G
Greg U.
Traveler
TravelerSundance RV Park
Nice gem of a campground
This one is in the middle of town. It was very nice, clean bathrooms, and quiet. Short walk to coffee shops and grocery store and the folks in the office were super nice.
Camping near Dove Creek, CO
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Dove Creek, Colorado range from developed sites to primitive camping areas across public lands. Box Elder offers peaceful tent and RV sites along the Dolores River, while Bradfield Campground provides more established facilities with picnic tables and fire pits. The region includes both BLM-managed recreation sites with basic amenities and full-service RV parks like The Views RV Park & Campground, which accommodates various camping styles including cabins and glamping options. Many campgrounds in the area feature water access and scenic canyon views, particularly along the Dolores River corridor.
Road conditions vary significantly when accessing camping areas near Dove Creek, especially for sites located in canyons or along river corridors. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching remote locations like Box Elder, where rocky, rutted roads can challenge standard passenger vehicles. Most developed campgrounds remain open from spring through fall, with limited winter accessibility due to weather conditions. Campgrounds managed by the BLM typically charge modest fees ($8 per night at Bradfield) and provide vault toilets and designated camping areas, though amenities are basic. "The road is smooth until the boat launch then rutted but no prob with an AWD SUV. We were the only ones there. Quite, flat sites, picnic table at each site," noted one visitor to Box Elder.
Campers consistently praise the solitude and natural beauty found at sites near Dove Creek. The Dolores River Canyon draws particular attention for its crystal-clear water, wildlife viewing, and stunning night skies. A review of Bradfield Recreation Site mentioned: "There was no light pollution, so the milkyway photos were amazing! Huge sites, picnic table with shelter, fire pit and pit toilets." Many campgrounds in the area feature spacious sites with covered picnic areas, though privacy between sites can be limited when campgrounds are full. Tent and RV campers both find suitable options, with some campgrounds offering potable water via hand pumps. The region's camping areas provide excellent access to fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and scenic drives through canyons and mountain terrain, making them popular bases for outdoor recreation throughout the warmer months.
Best Campgrounds near Dove Creek (164)
1. Box Elder
"Right next to the river inside a canyon it’s hella beautiful. Only tricky part is getting there. You have to have high clearance to get through the bumpy, rocky road leading to the camp."
2. Bradfield Campground
"The canyon surrounds the campground so light pollution is blocked and the night sky is wonderful. We stayed here for 5 nights in our 5th wheel. Highly recommend this campground!!"
"Site 19 was nice near the back with tree canopies over the picnic area."
from $4 - $8 / night
Check Availability3. The Views RV Park & Campground
"Easily one of my favorite sites I have stayed at in Colorado! It is an incredible set up for tent camping. The pads are well manicured with very fine rock and very level."
"Great campground in SW Colorado. The owners Matt and his wife run a beautiful operation. An RV park with class. Sites are huge with lots of shade, bathrooms immaculate, and a nice mile hiking path."
4. Bradfield Recreation Site
"Interesting story that chronicles the river and jumps off from this site ( https://www.outsideonline.com/2399557/dolores-river-colorado-climate-change )."
"There were a quite a number of people parked nearby fishing the river. It was not a problem but at first we were surprised when we drove in a saw a bunch of vehicles."
5. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
"Good showers, some of the camp sites have decent WiFi connection, fairly quiet, and wildlife (deer and prairie dogs) in camp side. Toilets not the best, lots of wasps"
"I'm not sure what the hook-up situation is for campers. We were able to enjoy cool evening walks; where we would often spot deer."
6. Devils Canyon Campground
"We setled on #26 because of it’s proximity to the vault bathrooms and the water spigots. Had a nice suprize in the morning with the canyon behind us being full of deer."
"We needed a stop before our travels to Colorado. What a gem! Beautiful sites and so quiet. And with our Senior pass (federal national parks) the cost was $10!"
from $20 / night
Check Availability7. Hovenweep National Monument
"The position of the campsite on the bluff of the canyon provided a great view of the sunset as well. Clean and cared for restrooms are just a close walk on well marked paths."
"Most of the sites sit on the edge of a canyon. I went x-country into that canyon and found a small ruin not accessible any other way. There's a decent amount of hiking right from camp. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Mountain Sheep Point
9. Old West RV Park - Utah
"We were in spot 3 so was very close to road. Owner puts on a quick draw show for the guests twice a week and was fun. Discount for cash"
"Other spaces, like ours, will fit pretty big trailers (ours is 25-ft) but you will have to unhitch and park next to your rig. There are full hookups and everything is in good order."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability10. Recapture Reservoir
"Everything is in the title 😉 GPS point is not correct, we were looking for a small road but in fact it s at the end of the main road,on the right, just behind the park place."
"No signal but there is some at the bottom of the entrance. WARNING: if you don't have an off-road capable vehicle don't listen to the GPS, it took us down a super sketchy back road."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 47 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 54 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 27 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 4 hrs 44 min from Santa Fe, NM
Recent Camping Photos near Dove Creek, CO
243 Photos of 164 Dove Creek Campgrounds
Bradley H.
