The best campgrounds near Shiprock, New Mexico with horseback riding

Looking for a camping adventure near Shiprock, New Mexico? Hipcamp has over 536 options just for you! Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone. With average prices starting at $40 per night and options as low as $15, you'll find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out some of the top-rated campsites like Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), Raven's Nest On Route 66 (113 reviews), and Camping in the Mesas (83 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and pet-friendly sites. If you're into off-roading, wildlife watching, or exploring historic sites, this is the perfect spot for you. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

97% (834)

Top-rated campgrounds

There are 3 Tipis in The Views area, this is the biggest, The Raven.

Looking for a camping adventure near Shiprock, New Mexico? Hipcamp has over 536 options just for you! Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone. With average prices starting at $40 per night and options as low as $15, you'll find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out some of the top-rated campsites like Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), Raven's Nest On Route 66 (113 reviews), and Camping in the Mesas (83 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and pet-friendly sites. If you're into off-roading, wildlife watching, or exploring historic sites, this is the perfect spot for you. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

97% (834)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bright Star Campground

98%

(779)

39mi from Shiprock · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO

We have complimentary WiFi, drinking water, ice, hot showers, bathrooms, communal kitchen, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, art nook, ping pong, and more. We are open from April - October. All of our sites and amenities can be booked for retreats or events. There are two large covered pavilions. We customize reservations for small and large groups or longer stays. There are furnished tipis, camping cabins, tent/RV/van sites, and a Navajo Hogan (wooden yurt). Bright Star Campground: Originally established in 2012 as a church camp, it is now a place to connect, create, and rejuvenate in this spectacular high desert landscape. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic views of the Four Corners region, and only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many attractions nearby, such as 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. We are located 45 minutes from Durango, 1.5 hours from Telluride, and about 2 hours from Moab (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks). The nearest airport is in Durango. The nearest large international airports are in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.

2. Mountain View Campground

94%

(61)

44mi from Shiprock · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!

3. Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

96%

(75)

38mi from Shiprock · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Cortez, CO

This magical place, surrounded by over 500,000 acres of protected land, is a 38 acre desert oasis near Mesa Verde, Sand Canyon and Hovenweep. Pitch your tent or park your small pop up or tiny rv (car and pull behind must be under 20 ft total) in a heritage orchard under and alongside magnificent red cliffs. We also have super clean bathroom with hot shower designated for campers. We have a fully equipped community kitchen for cooking, and a gas grill as well. We border Canyons of the Ancients immediately to the North, a 174,000 acre National Monument with the largest concentration of Ancestral Puebloan ("cliff-dweller") and archeological sites in the United States. A favorite public access point to The Canyons of the Ancients is the Sand Canyon trailhead, a five minute drive from the property up the main road. It is visited by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. We are a genuine "oasis" on exquisite high desert land with profound ancient puebloan sites within steps. Ideal home base for your Southwest adventure.

4. Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

100%

(1)

38mi from Shiprock · 1 site · Lodging · Cortez, CO

Play in nature, relax in comfort. 2 spacious safari-style tents nestled in a small orchard with big views of Canyon of the Ancients. Your stay includes a private bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers. Both tents have king beds and outdoor lounging areas and share a central campfire area. Clifftop hiking with views as far as Mesa Verde. We only accept one reservation at a time so the camp is all yours. The Details The Orchard Camp includes two large safari-style tents, each with a king bed, water cooler, mini-fridge, sheets & towels. The tents share cooking and camp amenities like a two burner Coleman stove and a propane-fueled "fire pit," and games like corn hole. Your private Bathhouse offers two sinks, two showers, two toilets, an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink for your dishes. The Orchard, with its young fruit trees and wildflowers, is your private garden. The Property You'll have access to roam much of this 38 acre property which includes a hay farm, cliffside and clifftop trail and a section of McElmo Creek. We just ask that folks stay away from the private residence on site, which is well-marked. We love pets and kids but due to the Wildlife with a capital W (and the occasional skunk) with whom we share this land we must limit our guests to humans ages 8 and up. Southwest Colorado is a land of extremes. We get hot, cold and everything in between. The tents are canvas so we offer electric blankets and small space heaters for colder days, and fans for the warmer days. And in advance, we apologize for the high cleaning fee. When you're here you'll understand why with the large showerhouse and all its windows, the large canvas tents and big decks, etc.

