Desert camping near Shiprock

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95% (682 reviews)
95% (682 reviews)

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12 top desert campgrounds near Shiprock

99%
(533)

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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$35
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98%
(49)

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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$15
 / night
95%
(201)

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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$35
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97%
(39)

Mountain View Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Aztec, NM
Learn more about this land:Enjoy majestic sunrise and sunset views as you bask in the relaxed atmosphere. Mountain biking is available at the edge of the property. Horseshoes is available onsite. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, motocross, natural arches, and so much more are just a short drive away!
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$25
 / night
95%
(125)

Grizzly Peak Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Hesperus, CO
Located in southwest colorado the Grizzly Peak Ranch is a beautiful 40 acre piece of land.  Home to a fun loving family, horses, and dogs!  We have seen Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coyotes, and even Mountain Lions on this property!  Close enough to town and it's conveniences- but far enough away you won't hear or see a soul.Learn more about this land:Located an easy 15 minutes from down town Durango this beautiful property offers guaranteed privacy and secluded camping- you will be the only campers on the sprawling 40 acre property, with convenient access to all that Durango has to offer, and just 10 minutes from Lake Nighthorse- great for fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, etc. Come pitch your tent or park your camper in the pinon and juniper trees, with magnificent views of the la plata mountains.  Abundant wildlife, magnificent stars, quiet seclusion.
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$36
 / night
100%
(90)

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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$45
 / night
57%
(7)

Talking Rocks

21 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Hesperus, CO
Named Talking Rocks because of the sound of the wind rolling over our natural and ancient manufactured depressions in prehistoric ocean beds / coral protrusions. Varying frequencies, bellows, and wailing can be detected easily through the deafening silence. No car, road or machinery can be heard at this remote location.Learn more about this land:An eco-concious, off grid event venue designed to preserve nature and host many campers. A combination of juniper /pinion forest and high desert sage will greet you when you stay in this prehistoric ocean bed / ancient dwelling hotspot.
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$40
 / night
100%
(5)

Moore's RV Park and Campground

1 site · Tent10 acres · Bloomfield, NM
We are an active RV park that resides on 10-acres and has ample space for camping activities. We have tent sites, RV sites, horseshoes, pool (seasonal), and laundry and gift shop amenities. We hope you book with us! Lots to see to include Aztec Ruins, city of Farmington, and Chaco Canyon. Hope to talk soon!
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$30
 / night
100%
(27)

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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$25
 / night
100%
(39)

Paw Paw's Place

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Aztec, NM
We are retired educators looking to share our slice of heaven. When you make a booking here at PawPaw’s we don’t accept other bookings, so you have the place all to yourself. We can make exceptions if you are traveling with friends or having a family get together. Just text or call ahead we are glad to work with our guest.
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$35
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100%
(2)

100 year old Homestead

1 site · Lodging500 acres · Hesperus, CO
Learn more about this land:Our Fall Big Game hunting cabin is a summer Adult summer camp ! It is a bunk style cabin, We have multi age board games, including bingo and poker ,  tv to watch movies . Outdoor, includes corn hole, frisbee golf,  an awesome rock painting station, oh , and of course hiking,  multiple terrain ! There is internet service, and cell service up or down the road a mile or so . we do have a local landline phone . The night sky is an event of its own, pick a full moon stay for or new moon night full of amazing stars and wishes. Enjoy chilling together or at separate areas here and get your peace on!    Agritourism , sharing Agriculture and Nature !
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$115
 / night
100%
(7)

Sage Canyon

2 sites · Lodging39 acres · Towaoc, CO
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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$270
 / night

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Desert camping near Shiprock guide

Overview

Looking to experience the beauty of the desert near Shiprock, New Mexico? Hipcamp has over 500 camping options specifically tailored to your preference for desert terrain. With an average price per night of $47 and options as low as $15, there's something for every budget. Check out the top campsites with rave reviews, including Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), Humming Bird Campsite (175 reviews), and Sunset Campground on Ruin Road (130 reviews). Plus, popular amenities like pets, campfires, and potable water, as well as activities like paddling, fishing, and wind sports, ensure an unforgettable camping experience. Book your desert getaway now!

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