Camping in Cortez, CO, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023

United States
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Colorado
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Cortez

95% (8250 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cortez

Available this weekend

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Under $50

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(1)

Sleeping Under the Mesa Verde

2 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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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(531)

Bright Star Campground

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

Canyon Trails Ranch

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

88%

(8)

Sand Canyon Seed Gardens & Tipi

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Towaoc, Montezuma

Welcome to our organic vegetable seed farm! We are located right next to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, a hiker's and biker's paradise full of Ancestral Puebloan ruins to explore. We love giving farm tours to share our diverse seed growing gardens, small milking goat herd, chicken flock and honey bees. Come enjoy the bounty, learn how to save your own vegetable seeds, find some eggs and cook up a tasty meal in our fully equipped outdoor kitchen! We have a beautiful RV site with electric and water hookups, multiple tent camp sites and a large tipi for a unique glamping experience! Enjoy our outdoor kitchen complete with gas stove, grill, sink, mini-frig and food storage. There is a composting toilet that uses sawdust with the best view in the county! Canyon of the Ancients National Monument is just outside the gate. Enjoy miles of hiking, mountain biking, ancient Puebloan ruins within 2 minutes walking distance, pottery shards and caverns to explore! Mesa Verde and Hovenweep are short drives away for more extensive Anasazi experiences. Families are welcome and kids love the animals, tipi and gardens.

Camping in the Mesas

8 sites · Lodging, Tents15 acres · Dolores, Montezuma

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.

12 top campgrounds near Cortez

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(1)

Sleeping Under the Mesa Verde

2 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

Canyon Trails Ranch

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

Bright Star Campground

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

Ol McDaniel Farm-Willow Tree Camper

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Glendale, Montezuma

Ol McDaniel Farm/Willow Tree Camper, is a private site with a modest and well loved camper for two with a half bath adjacent (no reliable hot water). As you can expect in southwest Colorado (Cortez), outdoor adventures abound. Limited but excellent dining in this rural area, please reach out for recommendations. Near Mesa Verde NP, world class fisheries, historic Durango Co, managed cyclist trails, and many other attractions.

Camping in the Mesas

8 sites · Lodging, Tents15 acres · Dolores, Montezuma

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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(14)

Lavender Farm Stay

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Dolores, Montezuma

Welcome to Mesa Verde Lavender! We are a working lavender farm with 800+ 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. A farm tour is included with your stay. Come adventure, smell the flowers (literally!), and enjoy feeling of these ancient healing lands!

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Cottonwoods

1 site · RV5 acres · Dolores, Montezuma

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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Zuma Bike Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

Sand Canyon Seed Gardens & Tipi

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Towaoc, Montezuma

Welcome to our organic vegetable seed farm! We are located right next to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, a hiker's and biker's paradise full of Ancestral Puebloan ruins to explore. We love giving farm tours to share our diverse seed growing gardens, small milking goat herd, chicken flock and honey bees. Come enjoy the bounty, learn how to save your own vegetable seeds, find some eggs and cook up a tasty meal in our fully equipped outdoor kitchen! We have a beautiful RV site with electric and water hookups, multiple tent camp sites and a large tipi for a unique glamping experience! Enjoy our outdoor kitchen complete with gas stove, grill, sink, mini-frig and food storage. There is a composting toilet that uses sawdust with the best view in the county! Canyon of the Ancients National Monument is just outside the gate. Enjoy miles of hiking, mountain biking, ancient Puebloan ruins within 2 minutes walking distance, pottery shards and caverns to explore! Mesa Verde and Hovenweep are short drives away for more extensive Anasazi experiences. Families are welcome and kids love the animals, tipi and gardens.

