Camping near Cortez, Dolores and Mancos, around Mesa Verde

Tucked away between Cortez and Mancos in Southwest Colorado, Mesa Verde is the state’s second most visited national park (after RMNP). Along with neighbor Dolores, these three towns offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, especially amazing camping.

The landmark-rich region welcomes explorers throughout the year, and is especially popular during the warmer spring, summer and fall. You can camp directly at Mesa Verde in its Morefield Campground, or opt for a number of private RV parks and forest service campgrounds around Cortez, Mancos and Dolores.

In addition to the archeological sites of Mesa Verde, two national monuments, Howenweep and Canyons of the Ancients, house more Ancient Puebloan ruins, and camping. Plus the San Juan National Forest is accessible throughout the region for everything from hiking and biking, to fishing and boating. Mancos also has a beautiful state park with lakeside camping, located in a beautiful, secluded alpine setting just north of town.

List of camping by Cortez, Dolores and Mancos, CO, in order of proximity:

Camping in Mesa Verde National Park

The jewel of Southwest Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park preserves and showcases a vast collection of Ancient Puebloan villages. Its signature Cliff Palace, is the biggest cliff dwelling in the park. They also have others and mesa-top villages. Both guided and self-guided hiking tours are offers, as well as an auto tour. Dogs are allowed in Morefield Campground, but pretty much forbidden from most trails, so this isn’t the park to take your dog (especially in the hot summer because there is no shade in the parking lots).

Morefield Campground

In the heart of Mesa Verde National Park, just a few miles away from the amazing cliff dwellings that make the park so famous, lies Morefield Campground, a spacious camping area perfect for both RV and tent campers. Filled with amenities and with each campsite well-hidden in the lush fauna, this campground is one of the most beautiful in southern CO.

• Closest Town: Mancos (12mi), Cortez (15mi)
• Specs: 267 total campsites, including 15 full-hookup RV sites and 17 group campsites
• Amenities: Bathrooms, coin showers, nearby camp store and restaurant, close to cliff dwellings and hiking trails, wildlife viewing
• Reservations: Yes, online
• Address: Mile Marker 4 U.S. 160, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Cortez, travel east on US-160 for about 8 miles, then turn right at the exit for Mesa Verde National Park. Turn right onto Mesa Park Ruins Rd, then travel up this road for about four miles. Make a right at signs for Morefield Campground to arrive at the campground loop.

Camping near Cortez

The county seat of Montezuma County, Cortez is the closest Colorado town to the Four Corners Monument, aside from Towaoc on the Ute Mountain Reservation. Towaoc sits between the two and is home to the Ute Mountain Casino. The monument at the meeting point of Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado is relatively primitive, with a market surrounding the actual Four Corners. With around 9,000 in population, Cortez makes the best base for those want to be close to Mesa Verde but also with plenty of city amenities.

La Mesa RV Park

Looking to stay close to the Four Corners area without short-changing yourself on amenities? Check out the La Mesa RV Park, a spacious site with room for up to 65ft of trailers and RVs. Check out Mesa Verde National Park, just a few miles down the road, or head out west to reach Canyon of the Ancients.

• Closest Town: Cortez (<1mi)
• Specs: 38 full-hookup RV sites (up to 65ft limit) and additional tent sites
• Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, laundry, free Wifi, cable TV at select sites
• Reservations: Yes, call 505-215-0712
• Address: 2380 E Main St, Cortez, CO 81321 (Map)
• Directions: From Cortez, travel down US-160/E Main St towards the east end of town. La Mesa RV Park is located between Dolores Rd and Trinity Ave on E Main St/US-160, on the northwest side of the road.

Cortez/Mesa Verde KOA Journey

You can always rely on KOAs to be chock-full of great amenities, and the Cortez/Mesa Verde location will not disappoint. Located just off of US-160 only a few miles from both Cortez and Dolores, this gorgeous location will provide the perfect stomping grounds for all of your adventures in the Four Corners area.

• Closest Town: Cortez (3mi), Dolores (10mi)
• Specs: 100+ full hookup pull-thru and back-in RV sites and tent campsites, cabins available as well
• Amenities: Bathrooms, shower, laundry, dog park, pool, basketball court, lake access and hiking trails
• Reservations: Yes, at KOA.com
• Address: 27432 E, US-160, Cortez, CO 81321 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Cortez, take US 160/E Main St towards the east end of town. Turn south past the dog park and follow the road for a third of a mile to arrive at the KOA campground.

