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Camping near Mesa Verde National Park

1,027 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Mesa Verde National Park, ColoradoExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Mesa Verde National Park (175)

    1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    102 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 449-2288

    "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."

    2. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    31 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    4 miles

    "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.."

    3. Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 565-3517

    "Across the freeway from Mesa Verde National Park. Has all the stuff you need!"

    "This campsite is in great proximity to Mesa Verde National Park. I don't think you could get any closer to the park. The park is practically right across the street."

    4. Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA

    20 Reviews
    Cortez, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 565-9301

    "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."

    5. BLM across from Mesa Verde

    18 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    4 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

    16 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "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."

    7. Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort

    20 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 533-7000

    "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."

    8. Mancos State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 533-7065

    $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."

    9. Mesa Verde RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 533-7421

    $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!"

    10. Riverwood RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mesa Verde National Park

303 Photos of 175 Mesa Verde National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mesa Verde National Park

1027 Reviews of 175 Mesa Verde National Park Campgrounds

  • Gene I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Dolores River RV Resort by Rjourney

    Very nice and friendly.

    Dropped in on the spur of moment, and the staff did everything possible to find the right spot for my needs.

  • Jim & Karen A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mountain View Campground

    Sweeping views

    Quiet semi remote site with views of the San Juan Valley. Close to the quality fishing waters of the world famous San Juan river.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Great Campground/Location

    Had a great couple days here. Lots of sites. Campground loops have flush toilets and water, as well as WiFi modems. There are central free showers and coin-operated laundry. There are several shops and restaurants throughout the park. Great historical sites! The campground has lots of mule deer roaming thru in the morning and evening. Many sites do not have much shade.

  • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Pine Point Campground

    Always a favorite of ours.

    The reservoir water level is down at least 25 feet since May. A little shocking at first but the campground is still beautiful and peaceful with the cleanest vault toilets I have ever seen.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

    Convenient to National Park

    This is a nice park. A little dated. The pull through spaced had 30/50 amp hook ups. Water and sewer. Our 41’ Montana’s 5 slides fit but the spaces (and trees) prevented us from opening our awning. The picnic table and fire pit were adequate but no open burning was permitted during our stay due to fire conditions . We didn’t use either showers or laundry. We had a problem with our truck and the manager was able to extend our stay by a day on short notice — also recommended a local diesel shop in Cortez. Great view of the Mesa and noise from the highway was not too bad. We would stay here again if in the area.

  • Todd S.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    CR 34 Dispersed Campground

    Very clean and maintained

    Our one night stay here on a holiday weekend was great! Very peaceful. Everything is well organized. Each camp site is numbered. It's just like a paid campground but without toilets and water. So bring your own. Enjoy

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Overnight Stay

    Very nice place. Lots of good options and tent camping is choose yourself. Flushing toilets, free showers, and a coin laundry on-site along with a place for breakfast and a general store. Would stay again if in the area.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    San Juan McGee Park RV Camping

    Fair ground camping next to a river and pond

    Reasonable price for a stop over. Not many people here. I am camped between a pond and a river. Otherwise it is a gravel parking lot.

Guide to Mesa Verde National Park

Camping near Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and rich history. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore Mesa Verde National Park: The park is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings. Many campers recommend visiting the sites early in the day to avoid crowds. One reviewer noted, "This was such a nice spot super close to Mesa Verde national park. It was about a 5 minute drive from the park entrance."
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. A camper at Madden Peak Road - Dispersed mentioned, "I saw deer around sunset and birds through the day," highlighting the wildlife you might encounter while hiking.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local fauna. A visitor at Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park shared, "Beautiful campsite, three mule deer strolled through, munching their dinner as we cooked ours."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Junction Creek Campground said, "Restrooms were well maintained vault toilets. No showers anywhere in campground."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A camper at The Views RV Park & Campground remarked, "Every site is well thought out and has great hookups."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the welcoming atmosphere. A visitor at Stoner RV Resort said, "Scott the host’s mission is to make sure everyone has a great stay."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land), don’t have drinking water or toilets. A reviewer advised, "Get there early to help make sure you can find a spot."
  • Cell Service: Expect spotty cell service in many areas. A camper at Junction Creek Campground noted, "Absolutely zero cell service whatsoever."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Morefield Campground operates from mid-April to the end of October.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA mentioned, "The bathrooms are very clean and the showers are nice after a long day hiking."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort said, "There are plenty of things to do for adults and children."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A camper at Mancos State Park Campground suggested, "I can see how it might have a much busier energy on summer weekends."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Junction Creek Campground warned, "The gravel road leading to the campground is VERY rough wash-board."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at The Views RV Park & Campground advised, "I would recommend booking at least a month out."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A reviewer at Stoner RV Resort mentioned, "A nice little store with plenty of necessities."

Camping near Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, is a fantastic way to experience nature and history. With a bit of planning and the right campground, you can have a memorable outdoor adventure.

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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