Best Camping near Mesa Verde National Park

Southwest Colorado is home to some of the best camping in the state. Near Mesa Verde National Park, CO, visitors can take in some spectacular views, visit historic places, and enjoy sleeping under the stars or in a cozy cabin. Yurts are also available at some campsites, and in some close proximity to Mancos State Park. Visitors can boat in, walk in, or drive up to their spot in an RV. See the rock carvings on Petroglyph Point Trail and visit the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. The ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings are a must-see for every camper, along with the imposing cliff palace.

Best Camping Sites Near Mesa Verde National Park, CO (173)

    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    88 Reviews
    303 Photos
    492 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado

    Morefield Campground is four miles from the park entrance. The 267 campsites are situated within a high-elevation, grassy canyon filled with Gambel oak, native flowers, deer, and wild turkeys. Each site has a picnic table, gravel tent pad, and fire pit/BBQ grill. A camp store offers registration, food, and camp supplies. Firewood, gasoline, showers, a coin-operated laundromat, and a kennel are located nearby. The campground is managed by park concessioner Aramark and is open between spring and fall.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA

    3. Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA

    20 Reviews
    59 Photos
    78 Saves
    Cortez, Colorado

    This KOA has been closed and is reopened as Rjourney, find them on the Dyrt

    Mesa Verde National Park is less than 15 minutes away from this KOA near the four corners where Colorado, and New Mexico. Arizona and Utah meet.

    The campground has heated swimming pool, basketball, and horseshoes. Also has a 1-mile walking trail around Denny Lake, fishing, and an enclosed dog park.

    The pool is open Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    4. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    22 Reviews
    42 Photos
    615 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado

    Dispersed camping along Forest Service Road 316

    San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. From high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, these federal lands are managed for multiple uses and visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources. The San Juan National Forest Headquarters is located in Durango, Colorado, with district offices in Bayfield, Dolores and Pagosa Springs.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground

    5. Mancos State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    38 Photos
    94 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado

    Mancos is a great place to camp. Set in a beautiful ponderosa forest, the upper loop of the main campground and both yurts remain open through the winter. The park is centrally located to a wide variety of local attractions​.

    The park has two campgrounds – Main and West – on two sides of the reservoir with a total of 32 campsites. Along the northwest side of the reservoir, the west campground has nine campsites (primarily for tent campers) with toilets but no drinking water nearby.​

    Mancos also offers yurts for a unique and cozy camping experience.

    Yurt reservations are required year round.

    Mancos State Park provides a great overnight stop or a beautiful location for an extended stay. Winter is a fun time to camp at Mancos State Park.

    Come and enjoy a fun-filled, quiet and beautiful time at Mancos State Park!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from The Views RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Views RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Views RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Views RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Views RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Views RV Park & Campground

    6. The Views RV Park & Campground

    21 Reviews
    37 Photos
    94 Saves
    Dolores, Colorado

    The Views RV Park& Campground welcomes you! Located near the heart of Southwest Colorado overlooking incredible vistas See all Four States from The Views, and experience breathtaking sunrises and sunsets Wander our 42 acres on the new trails We're located directly across the entrance to McPhee Reservoir for boating, fishing, paddle boarding and playing. Make The Views your base camp for hunting in the Fall or for your high mountain, desert and Mesa Verde adventures all season. Come see all that Southwest Colorado has to offer!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort

    7. Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    21 Photos
    69 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado

    Echo Basin Cabin And Rv Resort. Located in Mancos, Colorado. It is perfectly situated in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado. Specializing in Colorado destination weddings, reunions, and family vacations, Echo Basin Resort has had the honor of hosting numerous events each summer season for over two decades.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

    9. Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

    15 Reviews
    27 Photos
    74 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado

    Join us at Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park–located across from the National Park entrance. We are the ideal, country-style, destination park located in the heart of Mesa Verde Country, close to a variety of acclaimed attractions in and around the Four Corners area. You’ll find we offer the most-friendly guest experience this side of the West, so bring the family and your favorite furry friends! Camp among our 1500-year old Cedar Trees. Our evening dark sky is primed for stargazing, and unforgettable shooting stars! Be sure to take part in our on-site activities such as miniature golf, swimming, hot tubbing as well as horse-back riding right next door! Our spacious RV camping grounds are equipped with a wide variety of pull-through sites with full hook-ups, water and 20/30/50 AMP electrical service. We offer Class-A and 5th Wheel ‘big rig friendly’ sections on the property that are more open with less tree coverage to allow for larger rigs and TV reception. Wooded sites are also available for all campers wanting shade. Our cozy deluxe log cabins measure approximately 10’x 12′. They comfortably sleep 4 to 5 people and include pillow top mattresses 1 queen bed and 2 bunk beds. Appliances in each cabin include TV, refrigerator, microwave, air conditioner, and heater. Each cabin offers a covered porch, covered picnic table and a free-standing grill. Primitive cabins located close to our adult hot tub and pool.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde RV Resort

