa Verde National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
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