The best ranch camping near Teec Nos Pos

32mi from Teec Nos Pos · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

(104)

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.

4. Z Canyon Ranch

(1)

We have a single, isolated, quiet, fully contained RV site on 67 acres. The 46ft by 14ft wide concrete pad has all the hookups (50amp power, water and sewer) and a picnic table. The ranch is at the dead end of a private road, hidden from all. The only noise you’ll hear at night are the frogs in the pond. We are a working cow ranch, dogs are welcome as long as they don’t chase cattle, deer or elk. The property is a haven for deer and migrating elk in the fall. The property has a large 30-acre pasture, canyon with walking trails, and 3 ponds on private land. There is also private access to another 40 acres of BLM land. The ranch contains a heritage apple orchard, (over 100 years old) that is still producing. If you’re lucky to be here in the fall you could pick your own apples. The ranch is 15 minutes to the entrance of Mesa Verde, 15 minutes to Cortez or Dolores. We are away from traffic and neighbors, so if you need peace and quiet this is the place.

5. Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary

42mi from Teec Nos Pos · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

(4)

Eagles and Mustangs! At Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary, you can experience Healing with Horses through one on one sessions, and witness Eagles Nesting (in the spring) along with hundreds of other bird species year round. Come join us at the Ranch, for Dry Tent Glamping in the shade of the pinion forest, RV parking, or tent camping with views of Mesa Verde and Ute Mountain and the La Plata mountains. Shared chill zones may be available near the cottonwoods overlooking the lush wetlands where you can see deer grazing and hear coyotes at night. Epic fishing on and gorgeous sunsets 5 minutes walking distance to the lake. This budding ranch is off grid, with a historical corral and 3 horses. It's nestled between two state wildlife areas, Totten Lake and Simon Draw, perfect for birders, horse lovers, or those visiting dwellings in the 4 corners area. Centrally located 5 min from Cortez for supplies, 15 min from Dolores and Mancos for Brewpubs and coffee shops and 45 min from Durango. Mecca for 4 corners ancestral dwellings... 10 min to the entrance of Mesa Verde 15 min to Sand Canyon trailhead 30 min to Sand canyon Pueblo, 1 hr to Canyons of the Ancients NM, Hovenweep NM, Escalante Pueblo, and Sandstone canyon 1.5 to Ute Mtn Tribal park 2 hrs to Canyon De Chelly 2 hrs to Natural Bridges 3 hrs to Chaco Canyon, NP Mountain and Desert Recreation 5 min from Phil’s world mountain biking trail, 30 min to LaPlata canyon, for hiking and fishing 1 hr to Rico mountain town 1.5 hrs to Indian creek for epic crack climbing 2 hours to Ridgway or Telluride mountain towns 2 hrs to National parks the Needles (Canyon lands), and Natural bridges Cortez is known for its rich history and culture, and is considered the cultural center of Mesa Verde Country. It was laid out in 1886 on the site of a Navajo Indian seasonal camp called Tseyetoh. It's located near the Four Corners where Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico meet. *Note* We have no water or Electric! *Pit toilet is available across the street at the lake (5 min walk).

6. S & S Lazy Acres

Great views of Mesa Verde, Sleeping Ute and Abajo Mountains. Close to hiking and biking trails. Only 70 minutes to Telluride, 60 minutes to Durango. Very peaceful and quiet with deer, rabbits and probably a fox or two to see plus wonderful views and sunsets.

7. Dry RV site w/ Views of Mesa Verde

49mi from Teec Nos Pos · 1 site · RV

(30)

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!

8. A Pleasant View

47mi from Teec Nos Pos · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to your quiet retreat in the heart of Pleasant View, Colorado. This private property offers both RV and tent sites far from any other campers with easy access and plenty of room to stretch out under the wide-open sky. Less than 2 miles from the historic Lowry Pueblo ruins, the location offers a unique blend of solitude, scenic views, and cultural significance. You’ll be surrounded by open fields, peaceful canyons, and unobstructed stargazing, all without the noise of city life. With no hookups or facilities, it’s the perfect off-grid stop for travelers seeking simplicity and connection with the land.