Bradfield Campground
Lynn
Old West RV Park - Utah
Kim N.
Mountain View RV Park
Jennifer Y.
The Views RV Park & Campground
Bobbie A B.
Sand Canyon
Joe K.
Devils Canyon Campground
Greg L.
Devil's Canyon Dispersed Site
Granodiorite
Cannonball Mesa
Jeni N.
Cr 0083
Elise F.
Boggy Draw 1
Joshua M.
Boggy draw
RJourney R.
Dolores River RV Resort by Rjourney
Recent Reviews near Dove Creek, CO
870 Reviews of 164 Dove Creek Campgrounds
Ben E.
ScoutThe Views RV Park & Campground
A Hidden Gem Near Mesa Verde
Whether you're camping, glamping, or RV'ing in southwest Colorado, The Views RV Resort is an outstanding place to stay. It truly lives up to its name, offering beautiful scenic views along with a wide range of onsite amenities.
The grounds are immaculate, and the owners and staff are friendly, welcoming, and genuinely accommodating.
We've stayed at a lot of campgrounds over the years, and this one surpassed every KOA we've visited.
We stayed here while exploring Mesa Verde National Park and couldn't have been happier with our experience. We highly recommend The Views to anyone visiting the area.
- CColleen B.Traveler
National Forest Road 258
Gorgeous spot outside of Dolores
Absolutely lovely spot to spend a night or a few days! I was concerned at first due to the large number of campers, but the space is so vast that we felt like we were alone as soon as we parked. No service (Verizon or T Mobile) but so close to town that it will probably be covered in the coming years
- DDaniel K.
GuideMavreeso Campground
Drive through only, no stay
I had to run south to the auto parts store so on the way back north I wanted to see for myself what this looked like.
First off let’s say this is a lovely setting. Far off the main road (though you’ll get some local traffic noise), you’re in a fairly narrow canyon butting up against a river. The scenery is beautiful. I’d also guess that given the canyon nature, full sun exposure is pretty limited towards the middle of the day.
Basically a figure-8 campground with the main loop having a few power hookups in the center spaces. Expect zero privacy. On the outside loop, and the northern loop, there are some nice sites that afford privacy with some backing immediately up to the river.
Several water spigots.
I didn’t check out the bathrooms but it looked like pit toilets.
There was zero ATT cell service and I’d bet no cell service works there.
I’d definitely stay here!
- DDaniel K.Guide
West Dolores Campground
Another lovely spot along the Delores River
I did not stay here, but wanted to drive through just to see it for myself. This one is located just up the road from the Marveeso campground (I wrote a review on that as well).
I can think of nothing nicer than a campground in a valley abutting a river. This is yet another one.
The major difference is this feels a bit more spread out and more of a circle in nature. I didn’t catch if it had sites with electric, but there were scattered water spigots. Also pit toilets, though I didn’t check not inspect them.
Don’t expect cell service here.
I would definitely stay here!
- JJoy L.Guide
Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
Perfect for touring Mesa Verde
I was unsuccessful in reserving a campsite from my phone, but fortunately the campground is huge and getting a drive-up site was no problem. I arrived after the camp store closed and instructions were to pick an open site then check-in in the morning. This worked well because not all sites are equal - some are tiny, some are sloped, some you have to walk a path or up stairs to get to your table and tent pad. I was in the tent loop which got pretty crowded and noisy on the weekend, but I noticed that the other loops were nearly empty.
Free hot showers and a coin laundromat are available to all park visitors (you don't need to be camped there), there's a camp store and also small breakfast cafe that serves made to order breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and pancakes. There's a gas station (pricey) if you didn't plan your gas sufficiently for the long drive to the sites and a kennel because dogs aren't allowed on the trails or tours.
Deer regularly roamed through the campground, adding a nice touch.
James K.GuideForest Road 316 Roadside Camp
Easy in and Out
Little washboards but not too bad. No pot holes. I tow a 30 foot toy hauler. Peaceful campsite.
- NNanPScout
McPhee Campground
Peaceful. quiet, forested! A hidden GEM!!
Peaceful piñon and juniper forest rustic campground. First -come, first -serve sites available. Electric and non- electric options. Walk-in sites overlooking the Dolores River. Flush toilets, potable water. Friendly camphosts. (No dump station). I highly recommend this campground!
- TTami D.Traveler
Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed
Good spot
Decent campground has several spaces that are mostly small and unlevel. We have a 28' class A. We found a spot for a couple nights but it's better if you just have a vehicle and tent or van. Entrance beside the front parking area that says day use only. Just keep going up the hill.
Guide to Dove Creek
Camping sites near Dove Creek, Colorado range from primitive canyon spots to full-service RV resorts across elevations from 4,900 to 6,500 feet. The region experiences dramatic seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 85-95°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most camping areas receive limited precipitation with 10-15 inches annually concentrated during late summer monsoon season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Box Elder campground provides direct entry to the Dolores River with crystal-clear water and resident trout. "The canyon is astoundingly gorgeous. No cell service," notes Luna L. in her review of Box Elder.