5. M and V's Mountain Paradise

100%

(15)

47mi from Shiprock · 1 site · Tent, RV · Dolores, CO

We have 1 1/2 acres, with one acre fenced in for dogs, Full RV hookups (30/50, water and sewer) We are 14 miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. Close State and County Parks too numerous to count! Hike, Bike, Run, Ski, Raft, Etc...We have it all. Amenites: VIEWS, clean air, a zillion stars, and Serenity! Durango 36 miles Telluride 48 Silverton 48.

6. Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch

99%

(129)

49mi from Shiprock · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Durango, CO

Santa Rita Ranch is located in a rural, agricultural valley south of Durango, Colorado. Originally a dairy and hay farm, the Mannix's raised all organic beef in the past. Currently it operates as a hay farm and Linda has three horses and three donkeys. Very quiet rural area with plenty of open space. Elevation 6,000 ft. Learn more about this land: The 40 acre Santa Rita Ranch has hayfields, irrigation and plenty of room to camp. Located 20 minutes south of Durango Colorado it is quiet and peaceful. Good internet access! Porta potty available. Only 20 minutes to two wineries: Foxfire Farms in Ignacio, CO and Wines of the San Juans near Aztec, NM. Paddleboarding and windsurfing on Lake Nighthorse. Lots of mountain bike trails near Durango and good road biking on our CR 213. Flying into Durango? We have a tent and camp chairs for you! Horses and donkeys available to pet. Horse boarding available for those traveling with their equine friends.

7. Canyon Trails Ranch

100%

(104)

38mi from Shiprock · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

8. Denkai Animal Sanctuary

100%

(2)

43mi from Shiprock · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Hesperus, CO

Nestled amidst 40 acres of breathtaking Mountain Views, our tranquil sanctuary offers a truly serene and peaceful retreat. Located on our nonprofit animal sanctuary property, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while knowing that your stay supports a worthy cause. Just a short ten-mile drive away lies the renowned Lake Nighthorse, a haven for water enthusiasts. And for those looking to explore the shimmering waters, we provide convenient on-site paddleboard rentals, ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable aquatic adventure. As you wander through our expansive grounds, you'll discover pockets of lush greenery and shaded areas, perfect for finding solace in the embrace of nature. If you're traveling with an RV, worry not, as we offer ample parking space to accommodate your vehicle. Additionally, horse owners will find our sheltered areas with larger paddocks ideal for their equine companions. Whether you're seeking a peaceful respite or embarking on an equestrian adventure, our sanctuary provides the perfect haven for both humans and horses alike. At our sanctuary, we understand that everyone has unique needs and desires. Whether you're in search of a quiet place to rejuvenate your soul or simply passing through the area, we are dedicated to catering to your individual requirements. While we don't provide amenities such as water, electricity, or septic facilities for RVs, we encourage you to come prepared for sustainability. Bring your own water and necessary items to ensure a comfortable stay. Rest assured, our idyllic surroundings and warm hospitality will make your visit a memorable one, regardless of the purpose of your stay.

9. E-Z Access Camping

83%

(3)

43mi from Shiprock · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Mancos, CO

Camp spots are just off the county road, easily accessed with a car or non 4 wd vehicles. Turning Beyond Ranch is comprised of 120 acres, camp spots are situated in the garden area. The view of the La Plata mnts is beautiful to the north, with an open field to the east. Cherry creek runs year round on the east bank past the field, just below the mnts. This is a safe area with most farm and ranches of 100 + acres. Location is convenient for a short drive to Mesa Verde park - approx 20 miles to entrance, 25 miles from Durango, or 45 miles to Farmington MM.

10. Cottonwoods

100%

(8)

44mi from Shiprock · 1 site · RV · Dolores, CO

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.

11. Dry RV site w/ Views of Mesa Verde

100%

(30)

42mi from Shiprock · 1 site · RV · 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 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!