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Dreamcatcher Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Mancos, Montezuma

Once home to the anasazi and more recently part of a larger ranch, Dreamcatcher Farm is a now our little piece of heaven where we can come home and soak in the peacefulness. There is plenty of room to stretch your legs on 25 aces that connects to BLM land to the east.Learn more about this land:Private setting in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park. Choose a secluded spot among the pinion and juniper trees or camp out on the ridge with views of Mesa Verde to the the west and the La Plata mountain to the the east. The stargazing is out of this world with almost no ambient light. There are 3 horses living on the property including Dreamcatcher a BLM mustang. If you get tired of your own cooking the town of Mancos is just 6 miles away, home of The Absolute Bakery where people drive from miles around to enjoy fresh homemade healthy breakfasts and lunches. Easy access from hwy 160 but you will feel like you’re miles away!

Sage Canyon

2 sites · Lodging39 acres · Towaoc, Montezuma

Stay on the flank of Sleeping Ute Mountain in historic McElmo Canyon just 40 minutes from Mesa Verde and 20 minutes from the town of Cortez. Featured in Better Homes 2012, the Cliff House is built right into the red rock cliff wall of a private red rock canyon alcove with comfortable amenities, internet, nearby petroglyphs and sweeping views down canyon. A perfect place to base yourself for your next creative endeavor or for rejuvenating and exploring in the wilds of the four corners.

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RV sites

3 sites · RVs9 acres · Dolores, Montezuma

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.

Star Hosts in Cortez

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Canyon Trails Ranch

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

Bright Star Campground

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

RV sites

3 sites · RVs9 acres · Dolores, Montezuma

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.

Dreamcatcher Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Mancos, Montezuma

Once home to the anasazi and more recently part of a larger ranch, Dreamcatcher Farm is a now our little piece of heaven where we can come home and soak in the peacefulness. There is plenty of room to stretch your legs on 25 aces that connects to BLM land to the east.Learn more about this land:Private setting in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park. Choose a secluded spot among the pinion and juniper trees or camp out on the ridge with views of Mesa Verde to the the west and the La Plata mountain to the the east. The stargazing is out of this world with almost no ambient light. There are 3 horses living on the property including Dreamcatcher a BLM mustang. If you get tired of your own cooking the town of Mancos is just 6 miles away, home of The Absolute Bakery where people drive from miles around to enjoy fresh homemade healthy breakfasts and lunches. Easy access from hwy 160 but you will feel like you’re miles away!

Lavender Farm Stay

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Dolores, Montezuma

Welcome to Mesa Verde Lavender! We are a working lavender farm with 800+ 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. A farm tour is included with your stay. Come adventure, smell the flowers (literally!), and enjoy feeling of these ancient healing lands!

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(531)

Bright Star Campground

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

Sand Canyon Seed Gardens & Tipi

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Towaoc, Montezuma

Welcome to our organic vegetable seed farm! We are located right next to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, a hiker's and biker's paradise full of Ancestral Puebloan ruins to explore. We love giving farm tours to share our diverse seed growing gardens, small milking goat herd, chicken flock and honey bees. Come enjoy the bounty, learn how to save your own vegetable seeds, find some eggs and cook up a tasty meal in our fully equipped outdoor kitchen! We have a beautiful RV site with electric and water hookups, multiple tent camp sites and a large tipi for a unique glamping experience! Enjoy our outdoor kitchen complete with gas stove, grill, sink, mini-frig and food storage. There is a composting toilet that uses sawdust with the best view in the county! Canyon of the Ancients National Monument is just outside the gate. Enjoy miles of hiking, mountain biking, ancient Puebloan ruins within 2 minutes walking distance, pottery shards and caverns to explore! Mesa Verde and Hovenweep are short drives away for more extensive Anasazi experiences. Families are welcome and kids love the animals, tipi and gardens.

Canyon Trails Ranch

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

Sleeping Under the Mesa Verde

2 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Cortez, Montezuma

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.

Camping in the Mesas

8 sites · Lodging, Tents15 acres · Dolores, Montezuma

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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(2)

Hovenweep National Monument

Monticello, Utah

97%

(35)

San Juan National Forest

Uncompahgre National Forest

Ophir, Colorado

Camping near Cortez guide

Looking for the best camping near Cortez? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Colorado hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Cortez.