    10. Mesa Verde RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    19 Photos
    99 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $43 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 173 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Mesa Verde National Park

Recent Reviews in Mesa Verde National Park

911 Reviews of 173 Mesa Verde National Park Campgrounds


  • Shannon E W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

    Pleasant stay

    We stayed for 3 nights due to the convenience of Mesa Verde NP. The GPS coordinate on Google were spot on. The driveway was a little rough and can get very pitted with wet weather. We have a 38 foot 5th wheel that had plenty of clearance. We stayed in site 9. They do recommend 30ft and under but we got lucky there was an available site.

  • Kim S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Tons of sites

    While kind of on the pricier side for campgrounds I really enjoyed my 2 nights there in early Oct 24. Easy access to get on the road to the cliff dwellings early in the day, flush bathrooms, tons of sites, trails nearby, a little center with a store, cafe, gas, and most importantly showers. 

    They let you pick your site which is nice so I got a site with a flat spot for my rooftop tent, but some sites are definately more geared to tent camping, but there are tons of site options.

    Would stay again.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Westerly RV Park
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Westerly RV Park

    Great Value, Perfect Hot Springs Access

    Great location, close to Durango and right across from the hot springs. Convenient gas station and grocery store less than 5 minutes away, but if you're buying a lot of groceries, I’d recommend going somewhere closer to Durango as the store across the highway is a bit pricey. Excellent access to streams for anglers

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from United Campground of Durango
    Oct. 13, 2024

    United Campground of Durango

    Good location, quite expensive

    Clean, hot showers and large laundry room.

    One of the more beautiful RV sites, sitting along the silverton & Durango tourist train.

    However given we don’t even plug in, $78 including tax is too expensive for us.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    Beautiful spot to camp when visiting Mesa Verde

    17 spots all pretty spaced out, filled up around 5pm on Sunday October 12 (but this could be due to the Indigenous Peoples day being tomorrow).

    The surrounding landscape is beautiful.

    We didn’t find the road too bad in our Ram Promaster, but we have a pretty high clearance.

  • taren C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Gravel Lot
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

    Beautiful views, flora and fauna

    Beautiful place! It's pretty easy to get into, there are more secluded places up the hill a ways but it gets kinda rough. You can hear the highway, but it's not much. Just ambient background noise. I got a spot with shade all day, so that was awesome. There was one night an inconsiderate person parked his company truck and camper as close to me as was possible with wide open space all over and ran his generator. Luckily he was gone the next day.

  • J. F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tico Time River Resort
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Tico Time River Resort

    Not worth all the hype

    We thought it would be great to check out Tico Time last weekend, but our experience was disappointing. We had reservations for Friday and Saturday night, but when we arrived, there was no one to help us find our campsite. After driving around aimlessly, we finally found our spot. 

    However, the place gave off a rundown, homeless camp vibe with old camp trailers, a hippie bus, and even a car on blocks, and another trailer had two motorcycles in various stages of being dismantled.

    The zip line was a letdown, and there wasn't much shade due to the lack of trees. We wished we could have gone to the river to cool off. After just one night, we decided to move on and found a better spot further up the road in the mountains north of Durango.

  • s
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverwood RV Resort
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Riverwood RV Resort

    Newer RV Park with a Great Location

    Newer RV park, so everything is in great shape, and the wifi is super fast, 76 mb download, and 65 upload. The only downside is that every site does not have a picnic table, but there are two gas grills at the office/club house for everyone's use. Extremely nice small town. We will definitely stay here if in the area.

  • Tamara T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    For free and nice view

    We arrived at a Saturday around 3 pm and still had many opportunities to find a place. Lovley place to stay. As a toilet. I can recomment to stay there in fall.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    Really Convenient Location

    The site is literally right off of hwy 160. If your gps tries to send you through residential areas or on county roads don’t listen to it.

    There are quite a few available spots and most are pretty big. Roads can be a bit rough the farther back you go but it’s got large easy to access spots close to the front. It’s pretty busy but still plenty of room for everyone to have their own space.

