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Best Campgrounds near Cortez, CO

859 Reviews

The southwestern Colorado landscape surrounding Cortez features a diverse mix of camping options within minutes of town. Morefield Campground inside Mesa Verde National Park provides established sites with basic amenities amid gambel oak groves, while free dispersed camping on BLM land near the park boundary offers more primitive experiences with mountain views. Several private RV parks like Ancient Cedars and Cortez Mesa Verde KOA cater to travelers seeking full hookups and amenities within 10-15 minutes of downtown. The region's camping options range from basic tent sites to glamping accommodations, with many locations strategically positioned for easy access to archaeological sites and mountain recreation areas.

Camping availability follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with most facilities operating from April through October. As one camper noted, "Great dispersed, free camping 5 minutes from Mesa Verde, and 10 minutes from Cortez." Winter camping options are limited primarily to year-round BLM dispersed sites, though these areas may become inaccessible during snowfall. Elevation ranges from approximately 6,000 to 7,000 feet, resulting in cool nights even during summer months. Cell service varies significantly, with stronger coverage near town and spotty reception in more remote areas. Many campgrounds report minimal light pollution, creating excellent stargazing conditions. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, particularly in dispersed camping areas.

Mountain views dominate the camping experience throughout the area, with many sites offering panoramic vistas of Mesa Verde, Sleeping Ute Mountain, and the La Plata Mountains. According to one visitor at The Views RV Park, "The sites along the south edge of the property have amazing views of the Cortez valley and Sleeping Ute Mountain." Wildlife sightings are common, particularly at dawn and dusk when deer and various bird species are active. Proximity to archaeological sites represents another significant draw, with most campgrounds situated within 15-30 minutes of Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, and Hovenweep National Monument. Campers frequently mention the area's dark skies, with minimal artificial lighting creating ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cortez, Colorado (142)

    1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    101 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)

    31 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

    25 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. Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

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

    "Less than a mile to the entrance to the National Park. About 10 miles to Cortez, CO. for supplies in"

    "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."

    6. BLM across from Mesa Verde

    18 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."

    7. 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."

    8. Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

    16 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

    10 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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859 Reviews of 142 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

Where are the best campgrounds near Cortez, Colorado?

Cortez offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land) provides free dispersed camping just 5 minutes from Mesa Verde and 10 minutes from Cortez. For those seeking amenities, Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA offers updated facilities with reliable Wi-Fi and beautiful views of the Mesa Verde mountain range. Additional notable options include McPhee Recreation Complex with its reservoir views, Mancos State Park with fishing opportunities, and Hovenweep National Monument with its beautiful setting about 40 minutes from town. Each campground provides unique advantages depending on whether you prioritize proximity to attractions, natural beauty, or amenities.

Are there RV parks available in Cortez, CO?

Cortez has several excellent RV parks catering to different preferences. Outback RV is a small, well-maintained park with just 8 pull-through sites that can accommodate big rigs up to 45'x75'. It offers full hookups (20/30/50 amp electricity) and shared covered picnic tables. Riverwood RV Resort provides convenient walking access to town amenities including restaurants, shops, and a bakery. It's just 9 miles from Mesa Verde National Park with knowledgeable staff who can advise on local attractions. Other options include The Views RV Park & Campground with well-designed hookups, Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park located close to the national park, and Cortez RV Resort by Rjourney.

Is tent camping available near Cortez?

Tent camping is readily available near Cortez with options for every preference. Mancos State Park Campground offers 33 tent-friendly sites surrounding a lake known for excellent rainbow trout fishing. The park provides a peaceful setting with nearby opportunities for cross-country skiing in winter. McPhee Recreation Complex features spacious sites with room for tents, some offering beautiful reservoir views and access to flush toilets. For those seeking a more primitive experience, dispersed camping is available on BLM land near Mesa Verde with no facilities but gorgeous scenery. Most developed campgrounds in the area welcome tent campers with designated tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities vary by location.

How much does camping cost in Cortez, Colorado?

Camping costs around Cortez vary widely based on amenities and location. For budget travelers, Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land) offers free dispersed camping with no facilities but convenient access to town and attractions. At the other end of the spectrum, Hovenweep National Monument charges $15 per night for developed sites with sand beds, covered tables, and fire pits. Most private RV parks in the area range from $35-60 per night depending on hookups and amenities, with weekly rates often available at a discount. State park campgrounds like Mancos typically charge $20-30 per night plus a daily park entrance fee. Prices may vary seasonally, with higher rates during peak summer months.

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