Carrouth Haven RV Park

If price is a concern for you, think about stopping by Carrouth Haven, Cortez’s newest budget RV park. Located just miles from every attraction in the area, this RV park may be small, but its location more than makes up for its lack of amenities.

• Closest Town: Cortez (4mi)
• Specs: Back-in RV sites and boat storage
• Amenities: Dog park nearby, easy access to Mesa Verde National Park and Montezuma Fairgrounds
• Reservations: Yes, call (970)759-8918
• Address: 29499 US-160, Cortez, CO 81321 (Map)
• Directions: From Cortez, take US-160 E for about four miles. Turn left at the RV park, just before the Carrouth Armory, to arrive at the campground.

Camp Kush in the Four Corners

A reclaimed summer campground, Camp Kush was re-imagined as a cannabis-friendly camping B&B that features both RV sites, tent campsites, private cabins, and hostel-style sleeping quarters. If you’ve come to Colorado to enjoy THC, Camp Kush is the perfect place to setup camp for a few days and imbibe to your heart’s content.

• Closest Town: Cortez (7mi)
• Specs: Cannabis-friendly RV sites, cabins, and tent campsites
• Amenities: Vault toilets, hot showers, group campsites, community kitchen, event space
• Reservations: Yes, call 970-564-0420
• Address: 30261 Co Rd H, Cortez, CO 81321 (Map)
• Directions: From Cortez, take US-160 E for about a mile and a half. Turn right onto Hawkins St, then make another right onto Co Rd 27. Travel down this road for another mile and a half, then turn left onto Co Rd H. Take Co Rd H for three and a half miles, then take a left onto the camping property.

Sleeping Ute RV Park at Ute Mountain Casino Hotel

A unique spot near the Utah border to spend a night camping is the Sleeping Ute RV Park, located at the Ute Mountain Casino Hotel in Towoac, about 12 miles from Cortez. Come and play your hand at the slots while enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the Bears Ears and Escalante National Monuments.

• Closest Town: Towaoc (3mi), Cortez (12mi)
• Specs: RV and tent camping sites next door to a casino
• Amenities: Showers, laundry, playground, free WiFi, camp store, swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, nearby casino to gamble or eat
• Reservations: Yes, call 970-565-6544
• Address: 3 Weeminuche Drive, Towaoc, CO 81334 (Map)
• Directions: From Cortez, take US-160 W for about eleven miles. Make right onto Morningstar Ln, then take another left to arrive at the RV park.

Hovenweep Campground

Although this campground is technically located in Utah, it’s the closest you can get to camping in the midst of the breathtaking views of Hovenweep National Monument. Surrounded by the stark red rock formations that make the Four Corners area so distinct and beautiful, you won’t regret staying in this one-of-a-kind campground.

• Closest Town: Aneth, UT (21mi); Cortez, CO (44mi)
• Specs: 31 primitive campsites open year-round
• Amenities: Flush toilets, tent pads, fire pits, level campsites
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: Hovenweep National Monument, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Cortez, take US-160 W for about two and a half miles, then turn right onto County Rd G. Stay on this road for the next 26 miles, then continue onto Ismay Trading Post Rd as you enter Utah. After about two miles, continue onto Co Rd 402/Indian Rte 5068. Follow this road for almost two more miles, then turn right onto Belitso Rd. After four and a half miles, turn right onto Reservation Rd, then follow this for another five miles. Continue down this road for another two miles to arrive at the campground.

Camping near Mancos

Residing between Cortez and Durango, but closer to the former, Mancos makes a beautiful, quaint basecamp surrounded by some terrific places to visit. Just five miles north of town sits Mancos State Park. The centerpiece is Jackson Gulch, with lakeside camping on either side, plus yurts to rent. There are numerous nearby campgrounds, as well as access to the San Juan National Forest to find free, dispersed camping.

Mancos State Park Campgrounds

Mancos State Park is a unique spot, situated between Hesperus on one side and Mesa Verde National Park on the other. The mountainous terrain creates an utterly gorgeous microclimate that allows the ponderosa forest to flourish, and this park is perfect for camping no matter what season you decide to arrive.

