Mesa Verde National Park's only in-park campground is Morefield, which sits about 4 miles from the park entrance near Cortez and has hookup-capable sites alongside tent loops. Morefield is one of the larger campgrounds in the region and takes reservations through recreation.gov, though walk-up availability exists outside of summer peak. Mesa Verde-area dispersed sites cover the primitive camping options on nearby BLM and national forest land for anyone who wants no-fee alternatives outside the park boundary.
Cortez is about 10 miles from the main entrance and has private RV parks, grocery access, and more lodging options, making it the practical base for longer stays. Camping close to Cortez maps out the dispersed options around town if Morefield is full or the nightly rate doesn't fit the budget.
Cliff dwelling tours require timed entry tickets bought separately from campground reservations. The park entrance road closes to new entry mid-afternoon on busy summer days, so plan to arrive early or settle in at camp before noon.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
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"This campground is the last stop where you can access to with a camper. Sleep here and you will already be inside mesa verde national park."
"Nice and convenient campground inside of Mesa Verde National Park. Very clean and well maintained. Many hot, 24 hours showers available in a large bathhouse within driving distance of campground."
"This was such a nice spot super close to Mesa Verde national park. It was about a 5 minute drive from the park entrance."
"Super close to Mesa Verde National Park! And it's freeeee! The road to get the the sites is rutted out so you do need some clearance! We have a subaru impreza and it was fine! No amentinites.."
"Across the freeway from Mesa Verde National Park. Has all the stuff you need!"
"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."
"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."
"This campsite is right outside of Mesa Verde and is easy to locate. Campsites are located along a dirt road and they are clearly marked."
"Great location from Mesa Verde National Park. Cozy spots. Newer facilities. Fantastic views of the mesas and mountains!"
"Tent sites were very convenient to the camp store and nearby facilities. Placement of campground very convenient to Cortez and Mesa Verde national park - only about 10 minutes away."
$20 - $90 / night
"Very nice campground close to Mesa Verde National Park.
There's plenty of shade and much cooler than the NP campground.""Depending on the site, you have nice views through the trees to the surrounding mountains. Pick the western side for views. The reservoir is a nice size & peaceful."
"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."
$43 / night
"A beautiful location just across the road from Mesa Verde National Park. Spotless, modern bathrooms with enough showers and stalls to not have to wait. Not too huge that you get lost."
"Located less than 1 mile from Mesa Verde National Park entrance, this campground has wonderful owners who understand the meaning of hospitality!"
"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."
"It is easy to sit back and relax or play a game of pickleball while the squirrels are running around."
$40 / night
"Walk to town-bakery restaurants and shops. National Forest access and state park nearby. Staff friendly and knowledgeable of area. Mesa Verde National Park only 9 miles away."
"Well maintained RV camp next to the town ( walking distance with restaurants). Next to the river with amazing sounds."
GuideDirections take you directly to the opening, but a few different roads I drive down before figuring out where the sites were. A little road noise in the morning, but peaceful and close to town.
GuideSauls Creek is located southeast of Bayfield, Colorado and approximately 25 miles east of Durango. Access is via LaPlata County Road 566partly gravel) off Highway 160. Big rigs traveling westbound should use the east end of 566 off of the Bayfield Parkway as the east end has a hairpin right turn which our 41’ 5th wheel would never have made without a lot of maneuvering and blocking traffic to accomplish it. From 566 take 557, also gravel, and enter the “park” on 558. 558 is FSR 755. Campsites are widely separated and vary in size from car/van camper to a couple which fit large rigs. Sites are back in, pull through or park and walk in. Terrain is hilly with pine forest or open meadow. We camped in the first large keyhole pull off on 755A, nestled in a pine grove on a hill overlooking meadows on two sides. Minimal traffic even on weekends - mostly equine, walkers and a few vehicles including dirt bikes and quads. The area is popular with hikers and cyclists as they have “off road” trails to themselves.
Our site was perfect for us and could have accommodated multiple RVs. No amenities. Pack in; pack out.
GuideI stayed here last year. Got my same site from a year ago. Price has gone up. It’s $40 a night $20 with a senior discount. Very dusty road coming in but worth it very quiet can hear the creek. We’ll always come back.
GuideOnly a few miles from Mesa Verde NP. Easy drive-in, very clean, and great views.
ScoutWe got here at 2 and there was a hand full of first come first serve. They have signs for bear activity everywhere.
TravelerWe arrived on a Sunday afternoon and had intended on going to Priest Lake Campground, but when we arrived we learned that no trailers were allowed. We checked out Sunshine and one other nearby campground that started with an M, but neither offered much privacy or shade. So we went back up and found an amazing dispersed spot near Lizard Head Pass, on the Galloping Goose Trail. The road in was bumpy but not too bad. The entry into the site we chose was somewhat treacherous (meaning we nearly pulled the rear bumper off our pop-up camper getting in and out of there). But it was totally worth it! I've included a pic of the spot where we camped and a pic I snapped from inside the camper when I woke up the first morning of our stay. Plenty of shade. You can hear road noise from Hwy 145 during the day, but it was very quiet at night. Lots of privacy. It is dispersed, so no amenities (toilet, fire ring, picnic table, etc). There was absolutely no Verizon service if that is important to you. We loved this spot and would return, even if it does mean we have to replace the trailer bumper.
GuideCame up on a Wednesday without a reservation and got a spot. Hosts greet you and are kind. 40$ for a full hookup plus hot showers included. Surrounded by trees it’s beautiful makes me feel like I’m in the show “Lost”
TravelerWe were very excited about this campground, but when we arrived there is a large sign that says no trailers are allowed. We have a pop-up tent camper, so it was a no go for us. It was also closer to the Highway 145 than I was expecting.
