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Campgrounds around Mancos, Colorado range from established park facilities to primitive sites on public lands. The area includes Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park, which accommodates tents, RVs, and cabin camping with amenities including drinking water and toilets. Dispersed camping options exist on BLM land near the Mesa Verde National Park boundary and along Madden Peak Road, where free primitive camping is available. Riverwood RV Resort and Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort provide more developed options with full hookups for RVs and cabin accommodations within easy reach of the town.
Mancos State Park Campground features 33 campsites positioned on both sides of a small lake, offering a no-wake boating environment popular for fishing rainbow trout and yellow perch. Most dispersed camping areas remain open year-round, while established campgrounds like Morefield operate seasonally from mid-April through October. Summer thunderstorms can create challenging conditions in July and August, particularly on dirt access roads to dispersed sites. Winter camping is possible at some locations but may require preparation for snow and subfreezing temperatures. According to one visitor, "Simple and clean facilities; hammock stand on my site was bonus. Quiet on a weeknight, I can see how it might have a much busier energy on summer weekends."
Proximity to Mesa Verde National Park represents a significant advantage for campers in this area, with several sites located within 10 miles of the park entrance. Riverwood RV Resort receives consistent praise for its maintenance and location, with one camper noting it's "only 1 1/2 hours from Telluride" and offers "paved road in campground along river, walking distance to town with cafe and bakery." The west side of Mancos State Park Campground is recommended by multiple reviewers for its spacious sites and quieter atmosphere compared to the east side. Cell service is generally available at developed campgrounds, though signal strength varies in more remote dispersed camping areas. Most primitive sites lack facilities but provide greater privacy and typically allow campfires when seasonal restrictions aren't in effect.
"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."
"This is a good free spot near Mesa Verde, but if it is closed check out the many BLM spots on road 316 off the highway, barely West of Target Tree Campground slightly East of Mancos."
"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."
"Easy to access - right off the road between Mancos and Durango. Quite a few spots, good shade from the scrub oak."
"We decided to drive further up the mountain, gaining some elevation but it was much more secluded."
"You are about 2 to 3 miles from Manco."
"Mancos State Park is a convenient stop in SW Colorado just outside Mesa Verde NP. Dry campsites, some only small trailer or truck camper size. Plenty of room for tents in each site."
from $20 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Great walks around the property and on nearby forest service roads make for a great outdoor experience. The large turf areas at the front of the campground are fantastic for children or groups."
"Tucked away from the highway and far enough from any big city, you want nature and stars at night? This is the place! We backed up to a huge green field."
"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."
"This is a dark park all outside lights must be off by 10 pm. You can see so many stars in the sky it was beautiful. Campground was not crowded."
"This is a good free spot near Mesa Verde, but if it is closed check out the many BLM spots on road 316 off the highway, barely West of Target Tree Campground slightly East of Mancos."
"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."
"Very nice RV site in Mancos on the river. I was there first week of the season so pretty open. Good showers, bathrooms and office site. Brenda was very helpful"
"We planned to use this location as central to Mesa Verde and Durango. However we lucked out in finding the perfect stop in Mancos. The park is very clean, well run and walkable to town."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"All kinds of activities are nearby. Spectacular Colorado mountains and scenery. Silverton and the Million Dollar Highway are nearby if you dare."
"Pros: Really nice big camping spots, pit toilets not too far of a walk, firewood available from hosts, convenient location Cons: first come first served (I think some people missed out even this late"
from $24 / night
Check Availability"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."
TravelerWe camped in the dry camping area and found a shady site. Bathrooms and water spigots were plenty. Avery nice camping experience.
We did not know what to expect in our visit to Mesa Verde. Plan to drive 50 miles or so inside the park to see all of the sites.
TravelerCash or check only. Level gravel sites with hookup in the main section; a few dirt and less level sites with minimal or no hook ups down by river. Friendly and welcoming host. Cash or check only. Distant road noise; quiet otherwise. Aztec Ruins National Monument just down the street. Would stay here again.
GuidePerfect, no negative comments. The views are amazing. The sites are large with full hook ups. There is glamping and tents. Everything looks brand-new. Restrooms/ showers are meticulous. There is firewood available, nice firepits. You can buy propane. Very friendly couple that own and host the camping/ rv site. They guide you to your campsite. In one word perfect, we will be back
ScoutSmall camp ground by the stream with metal fire rings.
ScoutThis was the perfect spot to camp in the rain. It had a nice creek and several sites available. The creek behind the site was epic. The drive in was easy and way better and secluded spots than nearby Lime Creek. Do not drive above the frost spot at lime creek it sucked! We went all the way to the top at Potato Lake and nothing was better than the first few spots which were wide open to everyone else around. We stayed in the free spots directly across from Sig creek. Not sure what that's like, but there is no way it's better especially considering the cost ($0.00). We can pack our doo out for a few bucks and privacy. The post adjacent to our (to the right) was taken but had a small and fast flowing waterfall in the rain. I'd have loved to have snagged that.
