1 / 100

Bright Star Campground

Hosted by Kent · Cortez, Colorado
15 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 20 acres
Avatar
Near Mesa Verde National Park
Within a 30-minute drive from the West Entrance Booth - 134A.
Best in Colorado: 3rd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Big rig-friendly
Spacious, level camping well-suited for travel trailers over 40 ft long.
We are a unique, community driven campground open from April - October. We have complimentary WiFi, drinking water, ice, hot showers, pit toilets, communal kitchen, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, art nook, ping pong, and more. The entire campground 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.

Select a site

Filter by

RV/tent sites

6 sites
Instant book

SUNRISE: Small RV CAMPSITE 30amp

98%
(94)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 5 · Vehicles under 26 ft
Small RV or tent site. Shade from awning. Faces La Plata mountains to the east. Picnic table and fire pit. 30A and 110 electric hookups. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star! Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
No water hookup
Instant book

SUNSET: Campsite ~ near Mesa Verde

99%
(80)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 26 ft
Small RV or tent site. No hookups. Shade from awning. Faces Sleeping Ute Mountain to the west. Picnic table and fire pit. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
Instant book

UTE #2 Campsite ~ near Mesa Verde

98%
(71)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 27 ft
Simple dry tent site. Shade from juniper tree. Faces Sleeping Ute Mountain to the west. Picnic table and fire pit. No hookups. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
Instant book

VIEWS #1 ~ Campsite near Mesa Verde

97%
(58)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 27 ft
Simple dry tent site. Picnic table and fire pit. No hookups. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
Instant book

VIEWS #2 ~ Campsite near Mesa Verde

98%
(40)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 26 ft
Simple dry tent site. Picnic table and fire pit. No hookups. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
Instant book

UTE #1 30 amp RV site ~ Mesa Verde

98%
(20)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 34 ft
Small RV or tent site. Shade from juniper tree. Faces Sleeping Ute Mountain to the west. Picnic table and fire pit. Water and electric hookups. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
Water hookup

RV-only sites

1 site
Instant book

RV PAD full hookup Mesa Verde views

92%
(33)
Vehicle site · Sleeps 5 · Vehicles under 44 ft
This is a large pull-through Full Hookup RV Pad with 30 amp and 50 amp. It is behind the Airbnb house on the property. The RV is not included. The pad is for full-size RV's, 5th Wheels and Travel Trailers that are self-contained. Large Vans are okay if they have a toilet onboard. We also have electric-only sites for smaller RV types on the campground, near bathrooms. The StarPad has Wifi, Propane Grill, Picnic Table and Fire Pan. You may enjoy amenities from our campground that is on the back half of the same 20-acre property. The Star Pad has big views and wide-open spaces yet just 5 miles from downtown Cortez. It sits behind the "Starhouse" vacation rental home, yet most of the activity there is on the front porch facing East, so you still feel private as you will face West.  There is also a privacy wall fence between the house and RV Pad. Contact us at Bright Star Campground for larger group options combining multiple sites including tipis, tent and camping cabins, or the House. If you do not wish to be in ROWS of RVs and you want a scenic experience, this is for you!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
Water hookup

Lodging

8 sites
Instant book

CHASING MOON Tipi ~Mesa Verde views

94%
(34)
Bell tent · Sleeps 5 · 1 bed · 1 toilet
Chasing Moon tipi comes with a Queen bed with a top sheet only (full linens available for rental in Add-ons), and a futon. Additional cots/sleeping pads available. Camper sets (sleeping bag/pillow/towel) available for rental for cots/pads. This tipi does have electric hookups, a lamp, and a fan. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
Instant book

JUNIPER Camping Cabin by Mesa Verde

98%
(26)
Cabin · Sleeps 6 · 6 beds
Camping cabin with a Queen bed with fitted sheet only (full linen set available for rental in Add-ons), and bunk beds (twin size-bring your own linens or to rent select “camper set” add-on). Sleeps up to six (can sleep more, call direct to discuss). Camper sets (sleeping bag/pillow/towel) available for rental for bunks for $10. No heating or A/C. Has electricity and fans. Uses shared campground pit toilets. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
Instant book

