98% (309) • 54 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Dolores
Camping in the Mesas
1. Camping in the Mesas
94%
(234)
2.7mi from Dolores · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$33
/ night
Canyon Trails Ranch
2. Canyon Trails Ranch
100%
(104)
19mi from Dolores · 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
Animas River Valley red cliffs
3. Animas River Valley red cliffs
95%
(129)
37mi from Dolores · 1 site · Tent, RV
Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year. No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production. Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
San Juan National Forest
4. San Juan National Forest
97%
(41)
696 sites · Rico, Colorado
Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Uncompahgre National Forest
5. Uncompahgre National Forest
85%
(23)
228 sites · Ophir, Colorado
Head to wild western Colorado to truly get away from it all.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ponderosa Palisades
6. Ponderosa Palisades
100%
(5)
34mi from Dolores · 1 site · Lodging
Solar-powered, off-grid cabin boasting a rustic layout and lovely patio. 12 minutes from Downtown Durango, 5 minutes to Lake Nighthorse, 15 minutes to Hesperus Ski Mountain, 30 minutes to Durango Airport, 40 minutes to Purgatory Ski Resort and 50 minutes to Mesa Verde NP. Fantastic mountain biking, hiking, boating and camping within a thirty-mile radius. Durango Narrow Gauge Railway runs to Silverton—a beautiful mountain town—during spring, summer and fall.Learn more about this land:Awesome little cabin with solar power. No plumbing, sink or shower. Access to an outdoor composting toilet and a hose water tap. Sometimes access to a bathroom, kitchen and living area in the main house is available for an additional fee. Beautiful forested land with Ponderosa, Gamble Oak, and Aspen.
Toilets
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
$42
/ night
Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary
7. Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary
100%
(4)
7.7mi from Dolores · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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).
Pets
Picnic table
from
$25
/ night
Echo Basin Resort
8. Echo Basin Resort
15mi from Dolores · 43 sites
Echo Basin Resort stands out as a year-round destination for RV enthusiasts and cabin renters, offering a unique blend of summer relaxation and winter adventure. Nestled conveniently between the historic town of Durango, the breathtaking Mesa Verde National Park, and the popular Purgatory Ski Area, our resort is surrounded by the stunning San Juan Mountains, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Our resort features a variety of accommodations, including rustic A-frame studio cabins with lofts that comfortably sleep four guests. Each cabin is equipped with essential amenities such as linens, a toaster, microwave, coffee maker, and a small refrigerator. For larger groups, our deluxe two-story cabins can accommodate up to eight people and come with a full kitchen complete with utensils.
In addition to our cozy cabins, we offer a 65-space full hookup RV park, ensuring that all guests have access to the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. Our banquet facilities, complemented by a seasonal full bar and grill, make Echo Basin Resort the perfect venue for weddings, family reunions, or any special event. With our exceptional pricing and flexible options, every detail of your stay will be meticulously taken care of, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories in this gorgeous and unique mountain retreat.
98% (309) • 54 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Dolores
Camping in the Mesas
1. Camping in the Mesas
94%
(234)
2.7mi from Dolores · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$33
/ night
Canyon Trails Ranch
2. Canyon Trails Ranch
100%
(104)
19mi from Dolores · 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
Animas River Valley red cliffs
3. Animas River Valley red cliffs
95%
(129)
37mi from Dolores · 1 site · Tent, RV
Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year. No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production. Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
San Juan National Forest
4. San Juan National Forest
97%
(41)
696 sites · Rico, Colorado
Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Uncompahgre National Forest
5. Uncompahgre National Forest
85%
(23)
228 sites · Ophir, Colorado
Head to wild western Colorado to truly get away from it all.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ponderosa Palisades
6. Ponderosa Palisades
100%
(5)
34mi from Dolores · 1 site · Lodging
Solar-powered, off-grid cabin boasting a rustic layout and lovely patio. 12 minutes from Downtown Durango, 5 minutes to Lake Nighthorse, 15 minutes to Hesperus Ski Mountain, 30 minutes to Durango Airport, 40 minutes to Purgatory Ski Resort and 50 minutes to Mesa Verde NP. Fantastic mountain biking, hiking, boating and camping within a thirty-mile radius. Durango Narrow Gauge Railway runs to Silverton—a beautiful mountain town—during spring, summer and fall.Learn more about this land:Awesome little cabin with solar power. No plumbing, sink or shower. Access to an outdoor composting toilet and a hose water tap. Sometimes access to a bathroom, kitchen and living area in the main house is available for an additional fee. Beautiful forested land with Ponderosa, Gamble Oak, and Aspen.
Toilets
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
$42
/ night
Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary
7. Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary
100%
(4)
7.7mi from Dolores · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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).
Pets
Picnic table
from
$25
/ night
Echo Basin Resort
8. Echo Basin Resort
15mi from Dolores · 43 sites
Echo Basin Resort stands out as a year-round destination for RV enthusiasts and cabin renters, offering a unique blend of summer relaxation and winter adventure. Nestled conveniently between the historic town of Durango, the breathtaking Mesa Verde National Park, and the popular Purgatory Ski Area, our resort is surrounded by the stunning San Juan Mountains, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Our resort features a variety of accommodations, including rustic A-frame studio cabins with lofts that comfortably sleep four guests. Each cabin is equipped with essential amenities such as linens, a toaster, microwave, coffee maker, and a small refrigerator. For larger groups, our deluxe two-story cabins can accommodate up to eight people and come with a full kitchen complete with utensils.
In addition to our cozy cabins, we offer a 65-space full hookup RV park, ensuring that all guests have access to the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. Our banquet facilities, complemented by a seasonal full bar and grill, make Echo Basin Resort the perfect venue for weddings, family reunions, or any special event. With our exceptional pricing and flexible options, every detail of your stay will be meticulously taken care of, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories in this gorgeous and unique mountain retreat.
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jack
October 2025
Tent
Incredible views and host! Highly recommend, offers a lot of versatility with the location.
See more
C
Christine
October 2025
Tent
We loved staying on Melinda's land! It was pouring rain from a freak storm and she generously allowed us to use her mudroom and her addition downstairs. Genuinely, she saved our trip. She had great recommendations on things to do in the area and was available and communicative. I could not ask for a better host,
See more
T
Tammy
October 2025
Tent
We love camping at Melinda’s. Beautiful views, gracious host and close to hiking trails and Durango. This was our 2nd time there and we’ll be back our next time through Colorado.
See more
A
Adison
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Camping in the Mesas
the directions to get to and into the cabin were clear, the room was clean and came well stocked with blankets, towels, and anything else you’d need. very nice place!
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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.
See moreC
Chad
June 2025
3 nights at Camping in the Mesas
Great place to stay for the weekend! Visited Mesa Verde and place was perfect.
See more
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!
See more
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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