Lake Camping Near Shiprock, New Mexico, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking to camp near Shiprock, New Mexico, and have a preference for a lake, we've got you covered with over 170 options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your needs. Some of our top-rated campsites in the area include Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), Raven's Nest On Route 66 (113 reviews), and Camping in the Mesas (83 reviews). With popular amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and toilets, you'll have all the essentials covered. And if you're itching for some adventure, you can enjoy activities like biking, hiking, and wildlife watching. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Shiprock, New Mexico!

98% (186)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking to camp near Shiprock, New Mexico, and have a preference for a lake, we've got you covered with over 170 options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your needs. Some of our top-rated campsites in the area include Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), Raven's Nest On Route 66 (113 reviews), and Camping in the Mesas (83 reviews). With popular amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and toilets, you'll have all the essentials covered. And if you're itching for some adventure, you can enjoy activities like biking, hiking, and wildlife watching. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Shiprock, New Mexico!

98% (186)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camping in the Mesas

94%

(234)

47mi from Shiprock · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

2. Canyon Trails Ranch

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(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.

3. Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary

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(3)

41mi from Shiprock · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Cortez, CO

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).

4. San Juan National Forest

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(41)

696 sites · Rico, Colorado

Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.

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Toilets

5. Echo Basin Resort

49mi from Shiprock · 43 sites · Mancos, CO

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.

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Public campgrounds near Shiprock

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Target Tree Campground

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

Burro Bridge Campground

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

McPhee Recreation Complex Campground

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

Stories from the community

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.

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!

A

Ana

July 2025

With kids

4 nights at Canyon Trails Ranch

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.

C

Chad

June 2025

3 nights at Camping in the Mesas

Great place to stay for the weekend! Visited Mesa Verde and place was perfect.

Kristen

April 2025

37 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Canyon Trails Ranch

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!

C

Cheryl

April 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Canyon Trails Ranch

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.

Delise

March 2025

24 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Canyon Trails Ranch

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!