The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near White Mesa, Utah

White Mesa draws campers who want river access, and you’ve got over 180 options that fit the bill. Expect average nightly rates around $55, with some spots dipping as low as $45. River camps here put you close to sandstone cliffs, cottonwood groves, and trout runs that locals keep quiet. Top picks include Canyon Trails Ranch (55 reviews), Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes (51 reviews), and Sage Canyon (7 reviews). Most camps let you light up a fire, shower off the grit, and bring your dog. If you like your mornings misty and your hikes rugged, you’ll find trails for climbing, wildlife-watching, and long rambles along the water’s edge. Pack layers—the river air cools fast after dark.

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Top-rated campgrounds

White Mesa draws campers who want river access, and you’ve got over 180 options that fit the bill. Expect average nightly rates around $55, with some spots dipping as low as $45. River camps here put you close to sandstone cliffs, cottonwood groves, and trout runs that locals keep quiet. Top picks include Canyon Trails Ranch (55 reviews), Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes (51 reviews), and Sage Canyon (7 reviews). Most camps let you light up a fire, shower off the grit, and bring your dog. If you like your mornings misty and your hikes rugged, you’ll find trails for climbing, wildlife-watching, and long rambles along the water’s edge. Pack layers—the river air cools fast after dark.

99% (121)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Canyon Trails Ranch

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(104)

38mi from White Mesa · 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.

2. Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

96%

(76)

38mi from White Mesa · 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.

3. Sage Canyon

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39mi from White Mesa · 2 sites · Lodging · 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. Our property features red rock cliff walls, a private rock alcove, comfortable amenities, internet, and sweeping mountain views. A perfect place to base yourself for your next creative endeavor or for rejuvenating and exploring in the wilds of the four corners. Head just 10 minutes down canyon to Sand Canyon—public access to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument—for hiking and mountain biking trails. Further down Road G is Hovenweep National Monument where you can view Pueblo ruins precariously built on top of boulders and canyon rims. At the end of the day, stop by our neighbor Sutcliffe Vineyards for year-round local wine tasting. Nearby - Telluride (2), Cedar Mesa and Monument Valley (1.5-2), the Four Corners Monument (45), Durango (1.25), Shiprock (45), Mesa Verde (40), Cortez (20), Hovenweep (45).

4. Monticello Field Office

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85 sites · Monticello, Utah

So, the Bureau of Land Management has these things called “Field Offices,” where they keeps tabs on public lands through these on-site offices. Now that we’ve covered that, let’s talk about all of the fun you and your crew can have out here! The BLM asserts that this area has some of the “most spectacular landscapes in the United States,” and we’re totally inclined to agree. You’ll find Monticello tucked away into the southeast corner of Utah near the Abajo Mountains (BLM land surrounds the mountains). Archeology buffs will have endless fun exploring the remnants of Ancestral Puebloan life, including cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. Thanks to these awesome and unique landscapes, you can spend your time hiking, camping, rock climbing, and more…all to your heart’s content. Heck, can we come with you?!

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5. 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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Electrical Hookup

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6. Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

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39mi from White Mesa · 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.

7. Moab Field Office

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572 sites · Moab, Utah

There’s a pretty solid chance that you’ve heard about Moab, one of Utah’s most happening recreation spots. This gorgeous place gets packed, so do your homework beforehand so you know where to go! The Moab Field Office, administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), takes up 1.8 million acres of gorgeous canyon-riddled lands. Spend your days hunting for natural arches and bridges, exploring mesas, and contemplating how the heck rocks can look so crazy. BLM lands are also fantastic base camps for forays into nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. There are 26 campgrounds, and you can usually find something even on the busiest of weekends (but, if you can swing it, it’s always best to arrive early). River recreation on the Colorado and Green Rivers is another major draw. However you spend your time in Moab, you’ll fall in love with the impressive red rock formations, the deep canyons, and surprising amount of plant life.

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Public campgrounds near White Mesa

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Sand Island Campground

16mi from White Mesa · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monticello Field Office

Ferris Canyon Campground

46mi from White Mesa · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Burro Bridge Campground

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

The view from your campsite. Keeps going...

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Superbowl Campground

48mi from White Mesa · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monticello Field Office

92%

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Windwhistle Campground

49mi from White Mesa · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Moab Field Office

Creek Pasture Campground

50mi from White Mesa · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monticello Field Office

McPhee Recreation Complex Campground

50mi from White Mesa · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Joseph (Jody)

3 weeks ago

16 ft campervan

1 night at Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

It doesn’t take long after pulling off onto the road that leads to Kelly Place to notice that you are now on sacred grounds. We only spent 2 nights there, but that was enough to get the understanding that this was a place of uniquenesses that held a certain amount of powers. I’m yet uncertain how long it might take to come to grips with it what’s held there, but I’m very grateful for the time allotted and will soon return for a deeper connection. If you have a spiritual side to yourself and this comes up on your radar, by all means necessary book it and thank not only me later, but more importantly those that have taken the oath to keep this spirit alive and well. 5,000 ⭐️’s is the rating if possible. And thank you to those behind the scenes that keep this location place alive and well!!!

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.

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.

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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.

M

MARCI

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

This place exceeded my expectations by A LOT. The hosts put a lot into extra work to make this nice and you get a lot for the money. Highly recommend!!

The Pour Over - one of our campsites tucked into the cliff with a waterfall just beyond the picnic table when we get a good desert rain.

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Gabriella

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Ancient Echoes is a sacred and beautiful space. Where you may explore history and learn about a mission dedicated to the preservation of cultural diversity and agricultural heritage. I am so grateful to have began my first trip to Colorado here. I was able to de-stress after a long roadtrip by taking a hot shower and enjoying a hot cup of tea. To be followed by a sweet camp under a beautiful sky full of stars. It was great to be able to utilize the amenities. Although the unique location, proximity to national monuments and awesome trails all encouraged me to stay an extra night. We highly recommend taking all the time you can to truly enjoy Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place. A huge thank you to our wonderful hosts and new friends Celine and Allison. Your hospitality and communication along the way were truly outstanding. The work put into this sanctuary is incredible and inspiring!

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.

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Inai

July 2025

14 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Absolutely stunning and incredible place to visit and be inspired. It is so special and generous of the hosts to share this wonderful place in the world.

D

Dallas

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

One of the most unique experiences ever! The hosts are great, facilities are perfect, but the property is unbelievable! We will be back!

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Sarah

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Canyon Trails Ranch

We had a great time camping at Rodney and family’s site. The bath house was clean and it was great to be able to shower after hiking. The location is quiet at night and the stars are beautiful. It is also right next door to the canyon of the ancients.

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Sean

May 2025

Tent

2 nights at Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Such a magical place, and absolutely worth a visit if you are looking for a serene getaway. Allison and Celine were very kind and welcoming. Thank you!

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Jim

May 2025

Tent

1 night at Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Kelly's Place is a gem. I would come back to stay there in a heartbeat when I am back in the Cortez area.

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Steven

April 2025

17 ft campervan

2 nights at Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Absolutely a gorgeous setting with very gracious and accommodating hosts.

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!

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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!

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John

December 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Canyon Trails Ranch

Unfortunately we had an emergency and didn't get to stay. But they were very understanding and got us our refund. We hope to stay here in the future when we return to Mesa Verde because they were very nice and communicated well beforehand.