Camping near Towaoc, Colorado sits at the edge of the Colorado Plateau with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 7,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal conditions. Summer temperatures reach 80-90°F during day and drop to 50-60°F at night, while winter nights often dip below freezing. Most campgrounds in this high desert region operate seasonally from April through October due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Explore ancient dwellings: Mesa Verde National Park is just minutes away from Morefield Campground, making it an ideal base for exploring cliff dwellings. "We stayed in a full hook up site. Some of the sites were a little tricky to get in for big campers. We liked being in Mesa Verde Park. Free showers. The people running the camp store were friendly," notes one camper who appreciated the convenience.
Hiking nearby trails: The area offers multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels. At Target Tree Campground, you'll find "a 1-mile walking trail" and access to additional hiking routes. As one visitor mentions, "There's a pool (it wasn't open yet) and for a short little walk, a 3 acre dog park. It was so nice for our dogs to get out and run. Beyond that was a trail that went around a lake."
Water activities: Fishing opportunities abound at Mancos State Park Campground where the lake is "great for canoeing and fishing and the campground is small enough that older kids can be turned loose to enjoy themselves." Another review notes it's "well-known for fishing, especially rainbow trout, a few brownies and yellow perch."
What campers like
Communal kitchen access: Unlike standard campsites, Bright Star Campground offers a shared kitchen area that's fully stocked. "The kitchen was super handy so we didn't have to tap into our water tank for dishes," explains one camper. Another adds, "It has bathroom, shower, and a kitchen. I used the food from the kitchen to cooked my breakfast in the morning."
Free hot showers: Many campgrounds in the area offer shower facilities, but quality varies. At Morefield Campground, guests particularly appreciate the "free and unlimited hot water" in the showers. One camper specifically mentioned, "A national park campground with free showers!!! There's laundry and a store as well."
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing. "We woke up to a rainbow with a beautiful view of the Ute Mountains in the distance," shares one Bright Star visitor. Another camper at Target Tree mentioned, "Stars are fantastic at night."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October. The Dolores River RV Resort is open "Apr 15 to Oct 31," which is typical for the region. Winter camping options are extremely limited.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months (June-August), reservations are essential. "We need to stop at an Rv park once in awhile to get organized and do laundry. This is a very nice Rv park!" explains a visitor to The Views RV Park, highlighting the importance of securing a spot.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Towaoc, Colorado, several campgrounds offer these accommodations. The Views RV Park & Campground includes yurts among their options, while others provide alternative glamping structures like teepees and cabins.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme. "We left a night early bc we're not prepared for below freezing," reported one Morefield camper, while another warned, "Campers should be prepared for sudden and severe weather. The high desert location can bring intense storms with strong winds."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities: The Views RV Park & Campground offers "a beautiful covered pavillion with great views, gas grills, gas fire pit, and picnic table that is available for anyone to use." One visitor shares, "They have wonderful community areas, bathroom, laundry and fire pit. The walking trail offers a great peek over the surrounding hill."
Choose sites with shade: Summer temperatures can be intense. "Nice shade provided by trees; it's adjacent to a resevoir, so just a short walk to the road crossing over the resevoir provides a great view of the sunset," notes a Mancos State Park visitor, highlighting the importance of finding cooler areas.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. "We loved Lightner Creek. The creek was great, the pool was welcome relief for the kids and we enjoyed talking to fellow campers visiting from around the country and England!" shares one family.
Bring extra layers: Night temperatures drop significantly even in summer. "It had to have been in the 30's," reported one camper about springtime overnight temperatures, emphasizing the need for warm sleeping gear.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Mesa Verde RV Resort, one visitor advises, "Try to ask for a spot on the outer edge, much nicer," indicating that some sites offer better privacy or views than others.
Hookup positions: Check the placement of utilities before setting up. "Thank God we had the surge protector and that I tested the outlet before plugging into the RV. The monitor indicated reverse polarity so we ended up having to move to another site," warns a Lightner Creek camper.
RV length restrictions: Some sites have limitations on length. "We were in site 171 and have a 33 ft 5th wheel," mentions a Morefield camper, while another notes, "If your RV/toad or travel trailer plus pickup is much over 48 feet, you'll be out in the road."
Leveling challenges: Terrain can be uneven at some campgrounds. "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," advises a Mancos State Park visitor.