Main Campground

The main campground is the larger of the two campgrounds in Mancos State Park, and offers easy access to the reservoir as well as spacious sites to setup your RV or tent camping gear.

• Closest Town: Mancos (5mi)
• Specs: 24 primitive campsites open year-round, yurt camping available as well
• Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: 42545 Road N, Mancos, CO 81328
• Directions: From Mancos, head north on Main St for about a half mile, then turn right onto Co Rd 42. Continue along this road for about three miles, then make a left to stay on this road. After another mile, turn left onto County Rd N and follow this for a half-mile to arrive at the campground.

West Campground

If you’d like a more secluded campsite, the west campground offers only a few primitive sites with a decent amount of natural scenery and privacy. Although this campground is closed during the wintertime, the main campground stays open even during the winter.

• Closest Town: Mancos (7mi)
• Specs: 8 primitive campsites (closed in winter)
• Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: County Rd N, Mancos, CO 81328
• Directions: From Mancos, take Main St north for about a half mile, then make a right onto Co Rd 42. After three miles on this road, make a left to continue along it. One mile later, turn left onto County Rd N, then follow this road for almost a mile and a half, to its end, at the campsite.

Target Tree Campground

Searching for a haven away from civilization, out in the mountain air? Target Tree Campground offers a variety of camping options for tent campers, RV travelers, and even horse campers. While there, check out the historic target trees, which are scarred from use of target practice of the Ute Native Americans who once inhabited the area.

• Closest Town: Mancos (7mi), Hesperus (10mi)
• Specs: Tent and RV campsites as well as horse camping and group campsites
• Amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, fire pits, corrals for horse camping, trail to historic target tree
• Reservations: Yes, at Recreation.gov (open May-September)
• Address: US-160, Hesperus, CO 81326 (Map)
• Directions: From Mancos, head east on US-160 for about seven miles, then make a right to arrive at the campground.

Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

Looking to stay as close to Mesa Verde National Park as possible with some added luxuries? Check out Ancient Cedars, located just across the street from the entrance to Mesa Verde, and filled with amenities to make the weary traveler feel a bit more at home.

• Closest Town: Mancos (8mi), Cortez (11mi)
• Specs: 50+ campsites, including full hookup RV sites, tent campsites, and cabins
• Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, playground, dog park, swimming pool and hot tub, WiFi, camp store, close to Mesa Verde National Park for hiking, scenic drives, and seeing the cliff dwellings
• Reservations: Yes, at AncientCedarsMesaVerde.com
• Address: 34979 US-160, Mancos, CO 81328 (Map)
• Directions: From Mancos, take US-160 W for about seven miles, then take the exit for Mesa Verde National Park and make a right onto Mesa Top Ruins Rd. Make the next left and the RV park will be on your left.

San Juan Dispersed Campsite

Dispersed camping has its perks–namely, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a free campsite along with some of the brightest night skies in all of southern Colorado. Get to the site early to ensure your spot, as campsites go quick in this secluded campground.

• Closest Town: Mancos (14mi), Hesperus (19mi)
• Specs: Free primitive dispersed campsites
• Amenities: None–this is dispersed primitive camping, so bring your own supplies and pack out whatever you pack in
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: USFS-316, Hesperus, CO 81326 (Map)
• Directions: From Mancos, take US-160 E for about six miles, then turn left onto Rd 316. Continue along this road for the next eight miles to arrive at this secluded campsite.

Camping near Dolores

The charming little town of Dolores sits 15 minutes from Cortez and 20 minutes from Mancos. With 1,000 people, this mountain town has just enough shops and restaurants to keep you entertained. There’s even a brewery in town. Nestled at 6,936′ of elevation, Dolores sits close to a vast playground within the San Juan National Forest. It’s also only 1.5 hours to Telluride for a doable day trip. There are several RV Parks close to town, as well as dozens of campsites at McPhee Reservoir.

Outpost Motel, Cabins, and RV Park

When you enter the small town of Dolores, CO, the first thing that catches your eye is the gorgeous river that flows alongside the highway, and right up against that river is the Outpost Motel, Cabins, and RV Park, established in 1960 and still operating today. Whether you’re in the mood for a cabin or motel room on the river or you’d rather park your trailer beside it for the night, this beautiful outpost is definitely one worth stopping at.

