Top 10 Camping Spots Near Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

camping near mesa verde national park
Aarti
Aarti 
Published
| 4 min read

A famous national park in the United States, Mesa Verde National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Colorado. It has an incredible history, and it is home to some of the most breathtaking Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the country. There are many attractions located in the forested area. Some of them include Indian ruins that were built by people nearly 200 years ago, Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, a place that features exhibits showcasing the culture of Native Americans, and Sun Point Overlook, which boasts captivating canyon views. It’s no wonder why many people from around the world come flocking to the area. If you’re planning to have a vacation in the region soon, you will want to continue reading to know about the top camping spots near Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado.

RV campgrounds & RV site

1. Madden Peak Road Dispersed Camping

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Set in San Juan National Forest, Madden Peak Road Dispersed Camping is a free disbursement camping ground that requires no permit, and it is open seasonally. This campground is perfect for families and couples who are looking forward to spending some quality time amidst nature. It’s a well-maintained area that comes with dry camping, as well as dispersed camping areas. It also includes fire rings.

At this site, you are welcome to bring your pets, play or run along with them, or just chill out and watch the beauty of your surroundings unfold all around you. You can go for a walk along the many trails around the property.

Madden Peak Road Dispersed Camping

Website: Madden Peak Road Dispersed Camping

Address: FR-316, Hesperus, CO 81326 [map]

2. Dolores River Campground and Cabins

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Dolores River Campground on Saturday, September 18, 2021

Dolores River Campground and Cabins is situated in Dolores Colorado, along San Juan Skyway. It is encompassed by trees, and the Dolores River flows through the site, ensuring that you will have a peaceful stay. The property is perfect for all kinds of travelers, as it boasts different accommodation options, including vintage trailer rentals, cabins, yurts, RV, and camper sites.

Some of the amenities here include dog and nature walking trails, bathrooms, recreational rooms, and laundry rooms.

Dolores River Campground and Cabins

Website: Dolores River Campground and Cabins

Address: 18680 CO-145, Dolores, CO 81323, United States [map]

3. Mesa Verde RV Resort

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Mesa Verde RV Resort on Saturday, July 9, 2016

One of the top-rated RV resorts, Mesa Verde RV Resort is situated in the southwestern part of Colorado. If you’re looking forward to exploring Mesa Verde National Park’s cliff dwellings, this is the place to set base.

The site comprises a tenting area and RV hookup areas. It is perfect for all kinds of travelers: couples, families, groups of friends, and even solo travelers who are seeking tranquility amidst nature. Some of the amenities here include free Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms, hot tubs, and heated pools.

During your stay here, you can indulge in recreational activities, such as mountain biking, off-roading, hiking, and fishing.

Mesa Verde RV Resort

Website: Mesa Verde RV Resort

Address: 35303 US-160, Mancos, CO 81328, United States [map]

4. La Mesa RV Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by La Mesa RV Park on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Situated 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Mesa Verde National Park’s entrance, La Mesa RV Park is a family-friendly campground surrounded by mature trees that provide plenty of shade. The RV camps and tents come with reasonable prices, and the site itself provides useful amenities, such as hot showers, bathrooms, and laundry facilities.

The property is also close to Indian ruins, which means you can explore the area by hiking or going for a walk with your family and pets.

La Mesa RV Park

Website: La Mesa RV Park

Address: 2380 E Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, United States [map]

5. Cortez / Mesa Verde KOA Journey

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Only 7 1/2 weeks left before our sleeping campground opens for the season. Have you booked your reservations yet?

Posted by Cortez - Mesa Verde KOA on Saturday, February 22, 2020

Set just 15 minutes from Mesa Verde National Park, this campground features RV sites and premium tent sites that are perfect for groups of friends or families. There are several recreational activities that you can try here: fishing, boating, hiking, and mountain biking. Helpful amenities you can expect here include complimentary Wi-Fi, a snack bar, a kitchen, a swimming pool, and a playground.

Along with these, the place features a spacious and enclosed dog park. This means you won’t have to leave your pets behind when you go on a fun family getaway.

Cortez / Mesa Verde KOA Journey

Website: Cortez / Mesa Verde KOA Journey

Address: 27432 US-160, Cortez, CO 81321, United States [map]

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

6. Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park on Thursday, August 23, 2018

Set just across the entrance of Mesa Verde National Park, this place offers a great experience with its RV camping sites and cabin rentals. It is open from late March through October, but reservations to camp here are taken year round. It is perfect for a family vacation, and it offers an array of amenities that will keep you busy throughout your stay. Some of these amenities are parks, recreational cabins, and 18-hole miniature golf.

Moreover, attractions, such as Anasazi Heritage Center and Aztec Ruins National Monument, are close by.

Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

Website: Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

Address: 34979 US-160, Mancos, CO 81328, United States [map]

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

7. Sundance RV Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re looking for a remote and rustic location, but it is close to some attractions you plan to explore with friends or family, then consider camping at Sundance RV Park. This campsite is situated right in the middle of Cortez, in Colorado. It’s close to attractions, including Hovenweep National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park, and Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway.

The property features spacious sites for camping and basic amenities, such as restrooms, laundry facilities, and free internet. While here, you can indulge in recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, golfing, biking, and hiking.

Sundance RV Park

Website: Sundance RV Park

Address: 815 E Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, United States [map]

8. Riverwood RV Resort

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Riverwood RV Resort on Sunday, July 21, 2019

If you enjoy camping in an RV, then Riverwood RV Resort is a great choice for you. This site is close to Mesa Verde National Park and Cortez. It is well-maintained and pet-friendly, and it is an amazing place to spend your getaway with your loved ones. You’ll have access to fresh water, a library, restrooms and showers, as well as laundry facilities.

You will have a wonderful time here since you can engage in plenty of fun activities, such as mountain biking, rafting, and golfing.

Riverwood RV Resort

Website: Riverwood RV Resort

Address: 350 E Grand Ave, Mancos, CO 81328, United States [map]

9. WestView RV Resort

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Near Mesa Verde National Park, WestView RV Resort is apparently one of the best and cleanest campsites in Colorado. It is close to famous attractions, including Hovenweep National Monument and Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.

Furthermore, the site welcomes all: families, couples, and even pets! You’ll find 93 RV sites, cabins, laundry facilities, and 2 dog parks here.

WestView RV Resort

Website: WestView RV Resort

Address: 12092 CO-145, Dolores, CO 81323, United States [map]

10. Mancos State Park

Yurt at Mancos State Park in Colorado
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jeffrey Beall used under CC BY 4.0

If you’re thinking of camping at a place that has an array of recreational activities to indulge in, then consider staying at Mancos State Park. Just a short drive away from Mesa Verde National Park, this beautiful park is a famous spot for camping, fishing, and boating. It is encompassed by a mature Ponderosa pine forest where you’ll feel at peace and relaxed.

There are 32 campsites, along with a few yurts here. Some of the activities you can do with your family or friends here include hanging out at an amphitheater, picnicking (picnic tables are provided), and horseback riding.

Mancos State Park

Website: Mancos State Park

Address: 42545 Road N, Mancos, CO 81328, United States [map]

Have a fun camping trip

Camping is an activity that will bring you closer to your loved ones and create many beautiful memories. As you plan your trip with your loved ones, consider and choose one of these top camping spots near Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Born in Mumbai and brought up in Bangalore, India, Aarti is a full-time freelance writer by profession. She is a lover of everything the ‘blue dot’ offers—world cultures, off-the-beaten tracks,...Read more

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