Hiking opportunities: Devils Canyon Campground serves as a gateway to surrounding trails. "Sites are private, large, and well spaced. Lots of nearby ATV trails," mentions Kristin D. about the camping experience at Devils Canyon Campground.
Archaeological exploration: Hovenweep National Monument offers unique historic sites combined with camping. "The Hovenweep monument archaeological treasures are well worth scheduling a few hours to hike and visit. There are several ancient structures on the site (a small canyon) and the hikes are short and sooooo worth doing," writes Carol B. about camping at Hovenweep National Monument.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Bradfield Campground offers ample room for setup. "Few campers at the grounds made this a nice, quiet place to stay for the night. The sites are spacious, but many of the sites wouldn't have much privacy if all spots were full," mentions Loren O. in their review of Bradfield Campground.
Dark sky viewing: Campgrounds in this region often have minimal light pollution. "The canyon surrounds the campground so light pollution is blocked and the night sky is wonderful," notes Bradley H. about Bradfield Campground.
River sounds: Many sites feature water proximity for ambient noise. "We were led to our spot that backed up to a creek. There was a fire pit, fire wood, bbq, table and chair swing at the camp spot," says Yvette H. about Stoner RV Resort.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote sites requires appropriate vehicles. "You have to have high clearance to get through the bumpy, rocky road leading to the camp. I have a crosstrek so nothing crazy though. You have to drive through some farmland to get here but don't worry you're going the right way," advises Josh K. about reaching Box Elder.
Weather preparation: High-elevation camping brings temperature fluctuations. "Gets very cold at night since it's in a river canyon but other than that no complaint," notes Josh K. about Box Elder campground.
Water availability: Water access varies significantly between sites. "There is potable water available via a hand pump, but I don't recommend drinking it as there were small particles in the water," warns Martin W. about The Views RV Park & Campground.
Seasonal closures: Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally. "Only tricky part is getting there. When returning from the camp it took me 20 minutes of driving on rough dirt road, a lot longer when I came in, at night, going downhill," shares Josh K. about navigation challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Some campgrounds offer designated play areas. "There is get set up all over for kids. Each site has its own grill," notes Sam about Stoner RV Resort, highlighting family-friendly amenities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several sites provide chances to spot local fauna. "A gaggle of mountain sheep hang around the boat launch area," mentions Luna L. about Box Elder campground.
Site privacy considerations: Choose sites based on vegetation barriers. "The campground is designed as a tent campground but there are some sites that a van or small trailers RVs will fit. Our site had a fire pit, picnic table with a cover. Fairly level site, amazing view. We can't see any neighbors," shares N I. about camping at Hovenweep.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Prepare for varied terrain at all sites. "Very nice Forest Service campground! Sites are private, large, and well spaced," writes Kristin D. about Devils Canyon Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites exist but are limited. "The hookups were all brand new, no electric bugs good pressure. In a gorgeous valley," notes mike M. about Stoner RV Resort.
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds accommodate larger rigs but require planning. "If you're here to see Canyonlands, Hovenweep, Escalante and even Arches this is a great spot. Or skip all the crowds and play in the Manti La Sal Mountains. Moab is about 1 hour away, but the drive is easy. And this RV Park is quiet and quaint," advises Lynn about the camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV rentals available in Dove Creek, Colorado?
Are there RV rentals available in Dove Creek, Colorado?
While Dove Creek itself has limited RV rental options, several nearby RV parks accommodate travelers with their own vehicles. Dolores River RV Resort by Rjourney offers excellent facilities at 7,000 feet elevation with cooler temperatures and reasonable proximity to Mesa Verde National Park. Outback RV near Cortez provides just 8 sites but features pull-through spaces that accommodate big rigs up to 45'x75' with full hookups. For RV rentals, your best options would be checking with dealerships in larger nearby towns like Cortez or Durango, or arranging an online rental through national platforms that deliver to your desired campsite.
Where are the best camping spots in Dove Creek?
Where are the best camping spots in Dove Creek?
The Dove Creek area offers several excellent camping options. Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed provides 15 designated sites with easy access from Highway 160. While sites closer to the highway experience some noise, those further along offer more solitude, with some accommodating larger rigs. For those seeking a quieter experience near water, Miramonte Reservoir south of Norwood offers free camping with a valid state license and is popular for fishing. Other notable options include Bradfield Recreation Site for drive-in camping and Caddis Flats for a more secluded experience. The region's campgrounds generally provide beautiful mountain views and serve as excellent bases for exploring southwestern Colorado.
What camping is available near Dove Creek, CO?
What camping is available near Dove Creek, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dove Creek, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 164 campgrounds and RV parks near Dove Creek, CO and 52 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dove Creek, CO?
Which is the most popular campground near Dove Creek, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dove Creek, CO is Box Elder with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dove Creek, CO?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dove Creek, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 52 free dispersed camping spots near Dove Creek, CO.
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