Best Tent 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 Tent Sites Near Mesa Verde National Park (16)

    1. Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp

    8 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    12 miles

    "Awesome spot, TONS of places to pitch a tent or park a camper.

    That being said - lots of generators, moderate views, cars driving by often."

    "Only con is there were a whole bunch of cows, making noise allllllll night long. If you can deal with that, then it’s a great spot!"

    2. Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

    4 Reviews
    Hesperus, CO
    17 miles

    "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."

    3. Canyons of the Ancients, Sand Canyon (Road 4725)

    6 Reviews
    Cortez, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-5600

    "I like walking it and spending time by myself. Clean up the trash if ye find it! I dragged quite a few cans out. It’s all good. Nearby there are trails for horses and such."

    "It was VERY windy the night we stayed, so tuck back into the bushes with your tent for some protection."

    4. Bay City Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hesperus, CO
    19 miles

    "No bathroom but there was a fire ring."

    5. Jersey Jim Lookout

    1 Review
    San Juan National Forest, CO
    19 miles

    6. Hermosa Park Road Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Rico, CO
    36 miles

    "Dispersed camping, no amenities, but beautiful location. Little streams running nearby, wildlife viewing, the drive up the slope is beautiful as well"

    "There is also a decommissioned forest service campsite on the north side about halfway in with tables and fire rings still. Creek was a bit high but not bad."

    8. Cannonball Mesa

    2 Reviews
    Towaoc, CO
    28 miles

    "The entrance is a gate in a private land, drive about 1 mile to BLM land, mostly dirt roads."

    9. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    21 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-6600

    "We had plenty of room on our site to set up camp around the picnic table and fire ring

    We snagged the last site with a picnic table and fire ring around 10AM on a Friday morning."

    "Pulled into this area late one evening on a fall camping trip across Colorado. Totally expected it to be full but there were a couple areas left to setup thankfully."

    10. Kelly Place B&B

    Be the first to review!
    Towaoc, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 565-3125
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Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Mesa Verde National Park

851 Reviews of 16 Mesa Verde National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Mesa Verde National Park

Tent camping near Mesa Verde National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Colorado while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed spots available, campers can find the perfect place to set up their tents and explore the surrounding landscape.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Hermosa Park Road Dispersed, campers can enjoy hiking and wildlife watching, with opportunities to see bears, elk, and more in the surrounding area.
  • Cannonball Mesa is perfect for stargazing, thanks to its remote location and minimal light pollution, offering breathtaking views of the night sky.
  • Cherry Creek Gravel Lot allows for easy access to nearby trails, making it a great base for exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Explore local attractions and scenery

  • The Ute Mountain Tribal Park Campground provides a unique cultural experience with access to ancient ruins and stunning landscapes.
  • Jersey Jim Lookout is ideal for picnicking and enjoying panoramic views, making it a great spot to relax after a day of hiking.
  • Kelly Place B&B offers a blend of comfort and adventure, with nearby attractions that highlight the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mesa Verde National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mesa Verde National Park is Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Mesa Verde National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Mesa Verde National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.