Camper favorites near Shiprock

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Canyon Trails Ranch

100%

(104)

38mi from Shiprock · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

Denkai Animal Sanctuary

100%

(2)

43mi from Shiprock · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Hesperus, CO

Nestled amidst 40 acres of breathtaking Mountain Views, our tranquil sanctuary offers a truly serene and peaceful retreat. Located on our nonprofit animal sanctuary property, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while knowing that your stay supports a worthy cause. Just a short ten-mile drive away lies the renowned Lake Nighthorse, a haven for water enthusiasts. And for those looking to explore the shimmering waters, we provide convenient on-site paddleboard rentals, ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable aquatic adventure. As you wander through our expansive grounds, you'll discover pockets of lush greenery and shaded areas, perfect for finding solace in the embrace of nature. If you're traveling with an RV, worry not, as we offer ample parking space to accommodate your vehicle. Additionally, horse owners will find our sheltered areas with larger paddocks ideal for their equine companions. Whether you're seeking a peaceful respite or embarking on an equestrian adventure, our sanctuary provides the perfect haven for both humans and horses alike. At our sanctuary, we understand that everyone has unique needs and desires. Whether you're in search of a quiet place to rejuvenate your soul or simply passing through the area, we are dedicated to catering to your individual requirements. While we don't provide amenities such as water, electricity, or septic facilities for RVs, we encourage you to come prepared for sustainability. Bring your own water and necessary items to ensure a comfortable stay. Rest assured, our idyllic surroundings and warm hospitality will make your visit a memorable one, regardless of the purpose of your stay.

E-Z Access Camping

83%

(3)

43mi from Shiprock · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Mancos, CO

Camp spots are just off the county road, easily accessed with a car or non 4 wd vehicles. Turning Beyond Ranch is comprised of 120 acres, camp spots are situated in the garden area. The view of the La Plata mnts is beautiful to the north, with an open field to the east. Cherry creek runs year round on the east bank past the field, just below the mnts. This is a safe area with most farm and ranches of 100 + acres. Location is convenient for a short drive to Mesa Verde park - approx 20 miles to entrance, 25 miles from Durango, or 45 miles to Farmington MM.

Cottonwoods

100%

(8)

44mi from Shiprock · 1 site · RV · Dolores, CO

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.

Dry RV site w/ Views of Mesa Verde

100%

(30)

42mi from Shiprock · 1 site · RV · 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 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!

Public campgrounds near Shiprock

100%

(1)

Target Tree Campground

47mi from Shiprock · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Yurts

48mi from Shiprock · 2 sites · in Mancos State Park

Burro Bridge Campground

48mi from Shiprock · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Main

49mi from Shiprock · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mancos State Park

100%

(1)

West

49mi from Shiprock · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mancos State Park

McPhee Recreation Complex Campground

49mi from Shiprock · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Stories from the community

M

Marquitta

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

An absolute dream! My only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer. Sunset on property was gorgeous! The trails around camp were super fun. Friendly staff. Our pour-over site was tucked away, beautiful, felt safe. Grounds were clean and stocked.

B

Beck

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch

This was my second time staying here, and it will always be one of my favorite places to stop. Linda is a great communicator & even makes sure to provide curated directions, depending on which way you are coming from. Highly recommend stopping for a night (or two!) The donkeys are also a plus :)

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.

We didn’t know their names so we called them Frankie and Lola.

B

Barbara

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Mountain View Campground

The campsites are in a slightly hilly, brushy area, so there’s some privacy built in. We picked campsite 11 so we could watch the beautiful sunset, and sunrise. It was so quiet out there!! Beautiful stars at night. The porta potty was clean and nearby and there were trash cans next to it. It was only our 2nd time hip camping so I was surprised that there wasnt a table and fire ring, just a space to camp . There were rocks to make a fire ring and we used our camping boxes for a table, so we were fine , but we’ll get a table top for future hipcamping. The owner’s two dogs joined us in the morning and were super friendly and fun.

t

tracy

October 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch

What a beautiful gem of a place! So scenic, open, private and the best host ever, Linda. She provided a great deal of suggestions on where we could spend the day. She’s an incredibly warm host that we’ll always remember.

