Top-rated campgrounds near Red Mesa
Canyon Trails Ranch
1. Canyon Trails Ranch
100%
(104)
41mi from Red Mesa · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Top-rated campgrounds near Red Mesa
Canyon Trails Ranch
1. Canyon Trails Ranch
100%
(104)
41mi from Red Mesa · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Ana
July 2025
With kids
Amazing people and wonderful location. Absolutely stunning views and the chuck wagon kitchen was super fun.
We had a medical emergency come up and made last minute changes, everyone was super nice and understanding about the situation.
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L
Laura
June 2025
With kids
We highly, highly recommend Canyon Trails Ranch and camping in the Conestoga wagon. The site is beautiful and the hosts are great - very welcoming and knowledgeable about the area, its history, and the indigenous peoples who called it home and still live in the area. The wagons and tent sites are surrounded by spectacular red rock scenery, with Ute Mountain and the Ute Mountain Ute tribal lands right across the road and Canyon of the Ancients National Monument bordering the other side of the ranch.
The chuck wagon kitchen is charming and had all the cooking gear we needed. The Conestoga wagon we stayed in was comfortable and cozy, with great touches. It fit the four of us just fine It was also very solid and clearly well-built by very skilled craftsmen (be sure to check out Rodney & Christy’s barn and the wagons and wagon wheels that Joe & Rodney build and restore!)
We loved being able to just hike up the hill above the site and be in Canyons of the Ancients in minutes - a real gem. Mesa Verde is great, but if you’re looking for something without the crowds, this place is where to be.
We also recommend the horseback rides that Joe and Jessica lead - we went on the 3 hour kiva trail ride, and it was worth every penny. It was very special to get basically a private tour of 800 year old (or older) archaeological sites. Joe was a terrific guide and helped us tenderfoots be very comfortable on horses while also teaching us so much about the area. Not to be missed.
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S
Sarah
May 2025
Tent
We had a great time camping at Rodney and family’s site. The bath house was clean and it was great to be able to shower after hiking. The location is quiet at night and the stars are beautiful. It is also right next door to the canyon of the ancients.
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Kristen
April 2025
37 ft travel trailer
This is by far my favorite spot I’ve ever stayed at in my RV, not only is it absolutely beautiful but the hosts are so welcoming and friendly and on top of anything you may need. You can tell how much they love this land and truly how much they care about it. Would absolutely stay here again!
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C
Cheryl
April 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
It's almost like glamping in the wilderness canyon with ALL the electric and water, flush toilet, cooking area (except you have to cook your own meals). Rodney is a great and kind host- makes you feel more relaxed just talking with him! Beautiful views of Ute Mountain.
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Delise
March 2025
24 ft travel trailer
I loved camping here! We were the only ones there. It was quiet, and lovely. Rodney was very welcoming. The shower house was a hike, but cozy. The grounds were beautiful. I would certainly stay here again. There is no Wi-Fi, or cell phone service, and it was glorious to be off the grid!
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John
December 2024
Tent
Unfortunately we had an emergency and didn't get to stay. But they were very understanding and got us our refund. We hope to stay here in the future when we return to Mesa Verde because they were very nice and communicated well beforehand.
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