Camper favorites near Teec Nos Pos

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Z Canyon Ranch

(1)

We have a single, isolated, quiet, fully contained RV site on 67 acres. The 46ft by 14ft wide concrete pad has all the hookups (50amp power, water and sewer) and a picnic table. The ranch is at the dead end of a private road, hidden from all. The only noise you’ll hear at night are the frogs in the pond. We are a working cow ranch, dogs are welcome as long as they don’t chase cattle, deer or elk. The property is a haven for deer and migrating elk in the fall. The property has a large 30-acre pasture, canyon with walking trails, and 3 ponds on private land. There is also private access to another 40 acres of BLM land. The ranch contains a heritage apple orchard, (over 100 years old) that is still producing. If you’re lucky to be here in the fall you could pick your own apples. The ranch is 15 minutes to the entrance of Mesa Verde, 15 minutes to Cortez or Dolores. We are away from traffic and neighbors, so if you need peace and quiet this is the place.

Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary

42mi from Teec Nos Pos · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

(4)

Eagles and Mustangs! At Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary, you can experience Healing with Horses through one on one sessions, and witness Eagles Nesting (in the spring) along with hundreds of other bird species year round. Come join us at the Ranch, for Dry Tent Glamping in the shade of the pinion forest, RV parking, or tent camping with views of Mesa Verde and Ute Mountain and the La Plata mountains. Shared chill zones may be available near the cottonwoods overlooking the lush wetlands where you can see deer grazing and hear coyotes at night. Epic fishing on and gorgeous sunsets 5 minutes walking distance to the lake. This budding ranch is off grid, with a historical corral and 3 horses. It's nestled between two state wildlife areas, Totten Lake and Simon Draw, perfect for birders, horse lovers, or those visiting dwellings in the 4 corners area. Centrally located 5 min from Cortez for supplies, 15 min from Dolores and Mancos for Brewpubs and coffee shops and 45 min from Durango. Mecca for 4 corners ancestral dwellings... 10 min to the entrance of Mesa Verde 15 min to Sand Canyon trailhead 30 min to Sand canyon Pueblo, 1 hr to Canyons of the Ancients NM, Hovenweep NM, Escalante Pueblo, and Sandstone canyon 1.5 to Ute Mtn Tribal park 2 hrs to Canyon De Chelly 2 hrs to Natural Bridges 3 hrs to Chaco Canyon, NP Mountain and Desert Recreation 5 min from Phil’s world mountain biking trail, 30 min to LaPlata canyon, for hiking and fishing 1 hr to Rico mountain town 1.5 hrs to Indian creek for epic crack climbing 2 hours to Ridgway or Telluride mountain towns 2 hrs to National parks the Needles (Canyon lands), and Natural bridges Cortez is known for its rich history and culture, and is considered the cultural center of Mesa Verde Country. It was laid out in 1886 on the site of a Navajo Indian seasonal camp called Tseyetoh. It's located near the Four Corners where Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico meet. *Note* We have no water or Electric! *Pit toilet is available across the street at the lake (5 min walk).

S & S Lazy Acres

Great views of Mesa Verde, Sleeping Ute and Abajo Mountains. Close to hiking and biking trails. Only 70 minutes to Telluride, 60 minutes to Durango. Very peaceful and quiet with deer, rabbits and probably a fox or two to see plus wonderful views and sunsets.

Dry RV site w/ Views of Mesa Verde

49mi from Teec Nos Pos · 1 site · RV

(30)

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!

