Mesa Verde Country is ideal for camping, with wide-open spaces, great outdoor recreation, and 24-hour views, so it’s no wonder there is a wide variety of places to camp in the Mesa Verde area. Choose the perfect spot for you to make the most of the natural spaces, easy access to services in each of our communities, and unbelievable stargazing from your tent site or RV.
There are many outstanding places to hook up your RV or inflate your air mattress, be it in the heart of Cortez or in the mountains up the canyon from Dolores. We’ve selected a few here based on your recommendations, but the options are as extensive as campers’ preferences!
Sundance RV Park

Located in the heart of Cortez, Sundance RV Park is the epitome of accessible RVing. Just across the street you’ll find our Welcome Center staffed by friendly locals eager to help you make the most of your vacation in Southwest Colorado. Don’t let the downtown location give you pause—it’s touted as one of the best places to RV in Mesa Verde Country. The property is designed to be easy to drive through with large RVs—and each site has plenty of room for your slide-outs and stretching your legs. Fully staffed and well maintained, Sundance RV Park makes it easy to get to local restaurants and shopping, as well as bucket-list destinations like Canyons of the Ancients and Four Corners national monuments.
Westview RV Resort
Situated conveniently between Cortez and Dolores, Westview RV truly delivers on the “Resort” in their name. From a day spa to live music, spacious RV sites to pickleball, a patio with propane fireplaces and access to private covered grills, they know how to take care of their guests. You almost don’t need to leave the Resort, but the proximity to Cortez (just over five minutes), Dolores, Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, Cortez Cultural Center (all under 10 minutes), and our golf courses make vacationing here a real treat.
Dispersed camping

Approximately one third of Mesa Verde Country’s lands is federally managed. Aside from the National Park lands, dispersed camping is permitted on Forest Service and BLM lands. Campers are not allowed to stay in one location for longer than 14 days, and responsible, Leave No Trace practices are highly encouraged. Remember, too, that when you camp for free, it’s always nice to contribute to nearby communities by shopping locally and treating yourself to a meal or two in town!
RJourney

RJourney hosts an impressive variety of camping options for travelers. From full hookups for RVs to pet-friendly teepees to private tent camping near the lake, they probably have what you’re looking for. The tents they provide near Denny Lake might be one of the best ways to enjoy night skies without having to find and set up your own campsite—you even have your choice between primitive camping with privacy or glamping with easy access to amenities. RJourney also has teepees for rent near Cortez, ready for pets and four human campers, alike! And, of course, the park campground features pull-through and back-in RV sites with all the infrastructure for a peaceful home-sweet-Mesa-Verde-Country.
Morefield Campground

Far and away one of the most frequently recommending camping options for those with Mesa Verde National Park on their bucket list is … Mesa Verde National Park! The Morefield Campground is located in the canyon a mere four miles from the nation’s 100th International Dark Sky Park—it’s tough to beat those views of the Milky Way! In addition to full pancake breakfasts, there are also bus tours and trails departing from the campground to facilitate your exploration of this gem of Mesa Verde Country.
Echo Basin Cabin & RV Resort

Echo Basin takes pride in not being your typical campground. Located in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains near Mancos, the quiet property is designed as a natural escape. Mature ponderosa pine trees, ponds, mountain views, and national forest access all surround your peaceful RV site. The gorgeous grounds are open year-round and include a bar and restaurant, as well as wifi for the outdoorsy digital nomad.
Mesa Verde RV

Very near to the Mesa Verde National Park entrance, an artistic Kachina dancer sculpture waits to welcome campers. Tent sites and a variety of RV slots all have views of the Mesa Verde and starry skies, as well as quick access to the park, and all the amenities plus hot tubs and a heated pool! Mesa Verde RV also boasts Woodalls Best Rated RV Resort accreditation and Campendium Campers Choice 2022.
Scrappy Duck Farm Yurt

We’ve told you about RV spots, tent sites and even teepees. But the best place to rent a yurt and relish a private five acres is the Scrappy Duck Farm in Mancos Valley. The yurt sleeps eight and is hosted by songbirds, ducks, deer, elk, and the songs of coyotes. With Phil’s World mountain biking trails and Mancos’ dining and cidery scene nearby, you may just find yourself forevermore seeking yurts on your camping trips!
Of course, the best places to camp in Mesa Verde Country are all personal preference, from privacy to services, access to dining or to biking, views and hookups. Regardless of where you put your feet up each day you call Mesa Verde home, you’ll find plenty of adventure to match your campsite of choice.