Glamping options near Farmington, New Mexico position visitors at elevations ranging from 5,400 to 7,000 feet with easy access to both high desert and alpine environments. Seasonal temperature variations affect camping comfort dramatically, with summer highs reaching 90°F while spring and fall nights can drop below 40°F. Winter closures affect most luxury camping locations from November through March, with only a few sites maintaining year-round operations.
What to do
Water recreation access: 20-minute drive from Farmington to Navajo Lake provides 15,000 surface acres for fishing, boating and swimming. "We stayed in a full hook up site. Some of the sites were a little tricky to get in for big campers. We were in site 171 and have a 33 ft 5th wheel. We liked being in Mesa Verde Park. Free showers. The people running the camp store were friendly," notes a visitor at Morefield Campground.
Historical tours: 45-minute drive to Mesa Verde National Park offers ranger-led cliff dwelling tours from April through October. A camper at Mesa Verde RV Resort shared, "Located less than 1 mile from Mesa Verde National Park entrance, this campground has wonderful owners who understand the meaning of hospitality! The sites are maintained daily and there are nice little touches throughout the campground."
Scenic train experience: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad passes directly through some campgrounds. "What a treat to see the Durango and Silverton train run right through the campground. Lots of trees for shade spaces are wide enough for most to park next to their camper," reports a guest at United Campground of Durango.
What campers like
Off-season availability: Many glamping locations maintain sites through mid-October with fewer crowds. "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," shares a visitor at Mancos State Park Campground.
Free shower access: Several glamping sites near Farmington offer unlimited hot water showers. "A national park campground with free showers!!! There's laundry and a store as well. Ranger talks at the amphitheater. You get to pick your spot out of what is still open when you arrive (at least for tents, not sure about RVs due to sizing). Located 4 miles into the park," notes a guest at Morefield Campground.
Dog-friendly features: Some locations provide designated pet areas and hiking trails. A camper at Lightner Creek Campground mentioned, "Great camp sites for pull thru, back in and tents. Several cabins, bathrooms & showers also available, but closed our week (scary virus). Nice, clean, non-heated pool was a plus. Friendly, helpful campsite hosts."
What you should know
Road noise factors: Highway proximity affects site selection at some glamping locations. "Navajo Lake was a last minute reservation to escape the southern heat. SUCCESS, the sites had shelter, access to water and good Marina. Not many marked trails but you can still explore. Temps were good with the breeze to help," reports a visitor at Sims Mesa Campground.
Seasonal water levels: Lake access changes significantly throughout the year. "The tent sites have a table with benches. No fires are allowed so bring a gas stove if you plan on cooking. Its really close to the Durango old Town area (like 10 min drive or less) and about 45 minutes to mesa verde. The camp sites are right next to the Aminas river but there's no access to it from the campground unfortunately," notes a camper at United Campground of Durango.
Reservation challenges: Book well in advance for summer glamping options. "Good: Only 20 minutes from Mesa Verde NP gate. It is developed camping, but not right on top of each-other. Pit toilets were clean, potable water spigots everywhere, whole camp is clean and well kept by the camp host," shares a visitor at Target Tree Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access timing: Most glamping sites with pools close facilities by 7:30 pm. "The only downside for us was that the pool closes at 7:30, and we never got back from sightseeing in time to use it," notes a visitor to United Campground of Durango.
Playground options: Several locations offer equipment for children. "Nice tent sites at the back of the park, clean shower and bathrooms, 1/2 mile outside the entrance to mesa verda national park," reports a camper at Mesa Verde RV Resort.
Evening activities: Some glamping locations provide organized events. "We spent a few nights here while exploring Mesa Verde National Park. Our site was spacious with plenty of privacy. They just updated the dump station with a new potable water spigot, so we're were able to top off our tank coming and going," shares a visitor at Mancos State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Corner and end sites provide more space at popular glamping locations. "If you don't have a boat or fancy water toys.. Sims Mesa is where you should go. Much less crowded than the main marina. We camped at the Lakeshore Camping area. Several sites available right on the lake, just steps away from the water," notes an RVer at Sims Mesa Campground.
Electrical testing: Some glamping sites have power issues that require surge protectors. "The only ding that I'd give this place is that there may be some power issues depending on the site. 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," reports a camper at Lightner Creek Campground.
Premium site advantages: Upgraded spaces often accommodate vehicles without unhooking. "This would be a 5 star review if the owners allowed access to the river and green area along it that they own. It is right there at camp but you can look but not touch. Everything else is really top notch. Well kept and clean grounds and facilities," shares an RVer at United Campground of Durango.
