Situated in the Four Corners region of the US, Mesa Verde National Park offers one of the most unique camping experiences. Not only will you be able to explore some amazing ancient ruins, but also take in breathtaking natural wonders from nearby mountaintops and explore a variety of outdoor activities.
Whether it’s your first time camping at Mesa Verde or just want a refresher on what to expect before you go, this ultimate guide has everything you need to know! Find out where to camp, what rules and regulations apply, and how best to prepare for a successful trip – plus lots more! So grab your tent and get ready for an adventure – we’ve got lots of tips coming up so don’t forget to buckle up!
Things To Know Before You Go
Before you embark on your trip to Mesa Verde National Park, it’s important to be aware of the camping rules and regulations. This will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience while visiting the park.
Know where to camp: There are two camping locations available in Mesa Verde National Park – Morefield Campground and Chapin Mesa Campground. Morefield offers tent and RV camping with hookups, whereas Chapin Mesa is only for tent camping.
Both campgrounds offer amenities such as restrooms, showers, potable water, firewood, picnic tables, grills and food lockers.
Understand the rules: All campers must register with an authorized park ranger at either campground before they can begin their stay. You’ll need to provide a valid driver’s license or other form of identification so that your reservation can be verified.
Camping permits are required for overnight stays in both campsites; these permits can be obtained from either website or onsite at each location prior to registering your arrival at the site. Additionally, all vehicles must remain parked outside of the campsite area per park regulations.
Be familiar with what to pack: When packing for a trip into Mesa Verde National Park make sure you bring all necessary items that may be needed during your stay including tents (for those staying in Chapin), sleeping bags/bedding linens (if not already provided by Morefield) cooking gear/utensils, warm clothing layers based on weather conditions during visit time frame (temperatures can vary drastically during different seasons).
Make sure you also include sunscreen/bug spray , a first aid kit , flashlight, batteries, lanterns , plenty of drinking water, snacks/foods ,cooler and ice packs . Lastly do not forget about activities like hiking boots , binoculars & camera equipment if desired .
Where To Camp
Mesa Verde National Park offers various camping options, including traditional backcountry camping, car camping, and RV/trailer camping. All campsites have access to toilets and drinking water. Here are the details:
Backcountry Camping – Backcountry tent sites are located at Morefield Campground and Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.
Each site has a designated fire pit for campfires and can accommodate up to 8 people per site. Reservations must be made in advance through the National Park Service website or by calling (970) 529-4465.
Car Camping – Car camping is available year-round at Morefield Campground with about 270 sites that include electric hookups for RVs. Sites have picnic tables, grills, fire rings, lantern posts, restrooms, showers and coin laundry facilities. Reservations can be made online or by calling (970) 529-4465 before your arrival date.
RV/Trailer Camping – RV/trailer campsites are located in Morefield Village within the park’s boundaries as well as outside of the park at Ute Mountain Tribal Park near Towaoc Village on Highway 160 just south of Cortez in Montezuma County.
There are no hookups in either location; however there is a dump station provided inside Morefield Village which requires an additional fee for use throughout your stay within the village area only ($10 for non-commercial vehicles).
Camping Rules & Regulations
Before you start planning your campout at Mesa Verde National Park, it’s important to make sure you understand the general rules and regulations. The park has some strict guidelines in place to ensure that visitors respect the ancient ruins and wildlife of the area, as well as their fellow campers.
All camping must take place in designated campsites only.
Fires are permitted only in fire rings provided by the park. No collecting of wood or charcoal is allowed onsite.
Pets are not allowed near ancient ruins or dwellings, or on trails and backcountry areas within the park boundaries.
Discharging firearms is prohibited within the park confines.
Alcohol consumption is not allowed except inside designated campsites or picnic areas with a valid permit from a ranger station.
Maximum stay for any one visit is 14 nights total per year per family/groups; no more than 7 consecutive nights can be spent per site/campsite/area unless granted permission by a ranger station representative beforehand.
Always check any additional state regulations pertaining to public lands before embarking on an extended camping trip at Mesa Verde National Park, such as California’s 4 month limit for State Parks & National Recreational Areas (NRA).
What To Pack
When camping at Mesa Verde National Park, it’s important to be prepared and bring the right gear. Make sure you have enough clothing and supplies for a comfortable stay, such as:
A warm sleeping bag or blanket, depending on the season
A tent with stakes and ground tarp
Headlamps/flashlights with extra batteries
Basic first aid kit
Basic cooking gear (pots/pans, utensils)
Firewood or charcoal if allowed by park regulations
Water containers (at least 2 gallons per person, per day)
Food that will last throughout your stay (non perishables are best)
Sunscreen/sunglasses/hat to protect from sun exposure
Bug spray and other insect repellents
Bringing along these items can help ensure you have an enjoyable camping experience at Mesa Verde.
