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Best Campgrounds near Cortez, CO

810 Reviews

Cortez, Colorado puts you close to both Mesa Verde National Park and the San Juan Mountains, with camping options for all preferences. Mesa Verde's Morefield Campground gives you a place to stay while checking out the ancient cliff dwellings, complete with restrooms and a camp store nearby. Junction Creek Campground sits in the San Juan National Forest with good hiking trails starting right from camp. BLM land around Cortez allows for free dispersed camping if you're willing to go without facilities. The Views RV Park & Campground in Dolores has hookups for RVs and good mountain views. You can easily get back to Cortez for groceries and supplies from most camping areas. The Dolores River runs through the region with fishing spots worth trying. Hikers have plenty of trail options ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. Summer gets crowded in this area, so book early if you're planning to visit then. Fall camping means fewer people and nice temperatures. Winter campers need to prepare for cold nights at these elevations. Spring brings wildflowers and mild days, though nights can still be chilly. Southwest Colorado's camping around Cortez works well as a home base for exploring the Four Corners region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cortez, Colorado (141)

    1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    99 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 449-2288

    "Our site was set up with the parking area up above, with steps down into the gambel oak grove where the tent pad and picnic table were."

    "Our site was set up with the parking area up above, with steps down into the gambel oak grove where the tent pad and picnic table were."

    2. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    26 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    9 miles

    "Great dispersed, free camping 5 minutes from mesa Verde, and 10 minutes from Cortez."

    "This is BLM Land outside of Mesa Verde National Park. Has quite a few different sites that are all free and have fairly easy access to."

    3. Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA

    20 Reviews
    Cortez, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 565-9301

    "The Cortex/Mesa Verde KOA in Cortez, Colorado, was the best campground we stayed at (out of 10) on our #9parks12days road trip in June 2016."

    "Clean, but it's on the industrial edge of Cortez. Thankfully it had a nice view of the Mesa Verde mountain range from many sites."

    4. The Views RV Park & Campground

    24 Reviews
    Dolores, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 749-6489

    "Don’t let the dilapidated mobile home near the entrance scare you away. This place is super well maintained. Every site is well thought out and has great hookups."

    "The Views is located just outside Dolores, CO with immediate access to McPhee Reservoir, Dolores River and miles of mountain bike trails."

    5. Sundance RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Cortez, CO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 565-0997

    "This park is in the middle of Cortez, so you literally drive through"historic downtown Cortez" to get there and pull into it right off the main street. That's a little unusual."

    "Municipal Pool within walking distance that we used and enjoyed $5 each. Mesa Verde was a 12 min drive.

    ATT & Verizon service wasn’t great, but was usable."

    6. Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 565-3517

    "Our back-side neighbors had to move their picnic table back in order to accommodate our driver-side slide (the distance between our extended slide and their trailer is about 8 feet."

    "This rv park is right next to the entrance to mesa verde. It was a nice park and showers were included! There’s also a pool and mini golf if you’re interested in that."

    7. BLM across from Mesa Verde

    17 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    8 miles
    Website

    "It is close to the highway and you can hear the traffic but it’s nothing too bad, in my opinion. The sites seem pretty well spaced out for a little bit of privacy."

    "This campsite is right outside of Mesa Verde and is easy to locate. Campsites are located along a dirt road and they are clearly marked."

    8. Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

    15 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "Close to Hwy 160, so easy to access. Campsite access road ok, rutted abit in some places from prior mud which has since dried."

    "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."

    9. Bright Star Campground

    9 Reviews
    Cortez, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 564-0420

    $35 - $99 / night

    "We woke up to a rainbow with a beautiful view of the Ute Mountains in the distance."

    "It’s like college dorm style living, but outside. Hot showers, pit toilets, and a fully appointed public kitchen with an ice machine really bring it all together."

    10. Dolores River RV Resort by Rjourney

    14 Reviews
    Dolores, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 829-5099

    "Great RV park in SW Colorado. It’s sits at 7000’ so collects some cooler temps. Easy access to Delores and within reasonable distance of Mesa Verde National Park."

    "An absolutely magical location on the Dolores river in SW Colorado. The owners are wonderful people who are very helpful and also operate a great gift shop with very reasonable prices."

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Recent Camping Photos near Cortez, CO

205 Photos of 141 Cortez Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cortez, CO

810 Reviews of 141 Cortez Campgrounds

Guide to Cortez

Camping near Cortez, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Explore Mesa Verde National Park: This park is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings. One camper mentioned, "It was such a nice spot super close to Mesa Verde national park. It was about a 5-minute drive from the park entrance," highlighting the convenience of camping nearby.
  • Fishing and boating at Molas Lake: Enjoy the beautiful views while casting a line. A review noted, "We’ve been here several times and have enjoyed ourselves each time," referring to the scenic beauty of the area.
  • Hiking in the San Juan National Forest: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. One camper shared, "I stayed about 5.5 miles up, the road is bumpy, but not horrible," emphasizing the adventure that awaits.

What campers like:

  • Wildlife sightings: Campers often spot deer and other wildlife. One review from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park said, "Beautiful campsite, three mule deer strolled through, munching their dinner as we cooked ours."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Junction Creek Campground remarked, "The vault toilets were super clean and had plenty of TP."
  • Stunning views: Campers rave about the scenery. A review for Molas Lake Park & Campground stated, "Great little campground with amazing views."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed), do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "The road to get to the site is rough. You need 4x4 and high clearance vehicle."
  • Bumpy roads: Accessing some campgrounds can be a challenge. One camper mentioned, "The gravel road leading to the campground is VERY rough wash-board," referring to Junction Creek Campground.
  • Crowded during peak season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A review for Telluride Town Park Campground said, "It was totally packed and seemed almost too crowded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with amenities: Look for places like The Views RV Park & Campground that offer clean bathrooms and playgrounds. A family-friendly review stated, "The bathrooms are very clean and the showers are nice after a long day hiking."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One camper at Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA mentioned, "The pool is heated to a warm 83 degrees."
  • Pack for all weather: The weather can change quickly in the mountains. A camper at Molas Lake Park & Campground warned, "Last year, we had to leave a day early when cold rain made it tough to get comfy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for big rig-friendly sites: Some campgrounds, like Junction Creek Campground, are suitable for larger RVs. A review noted, "The campsites are well spaced apart with a variety of sizes for just about anyone."
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Many RVers recommend having a sturdy vehicle. One camper at Last Dollar Road said, "It's only 3mi of true 4x4 road to get up to the bluff."
  • Reserve in advance: Popular spots can fill up fast. A camper at Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park advised, "Get there early to help make sure you can find a spot."

Camping near Cortez, Colorado, offers a variety of experiences, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cortez, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cortez, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near Cortez, CO and 48 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cortez, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cortez, CO is Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 99 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cortez, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 48 free dispersed camping spots near Cortez, CO.

What parks are near Cortez, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Cortez, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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