Camping near 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.