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Camping near Mesa Verde National Park

923 Reviews

Mesa Verde National Park camping options range from the in-park Morefield Campground with basic amenities like restrooms and picnic tables to the nearby Mesa Verde RV Resort with full hookups for those with larger rigs. The area sits among the Rocky Mountains with the Colorado River flowing through parts of the region. Weather varies dramatically by season - summer days get hot while winter brings snow and much colder temps. You'll need to watch for fire bans and check if permits are required before your trip. Some camping areas need high-clearance vehicles to access, especially after rain. BLM lands outside the park boundaries allow dispersed camping if you want a more basic setup. Always pack out what you pack in and follow Leave No Trace guidelines while camping here. Book campsites ahead during busy months as they fill quickly, especially in summer. The park combines ancient cliff dwellings with good camping, making it worth the trip for both history and outdoor time.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mesa Verde National Park (172)

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Recent Reviews near Mesa Verde National Park

923 Reviews of 172 Mesa Verde National Park Campgrounds

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

  • What camping is available near Mesa Verde National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Mesa Verde National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 172 campgrounds and RV parks near Mesa Verde National Park and 52 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Mesa Verde National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mesa Verde National Park is Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 90 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mesa Verde National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 52 free dispersed camping spots near Mesa Verde National Park.

  • What parks are near Mesa Verde National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Mesa Verde National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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