    Phone and internet connection is excellent!

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverwood RV Resort
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Riverwood RV Resort

    Great stop in Mancos

    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. We had some truck issues and they were great in letting us stay a few extra hours while we changed out our batteries. PS loved Moondog and Fenceline for food in town.

  • Mark B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    Narrow, rough, steep service road

    The only reason I give this place a 3 is because of the close proximity to Mesa Verde NP. 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. Also the road and sites have sharp crushed shale stone. 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. How the use planks to shore up the ditches so I could get in without bottoming out. I will not return.

  • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hovenweep National Monument
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Hovenweep National Monument

    A treasure! Interesting place and lovely campsite

    Hovenweep is a national monument with small but modern quiet campgrounds. The dark skies for amazing stars are spectacular. While they do not have showers, their bathrooms were clean and convenient to the loop of campsites. It was quiet and the rangers were friendly and warm. The Hovenweep monument archeological treasures are well worth scheduling a few hours to hike and visit. There are several ancient structures on the site (a small canyon) and the hikes are short and sooooo worth doing.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Junction Creek Campground
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Junction Creek Campground

    Awesome tidy and private sites

    Junction Creek campground is a lovely place to stay. The price is good, the hosts are just soo friendly and helpful. The site was even swept clean of pine needles as the toilets are very fresh. 

    The whole experience was very good with well spaced sites and flat ground all between the trees. 

    There is great walking and mountain biking right from camp too! Enjoy!

  • Kaltra B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    Next to highway, 5g connection

    Going east from Durango, you make a right turn on silver hills road. You will see the blm sign. Gravel road, fire pits. We stayed in a camper van at one of the first spots and had 5g internet with AT&T. Can hear highway noise

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Mancos State Park Campground

    Nice stop in Southwest Colorado

    Monday evening, third week of September site 25. Quiet. Well spaced sites. Sloped towards lake. At least this site and 26 would be difficult to find level spot for tent and requires lots of rocks or blocks to level rv. Note west side of lake campsites are 6 miles from US160. Deer came out around 6 pm. Bear area, none seen. Nice stopping place.

  • Y
    Camper-submitted photo from Stoner RV Resort
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Stoner RV Resort

    Welcoming park in a great location

    From the time we pulled into the campground,  full of grass with huge trees, we felt at home. We had a warm greeting and received a welcome gift with yummy treats and fresh eggs. We were led to our spot that backed up to a creek. There was a fire pit, fire wood, bbq, table and chair swing at the camp spot. Also included are free laundry facilities, movies on a big screen (popcorn included) and we were lucky enough to have a band play one day and a solo guitarist another. Scott goes out of his way to make you comfortable. It was raining when we were watching the band play, he brought us an umbrella to use, very thoughtful. We would recommend this place to everyone, dog friendly, kid friendly, with a play area for both. There are nice tent camping spots as well.

  • EThe Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunshine Campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Sunshine Campground

    Peaceful camping right outside of Telluride

    Beautiful campsite surrounded by aspens and views of Wilson and Sunshine peaks nearby. Clean, quiet, right off of highway 145 but little road noise at the campground.

  • Padej G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Haviland Lake Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Haviland Lake Campground

    Quiet and Peaceful Campground.

    This is a National Forests campground, and many of the sites have electricity, but nothing else. The sites are reasonably graded gravel sites. Some are pull-thru while others are back-in.

  • Ronald D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverwood RV Resort
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Riverwood RV Resort

    Poor design

    Site was very unlevel front to back. Had to put 6" under rear class A. Sewer connection to deep in concrete for connected to screw in.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

    Extremely strict cancellation policy

    Made a Rez 5 months ago and didn’t see the fine print cancellation policy stating 14 days out no refund. I had to make new plans due to unforeseen circumstances and called to find out that 13 days out is too bad for me. Not any concessions or credits for future stays, nada zilch. So for a slow time of year they just print money hoping no sees their fine print. I’m a business man and I’ve always seen rules as an opportunity to make someone’s day not motivation to make negative reviews. Maybe I’m old school but there was zero expense on their part and 5 months of cash holding for them. I guess their business is doing so well that they send people the other direction when looking for a place to stay

  • Noel L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Moore's RV Park & Campground
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Moore's RV Park & Campground

    Old KOA but better

    This is not desert Rose campground but Morris campground. An old KOA from the '70s. Very well maintained and clean. Very friendly staff and helpful. Would stay again.



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