TravelerI have stayed here several times when traveling north and south. During the summer they have flush toilets that the hosts keep spotless. There is the Can Do trail to the north of the Pinon loop which overlooks the McPhee reservoir. The Juniper loop is FCFS and Pinon is reserved on Recreation.gov although in the shoulder seasons there have been plenty of FCFS spots in both loops. Weekends are busy and Pinon closes October 1.
GuideThis is an amazing 7day spot with spectacular views but the rd here is rocky and rutted! I made it in my van but probably wouldn’t recommend it
RangerThis is pretty easy to find on the right.
TravelerThe first sites are pretty easy to get to: as soon as you leave the private property and enter the national forest, there is a ridge with a large dirt lot and a sign for last dollar road. This is where we stayed, there’s a few spots in the trees a little, or you can park right on the ridge. Any further up the road and it gets more technical.
Dispersed camping options near Mancos, Colorado provide free alternatives to established campgrounds. Situated at approximately 7,000 feet elevation, the area experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in summer months. Campers should prepare for overnight lows that can drop below 50°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
Horseback riding access: Near Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park, travelers can experience guided trail rides. "Next door is a horseriding stables ($40 an hour, $25 for a half hour); the horses come up to the fence and love to be petted," notes one camper who appreciated the proximity to Mesa Verde National Park.
Fishing opportunities: Rainbow trout and yellow perch are plentiful at Mancos State Park Campground. "Mancos State Park has no-wake boating and is well-known for fishing, especially rainbow trout, a few brownies and yellow perch," reports a visitor who noted the park's 33 campsites are positioned on both sides of the small lake.
Stargazing sessions: The rural setting creates excellent conditions for night sky viewing. "There is a 10 pm lights-out policy to cut down on light pollution and see the stars," explains a visitor at Ancient Cedars, where dark skies reveal constellations typically obscured by urban light pollution.
Off-season accessibility: While many campgrounds close during winter months, some remain open. "We had laid out several options for our stop in the Durango, CO area but in early April all were closed. We saw there sign—it said OPEN," shared a grateful visitor to Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort.
Cell service quality: Working remotely is possible at several locations. "I have AT&T and had good coverage here," reported one camper at Madden Peak Road, noting that most sites along the first mile or two of the road provide reliable connectivity.
Walkable town access: Mancos offers services within walking distance of some camping areas. "Great location in small town. Can walk to town with good restaurants," explains a camper at Riverwood RV Resort, highlighting the practical advantage of being able to access services without driving.
Seasonal closures: Wildlife management impacts camping availability. "Closed from November to May 31st," noted one visitor attempting to access Madden Peak Road during spring, when many dispersed sites restrict access for elk habitat protection.
Weather challenges: Sudden storms can create difficult conditions. "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," warned a camper at Chutes and Ladders Dispersed, describing how clay-heavy soil becomes extremely slick when wet.
Road conditions: Access to dispersed sites varies considerably. "Road is fair, all spots are marked. Some are too steep for a camper, but perfect for truck or van camping," advises a visitor to Chutes and Ladders, where the 15 designated sites fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Recreation opportunities: Campgrounds with amenities help keep children entertained. "The park has a playground with a miniature golf course ($3 per person). There's a recreation room with a pool table, TV, and games. It's a great place for the kids to hang out in," shares a visitor to Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park.
Pet-friendly facilities: Dogs have space to exercise at some locations. "This place has everything: a massive field for dogs to play off-leash (they must be on in the park), a great restaurant, laundry, propane, a swimming pool," details a visitor to Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort, who appreciated the comprehensive amenities.
Educational experiences: Cultural heritage sites provide learning opportunities. "Highly recommend the far view site and farming terrace hikes. Also the hike down and back from step house was awesome!" suggests a visitor to Morefield Campground, where ranger-led programs introduce children to ancestral Puebloan history.
Site selection strategy: Campground layout matters for comfort and privacy. "Definitely stay on the west side of the lake if these sites are available. The sites are far more spread out and quieter than on the other side of the lake," advises an RVer at Mancos State Park Campground.
Hookup considerations: Full-service sites may require advance planning. "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," reports a camper at Morefield Campground, where RV sites with full hookups tend to fill first.
Terrain challenges: Evaluate site conditions carefully. "Deep drain ditches between service road and sites. All sites are extremely uneven. Also the road and sites have sharp crushed shale stone," cautions an RVer with a 35-foot fifth wheel who found Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land) unsuitable for larger rigs despite its proximity to the park entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mancos, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mancos, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 224 campgrounds and RV parks near Mancos, CO and 79 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mancos, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mancos, CO is Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 113 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mancos, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 79 free dispersed camping spots near Mancos, CO.
What parks are near Mancos, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Mancos, CO that allow camping, notably Mesa Verde National Park and San Juan National Forest.
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