RV parks near Mancos, Colorado sit at elevations between 6,500-7,000 feet, providing access to both desert canyons and mountain terrain. Most campgrounds in this region experience dramatic seasonal temperature shifts, with summer highs reaching 90°F and overnight lows dropping below freezing in spring and fall. The camping season typically runs April through October, with limited winter options available in Cortez.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Stay at Dolores River RV Resort by Rjourney where the Dolores River offers quality fishing opportunities. "Big spaces with great amenities. We will make this an annual destination with the great gift shop, beautiful surroundings, and fun river. Lots to do and plenty to see!!" notes camper Liz A.
Mesa Verde proximity: Mesa Verde RV Resort provides the closest base camp for exploring the national park. "Located 1/2 mile east of the National Park entrance. Sites are roomy, property very clean and staff friendly," reports John H. This proximity allows efficient exploration of cliff dwellings without long commutes.
Hot springs access: For those wanting thermal relaxation after exploring ancient ruins, RV parks near Durango offer hot springs options. "The campsite was pretty basic but it was a short drive to purgatory ski resort and across the street from a hot springs resort," mentions Kenz P. about Westerly RV Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sundance RV Park in Cortez receives consistent praise for immaculate conditions. "Clean, clean, clean. Sites are nicely spaced and everything is immaculate. Gravel, level. Likely the cleanest bath house I've ever stayed in," states Nicole T. This attention to cleanliness extends to shower facilities with private rooms.
Free amenities: Stoner RV Resort offers unexpected complimentary features. "They offer, for free, Wi-Fi, clean, hot showers, laundry, and even gas grills with propane, hell, they even put a stack of split wood at every campsite and have small contained pits at each as well," reports Nott S. These value-adds reduce total camping costs.
River access: Waterfront camping locations provide natural sound barriers and recreational opportunities. "Just off the main road to the East of Dolores, backed up to the river," describes Jeff W. of his stay at Dolores River RV Resort. Multiple RV parks feature riverfront sites with varying degrees of privacy and scenic value.
What you should know
Cell service variations: While the existing description mentions AT&T superiority, many RV parks supplement with WiFi. "WiFi signal is so strong. Love this camp and highly recommend. Little noise from the road at night but worth it in my opinion," reports Sam about Stoner RV Resort.
Seasonal limitations: Most RV parks around Mancos operate only during warmer months. The Views RV Park & Campground runs from "Apr 15 to Oct 31" according to their listing, reflecting the standard operating season for most facilities in this high-elevation region.
Varying site privacy: Spacing between RVs differs significantly between parks. "The pull through lots are in the middle, of course, and that's where we stayed... The spots inside the circle drive seemed much more packed in than the spots on the outside," notes Kevin G. about RV site layouts at Westerly RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Alpen Rose RV Park offers multiple recreation options. "They have fun activities, like trivia nights and dog parades! They even have prizes! Love all the trees, waterfall trout pond, volleyball, tetherball, cute convenience store & humongous 2 acre dog park," shares Lacey J.
Playground access: Multiple parks provide play structures for younger campers. "Big, clean restrooms and showers. They had a cool playground area for the kids with a fire pit to hang around," explains Natalie F. about Dolores River RV Resort.
Swimming options: Summer months allow for cooling off at area facilities. "Neat and tidy and friendly. This park is in the middle of Cortez, so you literally drive through 'historic downtown Cortez' to get there... Municipal Pool within walking distance that we used and enjoyed $5 each," reports a reviewer about Sundance RV Park's proximity to community amenities.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Gravel sites at area RV parks often need adjustment. "My only gripes, really, are that the sites are quite close together, and it's near enough to the main street that you do hear some traffic at night... I wouldn't say the site was 100% level," explains Reuben about Sundance RV Park.
Surge protection: Electrical systems at some older facilities may present challenges. "These people had pedestals with faulty wiring. Fried my $300 surge protector," warns one Westerly RV Park visitor, suggesting bringing protective equipment when staying at smaller parks.
Premium site selection: Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park offers specific site recommendations for optimal experiences. "All the tent sites are great, but my favorite is T4 if your tent is on the smaller side. T4 is tucked away perfectly in the trees, on the bank of the Dolores river," suggests Will T. Similar premium locations exist at most area RV parks for those willing to request specific sites.
