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 Mancos, CO
221 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Mancos (221)
1. 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."
2. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
"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."
3. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
"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."
4. Mancos State Park Campground
"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 Availability5. Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
"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."
6. Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park
"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."
7. Riverwood RV Resort
"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 Availability8. BLM across from Mesa Verde
"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."
9. Mesa Verde RV Resort
"It is only 0.5 miles away from the national park entrance and the perfect place to stay if you want to visit Mesa Verde."
"Nice tent sites at the back of the park ,clean shower and bathrooms, 1/2 mile outside the entrance to mesa verda national park"
from $43 / night
Check Availability10. Target Tree Campground
"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
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Farmington, NM
- 3 hrs 36 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 42 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 4 hrs from Santa Fe, NM
Recent Camping Photos near Mancos, CO
399 Photos of 221 Mancos Campgrounds
Cynthia W.
Mancos State Park Campground
Amy S.
Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
Jacob D.
Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp
David R.
Target Tree Campground
Erin S.
Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park
Patrick B.
Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
Nick P.
BLM across from Mesa Verde
Jeni N.
Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
Tracy H.
Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed
Jen G.
Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
Mathilde A.
CR 34 Dispersed Campground
Aimee H.
Cherry Creek Gravel Lot
Recent Reviews near Mancos, CO
1407 Reviews of 221 Mancos 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!
Glenn K.ScoutGolden Hour Dispersed
Nice Sites, Beautiful Views
Like most busier camp sites, expect a couple of generators, last time the one next door started at 1:00am, that is simply I don’t care about others!!! Having said that you’re surrounded by amazing 13k peaks and the stream is right there…
- YYoseline P.Scout
Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
Great camping spots road is rough though
I’m staying in spot 16 and I love it. close to the lake and beautiful views. But the drive up here was very rough. Very spacious for camping but not much going on. It’s definitely a one time thing for me.
- DDaniel K.Guide
Matterhorn — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest
Cool, green, lovely!
I was randomly suggested this campground by another traveler at a gas station. Could not have been happier!
I had been staying in Ridgway State Park. It amazingly had hit the mid 90’s and the smoke from the fires kept rolling in and out. I really wanted cool weather, and was able to get in here for a week of 60’s/40’s (days/nights) and lots of intermittent showers. Loving it!
There are about 25 spots here, with a few having full power/water in the center of the park. These also have your least privacy if that’s a concern. The ones on the outer side of the loop are much more private.
There’s an older updated common bathroom that is kept EXCEPTIONALLY clean! Hot water showers too. The two women working as camp hosts are wonderful and very responsive!
The camp itself is nested amongst trees with some views across a valley towards peaks. I personally really love it.
The review says it’s 7 miles from Telluride but I believe it’s a few more than that. The road is in excellent condition.
I would absolutely stay here again if only for the colder weather.
- RRalph R.Scout
Blue Spruce RV Park & Cabins
2 night stay
Enjoyable park. Long windy road to get here but good pavement. Park seems a little crowded, streets are narrow. Full hook ups are adequate, spaces are small, but far enough from neighbors for privacy. Lots of very large pine trees add to the beauty God created in this area.
Guide to Mancos
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
What camping is available near Mancos, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mancos, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 221 campgrounds and RV parks near Mancos, CO and 77 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mancos, CO?
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 112 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mancos, CO?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mancos, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 77 free dispersed camping spots near Mancos, CO.
What parks are 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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