J

Josh

October 2025

6 ft pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch

Excellent hosts and lovely site! Linda was so welcoming and friendly, she gave us lots of recommendations for the area and was just genuinely lovely to talk to. Clear directions to site and the site itself is very private and peaceful. We would definitely choose to stay here again and couldn’t recommend it enough

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 …

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.

R

Rashawn

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mountain View Campground

The campground is nice and quiet. I appreciate communication with the host. He is a great host! I will come back again!

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.

z

zoe

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Our stay was wonderful. The directions easy to follow so we didn’t have to rely on gps. The camping site was sheltered which was a appreciated as it was a a windy night and we have a roof tent, we had our own bathroom which was very clean and hot shower. The jewel was the lodge which was open to us and we enjoyed the comfortable space to have tea and meet other guests. We walked the property in the morning after a homemade breakfast from our host ( worth it!) . We would love to come back.

S

Steve

August 2025

19 ft Class B

2 nights at Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Absolutely beautiful and all the amenities you’d want. Celine is lovely and a great host. We’ll be back.

Attie

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Bright Star Campground

The sky was truly a blanket of stars, and I will always remember it. This camp area is wonderful and I’ll be back for a third time someday, hopefully soon!

Eric

August 2025

35 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch

Linda’s Santa Rita land is a beautiful, quiet, rural setting. Friendly horses and donkeys graze nearby and a small, historic irrigation canal lined with cottonwoods and chimesa runs by the sites. Linda was great to work with during my 7-day stay.

J

Joyce

August 2025

17 ft campervan

2 nights at Bright Star Campground

Great spot with lots of amenities. The owners really take care of the place and offer lots of nice touches. We really enjoyed our camp in Sunrise and wish we booked more time.

M

Mason S

August 2025

17 ft campervan

2 nights at Bright Star Campground

The campground has amenities that most campgrounds do not have, such as a communal kitchen and ICE 👍 Also, really appreciated the carport to provide some shade during a hot summer visit. The campground itself was well laid out and quiet, even after families arrived, for 2 middle-aged folks. There was some minor issue with the hot water in the women's shower but otherwise the bathrooms were clean, well stocked, and centrally located. We will definitely be back (when there isn't a full moon) to watch the meteor showers, Kent!

Your sunset view to the west. Mesa Verde view is to the East.

Eli

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Bright Star Campground

The views of Mesa Verde are beautiful and the facilities are great; probably some of the best amenities you could get at a campsite!

D

Debra

August 2025

18 ft campervan

3 nights at Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch

So, we had a blast at this quirky little vintage farm just 11 miles outside of Durango, CO, where our campsite was basically the VIP section of the pasture. Picture this: our van was nestled in a cozy corner, fully surrounded by brush, trees, and an irrigation ditch that made us feel like we were on some sort of rustic survival show. Horses and donkeys became our next-door neighbors—super nosy ones, I might add! We had the entire campsite to ourselves, which made us feel like the kings and queens of our own little compound. We even felt brave enough to leave our camper van wide open at night, just chilling under the protection of our trusty insect netting. Talk about living on the wild side! But the real midnight party came courtesy of our donkey pals who loved to hang out by the back door during the witching hour, perhaps hoping for some late-night snacks or just an ear rub. By day, we were entertained by the local prairie dog circus, darting around the field like they were training for the Summer Olympics. And getting to Durango was just a hop, skip, and a jump away! Linda, our host, was a gem—super friendly and accommodating. If you're in the mood for a private, safe spot where "roughing it" means sharing your space with adorable donkeys and feisty prairie dogs, then trust me, this Hip Camp is the place to be!

James

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Bright Star Campground

I've stayed at this campground through 3 owners across the past 5+ years! I absolutely love staying here; especially with the new camp hosts who are incredibly groovy and kind. This campground is a great price and has a community kitchen, hot showers, games, a rock painting station, charging bank for phones, a hammock to read in, incredible stargazing, serenading sunsets, and a lot of cool stuff to explore within a short drive. I love this place and highly recommend it. I've stayed in the chapel, a tent site, and the cabins and I've had a wonderful stay in all of them. Thank you for having me! I'll definitely be back!

S

Sam

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Bright Star Campground

Wonderful place. Quiet, peaceful, well-kept. Highly recommend