Camping near Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado features a range of camping options within and surrounding the park boundaries. Morefield Campground, the only established campground inside the park, operates from mid-April through October and accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabin options. Just outside the park entrance, several free dispersed camping areas on BLM land provide primitive sites with fire rings but no amenities. Private RV parks and campgrounds cluster along Highway 160 near Mancos and Cortez, including Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park and Mesa Verde RV Resort, both within minutes of the park entrance.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Mesa Verde region. The primary camping season runs from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Mancos State Park remains open year-round, offering a cooler alternative to the national park campground. "There's plenty of shade and much cooler than the NP campground," notes camper Daniel L. Road conditions on BLM lands can become problematic after rain, with several visitors reporting clay soil that becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. As one camper observed, "The road was a little bumpy at places and some of the spots were rutted up but any vehicle could navigate it if they are careful." Elevation in the area ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 feet, resulting in cooler temperatures even during summer months.
Panoramic views of mesas and mountains consistently receive high praise from campers throughout the area. Many private campgrounds feature amenities like swimming pools, laundry facilities, and full hookups, though several reviewers mention limited privacy between sites. Morefield Campground inside the park offers unique advantages despite being more expensive than typical national park campgrounds. "Sleep here and you will already be inside Mesa Verde National Park. It is green all around, there are ranger talks in the evening, and wild animals coming by your camping spot," reports one visitor. Campers should note that the main attractions within Mesa Verde are still 15-20 miles from the campground, requiring additional driving time to reach cliff dwellings and other archaeological sites.
