Discover the best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Cortez, Colorado

United States
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Colorado
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Cortez

95% (849 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cortez

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Cortez

99%

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Bright Star Campground

33 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.

Zuma Bike Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, CO

Zuma Bike Ranch invites you to ride.relax.repeat in the high desert of Southwest Colorado. Surround yourself with views of Mesa Verde National Park, Sleeping Ute and the San Juan mountains straight from your tent or camper van. Our goal is to encourage community among campers and bikers and connection with the land and its rich history. Zuma Bike Ranch resides on native lands of Puebloan and Ute peoples. At Zuma Bike Ranch, you will find purpose-built trails and mountain bike skills areas. We provide professional mountain bike instruction and guided rides for individuals and groups. You have immediate access to over 50 miles of world class singletrack at Phil’s World trail network. More mountain bike trails can be found nearby at the Aquaduct trail system in Mancos, Boggy Draw in Dolores and Sand Canyon at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. In less than an hour you can be riding high alpine terrain with access to the Colorado Trail. We’re 45 minutes from Durango and 120 minutes from Moab, UT. We keep things simple at Zuma Bike Ranch. This is to minimize impact on the land and our environment. Each camp site can accommodate two vehicles and two tents. We have a nice sun shower, potable water source, and porta potty on site. There are no lights but there are plenty of stars! Please pack out what you pack in. Visit our website for questions or to book a group or private lesson.

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.

E-Z Access Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Mancos, CO

Welcome to Turning Beyond Ranch, your gateway to off-grid tranquility and unparalleled stargazing experiences. Nestled in the scenic Cherry Creek Valley, our ranch offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the soothing sounds of a live stream meandering through the property year-round. While fishing may not be the primary activity, the crystal-clear waters are perfect for wading and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Situated behind the lush garden area and alongside the county road, our campsite offers convenient access while still preserving a sense of seclusion. While you may occasionally hear the gentle hum of passing traffic from other residents, rest assured that you're in the heart of a safe and welcoming rural farm community. Just a short distance from the main highway, our ranch provides easy access to nearby attractions and amenities. Marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the LaPlata Mountains and explore the myriad outdoor adventures awaiting you in the surrounding area. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a chance to reconnect with nature, or simply a place to gaze in awe at the star-filled sky, Turning Beyond Ranch promises an unforgettable experience like no other. Come join us and discover the magic of off-grid living in the heart of Colorado's stunning landscape.

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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Tranquility @ The Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Hesperus, CO

5th generation, 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife; Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few. Learn more about this land: 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife (Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few) . Guests are encouraged to explore this beautiful piece of the southwest. The Farm is located just 12 miles from La Plata Canyon, 15 miles from Durango, 15 miles from Lake Nighthorse, and 35 miles from Mesa Verde National Park. There is one large campground that can hold up to 5 RV's and 1 secluded tent small camper site to choose from. Guest are welcome to purchase vegetables and fresh farm eggs.

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Durango Placer

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hesperus, CO

Learn more about this land: The creek is just feet away from your tent site, with numerous waterfalls. Great hiking, or just taking in the scenery. So much to do in the immediate area: biking, hiking, fishing swimming, jeeping, exploring, rock hounding, birding, etc. Located 35 minutes from downtown Durango at 9300 feet. Visit the cool mountains and the cold creek. You will have the place to yourself. One group only on this property at a time. There are 3 tent sites to choose from, and a RV site to park. Up to 6 guests in a group allowed . Fire wood is provided free, a full kitchen with camp stove, sink , utensils, cups, and plates available. Updated privy, and hot showers. Enjoy ! The road closes in the winter so hosting is restricted from May 15th thru October 15th There is no cell service. Wifi is available. Landline is available in emergency. Happy Camping !

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Animas River Valley red cliffs

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Durango, CO

Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year. No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production. Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.

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Mountain View Lodge

1 site · Lodging15 acres · Dolores, CO

The lodge was built by Cecil & Brenda Dunn in the 80's. They used it as an assisted living facility and their family lived in part of it. They later turned it into a bed and breakfast. We bought it in January 2017 and started renovations. We hosted our first Mountain View Lodge guests in July of 2018. My wife JanElle and I really enjoy hosting guests and helping them make good memories while here in SW Colorado. We are a family of 7 and live in a separate home on this 15 acre property. We really enjoy the diversity of wildlife that we have, as well as the stream, woods, and views that make up this property. We think you will enjoy it too. So come visit SW Colorado and Mountain View Lodge!Learn more about this land:Enjoy pastoral views of Mesa Verde and wonderful sunsets behind Sleeping Ute Mountain while staying at the Wrangler's Roost at Mountain View Lodge. You will be 12 miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park and close to Canyon of the Ancients, Four Corners Monument, McPhee Reservoir, the Dolores River, the Durango-Silverton Railroad, the San Juan National Forest, and many other sites. Explore ancient ruins, enjoy the wildlife and beautiful mountain scenery while you are here.

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Lazy Rooster Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Rico, CO

The ranch was the site of a sawmill in the early 1900s when the old Rio Grande Southern and Galloping Goose Railroads ran through the property along the Dolores River. All that’s left now is a little shack in the middle of the meadow and some remnants of the railroad tracks in the river.

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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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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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

97%

(35)

San Juan National Forest

Rico, Colorado

88%

(20)

Uncompahgre National Forest

Ophir, Colorado

River, stream, or creek camping near Cortez guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping options in the United States. If you're looking for a camping experience near Cortez, Colorado, with a preference for being near a river, we've got you covered. With over 540 options available, you're bound to find the perfect campsite that meets your needs. Some of our top campsites near Cortez, Colorado with river include The Needles Outpost Campground (811 reviews), The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), and Bright Star Campground (211 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as campfires, showers, and are pet-friendly. You'll also have a variety of activities to enjoy, including hiking, climbing, and wind sports. So, get ready to immerse yourself in nature and book your camping adventure today!