• Closest Town: Dolores (1mi)
• Specs: Motel rooms, cabins, and 12 spacious RV campsites on the Dolores River
• Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, picnic area, riverside deck, access to Dolores River for fishing and recreation
• Reservations: Yes, call (970)882-7271
• Address: 1800 Central Ave, Dolores, CO 81323 (Map)
• Directions: From Dolores, take CO-145 /Railroad Ave east for about a mile. Turn right onto Brianna Ln, then the campground will then be on your right.

Dolores River Campground and Cabins

No matter what type of accommodation you are looking for while staying in the Dolores area, you can find it at Dolores River Campground and Cabins. With unique options like old-time wagons and tradition ones like RV sites, there’s truly a wealth of ways to vacation at this spot on the river.

• Closest Town: Dolores (3mi)
• Specs: Expansive campground on the Dolores River with a variety of vacation rentals as well as RV sites
• Amenities: Bathhouse, laundry, rec room, gift shop, easy access to Dolores and nearby hiking trails
• Reservations: Yes, at DoloresRiverCampground.com
• Address: 18680 CO-145, Dolores, CO 81323 (Map)
• Directions: From Dolores, take CO-145/Railroad Ave north for about three miles, then turn left to enter the campground.

Circle C RV Park and Campground

A small RV park and campground, Circle C is homey enough that you’ll still be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Reserve your spot now, as this park fills up quick during the busy season.

• Closest Town: Dolores (3mi), Cortez (10mi)
• Specs: 12 full hookup RV sites, tent camping sites, cabin and loft rentals
• Amenities: Clubhouse with showers and bathrooms, free WiFi, located close to both Dolores and Cortez for recreation
• Reservations: Yes, at CircleCRV.com
• Address: 28000 Road T, Dolores, CO 81323 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Dolores, take CO-145 south for about two miles, then make a right onto Co Rd T. The campground will be on your left, a little over a tenth of a mile down the road.

The Views RV Park and Campground

Set on 42 large acres, The Views RV Park is a great spot to spend some time while you explore everything that the Four Corners area has to offer. Enjoy the gorgeous mountain views and incredible sunsets from your RV or tent and then venture into town to take a ride down the river.

• Closest Town: Lewis (5mi), Dolores (6mi)
• Specs: 49 full hookup RV sites, tent camping sites, glamping sites
• Amenities: Bathhouse, laundry, WiFi, pavilion and BBQ for entertaining
• Reservations: Yes, call 970-749-6489
• Address: 24990 CO-184, Dolores, CO 81323 (Map)
• Directions: From Dolores, take CO-145 S for about two miles, then turn right onto CO-184 W. Continue along this for for four miles, then turn left at Rd 25. A little ways down, the campground will be on your right.

McPhee Campground

Looking for a large campground that will meet just about every one of your recreation wants while on vacation? McPhee Campground has it all, including group sites, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits to make your stay a little bit more fun. Plus there’s the whole McPhee Reservoir Recreation Area to play in.

• Closest Town: Lewis (8mi), Dolores (9mi)
• Specs: 71 campsites for RVs and tents on 2 loops, 24 w/ electric hookups
• Amenities: Vault toilets, paved parking, reservoir access, group sites, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits
• Reservations: Yes, some sites, reserve at Recreation.gov (Open May-October)
• Address: USFS 272, Dolores, CO 81323 (Map)
• Directions: From Dolores, take CO-145 south for two miles, then exit right onto CO-184 W. After about for miles, turn right onto Rd 25, then a right onto FS Rd 271. Follow this for another mile and a half, then turn right onto FS Rd 271, then an immediate right onto FS Rd 272. The campground will then be on your left.

Mavreeso Campground

Electrical hookups are rare at secluded campgrounds like Mavreeso Campground, so snatch up your own RV site while they are still available during the open season. Take advantage of fishing on the Dolores River, as well as hiking and mountain biking trails for more adventurous travelers.

• Closest Town: Dolores (19mi)
• Specs: Secluded campsites for RVs and tent camping, some w/ electrical hookups, along w/ a group site
• Amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, fire pits, fishing in Dolores River, hiking, mountain biking
• Reservations: Yes, at Recreation.gov (open May-September)
• Address: 42020 Co Rd 38, Dolores, CO 81323 (Map)
• Directions: From Dolores, take CO-145 E for thirteen miles, then turn left onto Co Rd 38. After about six miles, the campground will be on your right.

