Cabins and glamping near Dolores, Colorado serve as perfect basecamps at 6,936 feet elevation between the San Juan Mountains and high desert regions. Weather can fluctuate dramatically with temperature drops of 30+ degrees between day and night, even in summer months. Winter snow typically closes many campgrounds from November through mid-April, with McPhee Reservoir and area streams often frozen until spring thaw.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Mesa Verde National Park offers extensive trail systems connecting to Morefield Campground, located just 4 miles inside the park entrance. "Highly recommend the far view site and farming terrace hikes. Also the hike down and back from step house was awesome!" notes Elena C.
Night sky viewing: The dark skies at Mancos State Park Campground provide exceptional astronomy opportunities near the 217-acre reservoir. "We stayed here for four nights in July. It was not as busy as we thought it would be. Definitely stay on the west side of the lake if these sites are available," advises Jason.
Water recreation: McPhee Reservoir allows non-motorized and limited motorized boating, with fishing access for perch and trout. "Mancos State Park has no-wake boating and is well-known for fishing, especially rainbow trout, a few brownies and yellow perch," explains Robert G., adding that the park adjoins San Juan National Forest with multiple recreational trails.
Train watching: Camping at United Campground provides unique locomotive viewing. "The greatest thing about this campground though is that the Durango steam train goes right through the campground. To see the historic train right from your camper or tent window is pretty great," shares Nick S.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Travelers appreciate the spotless amenities at Mesa Verde RV Resort, located half a mile from the national park entrance. "Spotless, modern bathrooms with enough showers and stalls to not have to wait. Not too huge that you get lost. Very nice people working the office and reservations," remarks Mary D.
Riverside settings: The natural environment at Dolores River RV Resort provides peaceful water-side camping. "I had to change course on a road trip last minute which kept me in Southern CO on my way to UT instead of going north of Telluride. I found a tent site here last minute and it was such a gem! My site was right on the river and it was super spacious," Victoria R. shares.
Community spaces: Shared areas enhance the glamping experience in Dolores. "They had a cool playground area for the kids with a fire pit to hang around. Propane fill up station, laundry and very clean showers and bathrooms. We made fast friends with the neighbors and the staff who really took good care of the place," notes Natalie F. about her stay at Dolores River RV Resort.
Dog-friendly options: Many campgrounds accommodate pets with designated areas. "I don't have a dog but I did notice a really nice dog area," observes Sharon B. about Cortez Mesa Verde KOA.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings require extra gear. "There were lots of sites in mid May probably bc it is cold. We left a night early bc we're not prepared for below freezing," reports Sar from Morefield Campground.
Limited availability: Most luxury glamping sites near Dolores operate seasonally. "Park is very quiet and friendly. Nearby gas and diesel available. Park is seasonal operations, typically running from mid-April through October," confirms Susan R.
Booking ahead: Popular glamping accommodations fill quickly during peak season (June-August). "We need to stop at an Rv park once in awhile to get organized and do laundry. This is a very nice Rv park! The sites are spread out with trees. The manager is very nice and helpful," notes Christina W.
Alternative accommodations: Beyond standard camping, Bright Star Campground offers unique options. "This campsite even offers Teepees and cabins to stay in, a really unique opportunity for a nice experience," explains Windy H.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly spaces: Find campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "This KOA is just east of Cortez with a view of the Mesa 9 miles east. Tent sites are pea gravel with a few with grass (lucky me). The on site caretaker is a bird lover so feeders are set up around the office & his own site. I enjoyed watching the birds," writes Sharon B.
Meal planning: Some glamping sites offer breakfast options. "Campgrounds are gorgeous. If you're in the lumi loop you're a walk to the camp store. Bathrooms are close by. The all you can eat pancakes for $10 is a pretty good steal," Bianca C. shares about her experience at Morefield Campground.
Water activities: Choose campgrounds with fishing access for family enjoyment. "One of the prettiest state park campgrounds. The lake is great for canoeing and fishing and the campground is small enough that older kids can be turned loose to enjoy themselves," recommends Maggie F. about Haviland Lake Campground.
Educational opportunities: Mesa Verde National Park offers ranger-led programs. "Staying here makes for an easy morning before some ranger led tours. The park is big. If you have the option to stay here, stay here," advises Bianca C.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request outer edge spaces for more privacy. "Right at the foot of a mountain it has some beautiful views. The sites are pretty close together (stayed in site 13). Some road noise from nearby 160, but not much. Friendly and helpful staff and well kept grounds," recommends Christopher H.
Hookup access: Full-service options vary by campground. "We stayed in a full hook up site. Some of the sites were a little tricky to get in for big campers. We were in site 171 and have a 33 ft 5th wheel. We liked being in Mesa Verde Park," shares Sarah L.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared with blocks for uneven terrain. "Monday evening, third week of September site 25. Quiet. Well spaced sites. Sloped towards lake. At least this site and 26 would be difficult to find level spot for tent and requires lots of rocks or blocks to level rv," advises Michael about Mancos State Park.
Cellular service: Network coverage varies throughout the region. "Very good Verizon service at 37 download / 15 upload. AT&T was a little weaker averaging around 8-10 download," reports Christopher H., noting reliable connectivity at his campsite.