A Pleasant View

47mi from Teec Nos Pos · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to your quiet retreat in the heart of Pleasant View, Colorado. This private property offers both RV and tent sites far from any other campers with easy access and plenty of room to stretch out under the wide-open sky. Less than 2 miles from the historic Lowry Pueblo ruins, the location offers a unique blend of solitude, scenic views, and cultural significance. You’ll be surrounded by open fields, peaceful canyons, and unobstructed stargazing, all without the noise of city life. With no hookups or facilities, it’s the perfect off-grid stop for travelers seeking simplicity and connection with the land.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Brandon

October 2025

Tent

Direct access to the north loops and a hot shower make this camp work paying for. The host, Jake, is really nice. He greeted me personally, described the private trails on his property and gave me a couple Zuma Bike Ranch stickers. Maybe it helped that I was the only guest that night.

J

Jack

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary

Incredible views and host! Highly recommend, offers a lot of versatility with the location.

2022 Lunar eclipse starting over the Mesa. Taken from Bright Star Campground (with an iPhone)

M

Meg

October 2025

19 ft campervan

2 nights at Bright Star Campground

Loved it! A high open plain ringed with mountains: Mesa Verde and Ute close, Telluride, San Juans and Bears Ears on the horizon. Immaculately clean and generous kitchen and dining/hanging out areas. The tent/RV sites are very basic but the rest makes up. Great hosts, dark sky. Didn’t see inside the cabins but the hogan was lovely.

P

Pam

October 2025

Tent

Here’s what I liked about Zuma…I arrived at night (which I usually never do….as a general rule to try and find a camp spot after dark) and the signage was perfect to get me where I needed to go…just when I would start to second guess myself voila there was another sign. Super clean camp spot, porta potty and a HOT shower. Not icky at all. And the best part was that the northern trails for Phil’s World were accessible right from camp. If you like quiet and are okay with a minimal camping situation this is a great place. I will definitely be back and very glad I found it.

J

Julie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Great, quiet spot, friendly host and wonderful outdoor shower.

I

Ian

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Bright Star Campground

Great location, suburb views, nicely spaced sites - it’s no wonder it’s so highly rated on Hipcamp …

C

Cassie

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

We loved staying at Zuma! The campsites are level and surrounded by nature. The bathroom and shower are close by, and the shower has HOT water! We were greeted by the welcoming committee (some very friendly, very sweet dogs) who came to check on us a few times during our stay. Jake is very knowledgeable about the area and had some great recommendations. The proximity to Phil's World can't be beat. We are looking forward to coming back in the spring!

L

Lajehe

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Bright Star Campground

Wonderful campground with full amenities and friendly amazing staff always available for assistance and a community vibe. We loved our stay here and would highly recommend.

J

Jason

September 2025

Tent

I loved camping at Zuma Bike Ranch. The sites are flat, and the hot shower was fantastic. MTB at Phil's World from camp and a great location for accessing multiple angles of approach to higher rides in the San Juans. Jake is also a great resource for local riding information. I will be back for sure.

Juliet

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Bright Star Campground

I car camped here and had a super sweet one-night stay where all my needs were met. The land is beautiful, gorgeous sunset and sunrise, and it was sweet to have communal space like the kitchen, showers, bathrooms, and more. The camp hosts were very sweet and welcoming! I would definitely camp here again and would recommend it.

K

Kathryn

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Jake’s space is awesome. Beautiful, clean and the views and trail access are amazing.

B

Brett

September 2025

Tent

We had a lovely time at Zuma! The location is great - excellent views and trail access, and nice juniper and pinyon cover surrounding the campsite spots. The ranch dogs, Yazzie & Sid, are super sweet. Sid stopped by first thing each morning to say hi and make sure we were up to tackle the day. The outdoor heated shower was 10/10 too, nothing better than that after a long and hot ride! Jake was also wonderful to chat with and super helpful, sharing recs on places to go in Dolores for bike troubleshooting and breakfast. While we didn't take a clinic when we were there, the location is set up great for that, with skills practice and features for sessioning. Definitely something we're considering for next year. All around lovely hosts and excellent place to stay if you want to ride Phil's and camp!

m

meghan

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Great access to trails (including some private ones), awesome outdoor shower, and fantastic vibes! I love what they have done/are doing with the space! And Spot was the friendliest!!

A

Adrian

August 2025

Tent