West Dolores Campground

Do you and your family want to get away from it all? Head up into the mountains and grab a site at the West Dolores Campground, a small campground with access to hiking trails and mountain biking trails.

• Closest Town: Dolores (20mi)
• Specs: 18 campsites for RV and tent camping, 7 w/ electricity
• Amenities: Vault toilets, trash pickup, drinking water, access to hiking trails, mountain biking
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve (open May-September)
• Address: Rd 42.6, Dolores, CO 81323 (Map)
• Directions: From Dolores, use CO-145 to travel east for about thirteen miles, then make a left onto Co Rd 38. Continue along this road for a little over seven miles, then turn right onto Rd 42.6. Turn left to stay on this road and then the campground will be on your right.

Bradfield Bridge Campground

Bradfield Bridge Campground is a unique spot located on the shores of the lower Dolores River, set in the rural scenery and mountain foothills. While this getaway may not offer many amenities, it makes up for it in scenery as well as the opportunity for water recreation.

• Closest Town: Cahone (5mi), Dolores (26mi)
• Specs: 22 primitive campsites on the lower Dolores River
• Amenities: Hand-pumps for water, historic bridge, boat launch for water recreation and fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: County Rd S, Cahone, CO 81320 (Map)
• Directions: From Dolores, take CO-145 W for about two miles, then turn right onto CO-184 W. Stay on this road for eight more miles, then turn right onto US-491 N. Travel along this road for ten miles, then turn right onto Co Rd DD/Rd 15. Turn left onto Rd 15 and travel for about three miles, then turn right onto Co Rd S. After about a mile, turn right onto Montezuma County Rd 16, then make a left onto County Rd S to arrive at the campground.

Groundhog Lake RV Park and Campground

A wonderful vacation spot nestled in the mountains, Groundhog Lake not only features RV campsites and cabins, it also has its own lake and boating rental operation to go along with it. Relax in this secluded mountain retreat away from the hubbub of the city.

• Closest Town: Dolores (31mi)
• Specs: RV sites, tent campsites, and cabin rentals
• Amenities: Boat rentals, camp store, nearby fishing and water recreation, hiking, wildlife viewing
• Reservations: Yes, call 970-739-5533
• Address: Rd H, Dolores, CO 81323 (Map)
• Directions: From Dolores, head north onto Co Rd 31/Forest Service Rd 526 and continue along this road for twenty-five miles. Turn right onto Rd H/US Hwy Fs Rd 533 and after about five miles, the campground will be on your left.

Lone Cone Mountain Resort

Perhaps the most unique camping opportunity on our list, Lone Cone Mountain Resort is home to a historic, hand-carved lodge with 60 acres of space for campers and RV travelers. Get away from it all on this incredible and unforgettable mountain property.

• Closest Town: Dolores (32mi)
• Specs: RV and tent camping rentals onsite of historic mountain resort
• Amenities: 2-story hand-carved lodge with rec room and kitchen area, 60 acres of space to roam, hiking, hunting, wildlife viewing
• Reservations: Yes, call (970)394-0571
• Address: Rd 31, Dolores, CO 81323 (Map)
• Directions: From Dolores, head north onto
• Co Rd 31/Forest Service Rd 526 and continue along this road for about thirty-one miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Rd 526/Rd 31, then make a right to arrive at the resort.

Consider Durango or Telluride

Durango is a cool place to visit and the largest city in southwestern Colorado, with nearly 20,000 people. The seasons are all beautiful here, and attractions like the narrow gauge railroad attract an international audience. There are numerous opportunities for camping near Durango. And best of all, Mesa Verde is less than 45 minutes west.

An hour and a half northeast of Mesa Verde holds the alpine town of Telluride at 8,750′. It’s a fairly large community with around 2,500 in population. Unlike Durango or Cortez, Telluride resides in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, secluded in a stunning box canyon. Between the Mountain Village and downtown Telluride, there is so much to do and see. Plus there’s nearly a festival every weekend during the summer. This makes the campgrounds near Telluride extremely popular.

That’s a roundup of the top places to camp near Cortez, Mancos and Dolores. Have a remarkable time discovering Mesa Verde Country!