Chutes and Ladders Dispersed, near Cortez, Colorado, is a unique spot for those who appreciate a more rugged camping experience. This area offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature, with sites that are spread out and surrounded by stunning views, particularly of Mesa Verde.

The access road can be a bit bumpy, but visitors have managed just fine with various vehicles, including RVs. Campers have noted that while the sites aren't always perfectly level, the established stone fireplace rings add a nice touch for evening fires. As one camper mentioned, “Sitting by the campfire as we speak and just enjoying pure nature.”

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there’s a two-mile trail nearby that welcomes hikers, bikers, and equestrians alike. Just keep in mind that the area can get muddy if it rains, so be prepared for some squishy conditions. Many campers have appreciated the solitude, especially at night when the traffic noise from the nearby highway dies down.

With no reservations required and the bonus of being free, Chutes and Ladders Dispersed is a solid choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Just remember to bring your own firewood and be ready for a true back-to-nature experience.

Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

Southwest Colorado is home to some of the best camping in the state. Near Mesa Verde National Park, CO, visitors can take in some spectacular views, visit historic places, and enjoy sleeping under the stars or in a cozy cabin. Yurts are also available at some campsites, and in some close proximity to Mancos State Park. Visitors can boat in, walk in, or drive up to their spot in an RV. See the rock carvings on Petroglyph Point Trail and visit the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. The ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings are a must-see for every camper, along with the imposing cliff palace.

Mesa Verde National Park

The Best Camping Near Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

We just needed to stay one night. It was good except for the gnats and mosquitoes!  Plenty of firewood in the area. Another camper said there are good trails, but we didn’t check them out. 

Good Spot

15 designated sites. Close to Hwy 160, so easy to access. Campsite access road ok, rutted abit in some places from prior mud which has since dried.  highway noise at closer sites, then road turns away from highway for more solitude. Some sites large enough for bigger rigs, but sites may be curved, not level, bordering juniper trees (a natural space, not groomed big rig design. 
Trail (approximately 2 miles), open to bikes, e-bikes, hikers, equestrian surrounds the camp area. 
Verizon 2 bar, LTE. 
No gnats or mosquitoes in October

Would recommend 

A little close to 160, but traffic died off later in the night. Not many flat spots for tents but didn't go far in. Bring firewood.

Not bad

We are so very impressed with the area. We picked a site close to the entrance for medical reasons but did travel up the dirt road past site 13. Absolutely Beautiful. Sitting by the camp fire as we speak and just enjoying pure nature. Thank You God!

Glad We Came In The Morning!

Road is fair, all spots are marked.  Some are to steep for a camper, but perfect for truck or van camping.  We got to our spot around 4pm and by the time we were set up and heading into town for stuff all the spots were taken.

Great free Boone docking spot

The views are amazing here.  Not all the sites are level, and this place can get a bit muddy if it rains, which it did for us.  Established stone fireplace rings on all sites.  Traffic noise from the main road carries, but dies off at night.  Sites on right side of road are lower and can get muddier.

Not real level but great views of Mesa Verde

Google maps was spot on. Road in was a little rutted, but the e350 made it no problem. Great nite sleep, we are self co tained.

Great stay

We stayed at campsite 4 and it was pretty nice spot. All the sites were pretty spread out and the road was good. It ended up raining overnight. We're from Minnesota so I had no idea the mud was going to be so horrible. My shoes were caked. The tent ended up super muddy. We were slipping and sliding on the road.

Really nice up until it rained

It was very easy to find, with good signs. We got here at 1030pm, and got one of the first campsites. Unsure of how many free there were. It was quite a bumpy road, but no problems for our RV.  We did however get screamed at my a man in a tent on the campsite on the side of us, but ended up staying in place and had no problems. 

Nice camp

We stayed for 3 nights due to the convenience of Mesa Verde NP.  The GPS coordinate on Google were spot on.  The driveway was a little rough and can get very pitted with wet weather.  We have a 38 foot 5th wheel that had plenty of clearance.   We stayed in site 9.  They do recommend 30ft and under but we got lucky there was an available site.

Photos of Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

Real photos from real campers