MUSTANG Tipi ~ Mesa Verde views

100%
(23)
Dome · Sleeps 5 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 2 toilets
Comes with a Queen bed (linens included) and a futon. Cot or sleeping pad provided for additional guests. Camper sets (sleeping bag/pillow/towel) available for rental for cots/pads. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
Instant book

HOGAN (Wood Yurt) - Mesa Verde View

100%
(18)
Yurt · Sleeps 3
Wooden Hogan, a traditional dwelling of the Navajo people. Woodfire stove, queen bed, Bluetti power station, lamp, and a fan. Cot or sleeping pad available for additional guest. Camper sets (sleeping bag/pillow/towel) available for rental for cots/pads. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
Instant book

RAVEN Tipi ~ Mesa Verde Views

100%
(12)
Bell tent · Sleeps 6 · 2 beds
Largest of our tipis (24'). Comes with a King bed (linens included), a futon and a sofa. Bluetti power station. Cot or sleeping pad provided for additional guests. Camper sets (sleeping bag/pillow/towel) available for rental for cots/pads. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
Instant book

SAGE: Bunk Cabin ~ near Mesa Verde

100%
(11)
Cabin · Sleeps 6 · 6 beds
Camping cabin with a Queen air mattress with fitted sheet only (full linen set available for rental in Add-ons), and bunk beds (twin size-bring your own linens or to rent select “camper set” add-on). Sleeps up to 8 (can sleep more, call direct to discuss). Camper sets (sleeping bag/pillow/towel) available for rental for bunks for $10. No heating or A/C. Has electricity and fans. Uses shared campground pit toilets. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
Instant book

ANASAZI Tipi ~ Mesa Verde views

89%
(9)
Bell tent · Sleeps 5 · 1 bed
Anasazi tipi with a Queen size bed with a top sheet only, and a futon. Bring your own linens, or choose the extra linen rental for $15 if needed for the bed, or camper sets (sleeping bag/pillow/towel) for $10. Cot or sleeping pad provided for additional guests. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
Instant book

SKY: Bunk Cabin ~ near Mesa Verde

94%
(8)
Cabin · Sleeps 6
Camping cabin with a Queen bed with fitted sheet only (full linen set available for rental in Add-ons), and bunk beds (twin size-bring your own linens or to rent select “camper set” add-on). Sleeps up to six (can sleep more, call direct to discuss). Camper sets (sleeping bag/pillow/towel) available for rental for bunks for $10. No heating or A/C. Has electricity and fans. Uses shared campground pit toilets. Bright Star Campground is located in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park, and nearby to many cultural and historical sites, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. From every corner of the globe and every walk of life, our campground has become the perfect retreat and adventure base for thousands. From tipis and cabins to RV sites, or just sleeping under the stars, we have multiple camping and lodging options to choose from, spread out across 20 acres. Covered pavilions with propane grills, firepits, and Wi-Fi. We also have a stage for music events, playground with misters, art station, games & books, billiards room, movie nights with outdoor projector screen, ping pong and foosball tables, croquet, and cornhole. There's something for everyone at Bright Star!  Communal kitchen that includes: refrigerators for food storage, dishes, cookware, ice machine, filtered drinking water, free coffee, tea, spices, and more. Our men's and women's shower rooms have six stalls each. They feature on demand water heaters. No waiting for hot water, and no extra charge! Our restrooms have two stalls each, and sinks with running water. Guests rave we have the cleanest vault toilet facilities they've ever seen! Come for the relief, stay for the "graffiti"!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table

Reviews

98% Recommend788 ratings · 527 reviews

Location

Cortez, Montezuma, Colorado, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Kent A.

Joined in May 2018
Response rate: 100%

Things to do nearby

Similar campgrounds nearby

Campers also viewed...

About us

Everywhere You Want To Camp™

Hipcamp is the #1 camping app to find and book campsites, from national parks to blueberry farms. Explore our collection of over 500,000 iconic public lands, well-equipped RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else. Browse our comprehensive maps, filter by your camping style, read millions of real reviews, and create free availability alerts. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars. Camp Your Way®

Get Hipcamp, the #1 camping app.

© 2026 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.