GuideNot a great spot for vans. I got a spot that was flat and parking close to the site. But most are walk in and not great parking for a van. There is a pit toilet and beautiful views.
Mesa Verde National Park camping options range in elevation from 6,000 to 8,500 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the area. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer days average 85-90°F with nighttime temperatures cooling to 50-55°F. The region's clay soil becomes problematic after rainfall, affecting tent stakes and vehicle traction.
Hiking with history: Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land) provides free camping just minutes from trails and archaeological sites. "This stay is only for high clearance vehicles and small RV's. Deep drain ditches between service road and sites. All sites are extremely uneven," reports Mark B., who notes this location is best for those with appropriate vehicles.
Wildlife viewing: Mancos State Park Campground surrounds a lake known for rainbow trout and yellow perch fishing. "Deer came out around 6 pm. Bear area, none seen," shares Michael, adding that the west side sites have better spacing. The park adjoins San Juan National Forest with multiple hiking trails.
Local town exploration: Mancos offers unique small-town experiences within walking distance of some campgrounds. "We will definitely stay here if in the area," writes Steve, who stayed at Riverwood RV Resort. Another camper adds, "We spent a day just walking around town. The bakery has the best food as do the other restaurants in town."
Free camping proximity: Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land) receives high marks for location and value. "A perfect spot! Got a beautiful view, a feeling of privacy and nature. Road was comfortable and we had no problems," shares Zohar B. Another camper adds, "This is a very accessible area. Spots are big and private. Clean 15 total spot so you're sure to find one."
Hot showers: Morefield Campground inside Mesa Verde National Park offers unexpected amenities. "A national park campground with free showers!!! There's laundry and a store as well. Ranger talks at the amphitheater," writes Tori K. Another camper mentions, "The hot showers were amazing. Free and unlimited hot water."
Seasonal accessibility: While most area campgrounds close for winter, some remain open year-round. A camper at Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort noted, "We had laid out several options for our stop in the Durango area but in early April all were closed. We saw their sign—it said OPEN." Mancos State Park also operates through winter months.
Site selection timing: Mesa Verde area campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Sites on right side of road are lower and can get muddier," warns Greg M. about Chutes and Ladders, while another camper advises, "We got to our spot around 4pm and by the time we were set up and heading into town for stuff all the spots were taken."
Weather preparation: The high elevation creates temperature swings and unpredictable conditions. "We left a night early bc we're not prepared for below freezing," reports a camper at Morefield Campground. Another camper shares, "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."
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. "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," notes a camper. Another adds, "Google maps was spot on. Road in was a little rutted, but the e350 made it no problem."
Pool access: Mesa Verde RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities near the national park entrance. "A beautiful location just across the road from Mesa Verde National Park... One very nice large pool and two spas. Playground area as well," shares Mary D. Another camper noted, "The putt putt was fun and the playground area was very well maintained."
Ranger programs: Educational opportunities abound for children at several 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," describes one visitor about the national park campground. Ranger-led tours require advance reservations during busy periods.
Pet accommodations: For families traveling with dogs, several campgrounds offer dedicated areas. "It's a great place for the kids to hang out in," notes Berton M. about the recreation facilities at one campground. Another reviewer was impressed with a "SPACIOUS dog park" that allowed their pet to exercise safely.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in the immediate Mesa Verde area. "We stayed in a full hook up site. 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," shares Sarah L. about Morefield Campground.
Parking challenges: RV size limitations affect site selection at many locations. "I have a 35 foot 5th RV and was way too big for this place. But by the grace of God I managed to back into site 12. Had to use planks to shore up the ditches so I could get in without bottoming out," warns Mark B. about dispersed camping near the park.
Level sites: Finding level spots can be difficult at some campgrounds. "Sites are close together with not much privacy. Shower house was clean but everything else did not feel exceptionally well taken care of," reports Elena C. at Morefield Campground, while another camper suggests bringing "plenty of rocks or blocks to level RV" at Mancos State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located in Mesa Verde National Park?
The main campground inside Mesa Verde National Park is Morefield Campground. For those seeking options near the park entrance, Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land) offers dispersed camping just 5 minutes from the entrance. Many additional campgrounds are located in neighboring communities, with several within a 10-minute drive of the park. These include options in Cortez, Mancos, and Dolores, providing convenient access for day trips into the park.
What amenities are available at Mesa Verde National Park campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Mesa Verde offer varying amenities to suit different camping styles. Mancos State Park Campground provides shaded sites with gravel pads and is known for being cooler than in-park options. Mavreeso Campground sits beside the West Dolores River (which masks road noise) and is pet-friendly, though it lacks shower facilities. Many of the private campgrounds in the area offer modern bathrooms, showers, swimming pools, and children's play areas. Some provide site-specific touches like potted plants and site lighting. Campground cleanliness and maintenance are generally well-regarded across the area.
Are there RV hookups available when camping at Mesa Verde National Park?
Yes, RV hookups are available at several campgrounds near Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde RV Resort offers full hookups less than a mile from the park entrance with easily accessible sites. Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park provides water and electrical hookups across from the national park. Other RV-friendly options include La Mesa RV Park, a quiet campground with full hookups, and Dolores River RV Resort by Rjourney, which sits at 7,000 feet elevation offering cooler temperatures. Most RV parks in the area maintain modern facilities to accommodate various RV sizes.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Mesa Verde National Park?
The ideal camping season for Mesa Verde National Park runs from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer (June-August) brings warm days perfect for exploring archaeological sites, though this is also peak tourist season. The Views RV Park & Campground offers shade sails on some sites to help with summer heat. Fall brings spectacular changing colors and milder temperatures, as noted by visitors to Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA. Given the park's elevation (7,000+ feet), early spring and late fall can bring unpredictable weather and colder nights, so prepare accordingly if camping during shoulder seasons.
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