Getting There
Mesa Verde National Park is located in Southwestern Colorado, approximately 280 miles south of Denver. The closest airport is Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), which is about 40 miles away from the park entrance. From DRO, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to get to the park.
If you’re driving from Denver or anywhere else in Colorado, you can reach the park via US 160 and Highway 184. You’ll also pass through some beautiful mountain scenery on your way there!
It’s important to keep in mind that some roads within the park may be closed during certain times due to snowfall and other weather conditions, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting during winter months.
Note that cell phone coverage within Mesa Verde National Park can be spotty at best, so it’s recommended that visitors print out maps or download offline Google Maps before embarking on their journey into the park.
Additionally, make sure to check road conditions ahead of time as well since inclement weather could affect accessibility of certain areas of the park.
Highlights Of The Park
Mesa Verde National Park is renowned for its ancient ruins, stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or an adventure, there’s something here for everyone to explore.
The highlights of the park include:
Ancient Ruins: Explore more than 600 cliff dwellings that were built by Ancestral Puebloans from around A.D. 550-750 and observe meticulously crafted stone structures that have been preserved over the centuries.
Natural Wonders: Hike through lush meadows filled with wildflowers and admire dramatic canyon views while admiring diverse wildlife species like mountain lions, gray foxes, Mule deer and much more! You can also go fishing in one of the park’s many lakes or streams for trout, bass and catfish.
Outdoor Activities: Take part in guided hikes to uncover hidden secrets of the region as well as camping trips where you get a chance to truly immerse yourself in nature.
There are also plenty of opportunities for biking on trails throughout the park or horseback riding along designated paths offering spectacular views along the way!
Ancient Ruins
Mesa Verde National Park is one of the largest and best-preserved archaeological areas in North America. Home to a stunning collection of ancient ruins, the park provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore its cultural history. From the iconic Cliff Palace to Balcony House and Step House, there are plenty of incredible sites to see.
The best way to explore these ancient ruins is by taking part in a ranger-led tour, which are available daily at various times throughout the year.
During your tour, you’ll learn all about how these villages were constructed and what life was like for its inhabitants. There are also self-guided tours available if you prefer exploring on your own.
When visiting any of Mesa Verde’s archaeological sites, it’s important to remember that these structures remain fragile despite their age and should be treated with respect at all times. Respectful behavior includes not touching or climbing on any structure or artifact as well as not bringing food or drinks into any buildings – it’s wise to use designated picnic areas instead!
Additionally, visitors should stay on marked trails whenever possible so as not damage nearby vegetation or artifacts inadvertently left behind by previous occupants thousands of years ago
Visiting Mesa Verde National Park offers an excellent insight into what life may have been like centuries ago before modern civilization began – so make sure you take advantage of this opportunity whilst camping here!
Natural Wonders
Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Colorado. From its sweeping desert landscapes to its towering hoodoos and alpine meadows, this park offers an incredible array of natural wonders for visitors to explore.
A few of the must-see destinations in the park include:
The Grand View Point Overlook, which provides breathtaking views of the Colorado Plateau.
Cascade Creek Trail, a short hike that leads to a stunning waterfall at its peak.
Ute Mountain Tribal Park, where visitors can explore ancient ruins as well as view petroglyphs and pictographs from local tribes.
Far View Terrace Trail, which allows hikers to enjoy beautiful views of distant mountain ranges and valleys below.
These sites are only some of what makes Mesa Verde National Park so special; there’s plenty more to see and do here! There are also many trails throughout the park that offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Outdoor Activities
Mesa Verde National Park is a great place to explore and experience the outdoors. The area features several trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with spectacular views of canyons, mesas, and wildlife. Campers can also find plenty of opportunities for rock climbing and rappelling in the park’s many cliffs.
The park offers several areas for camping as well. These include backcountry sites which are accessible by foot or horseback only; roadside sites along some of the park’s roads; group campgrounds that accommodate larger parties; developed campsites with picnic tables and fire grates; and dispersed camping on specific camping loops where campers must hike in at least one mile from the nearest road or trailhead.
In addition to these activities, visitors will find plenty of other outdoor recreational opportunities at Mesa Verde National Park including stargazing, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing (with a valid Colorado fishing license), photography workshops indoors/outdoors classes hosted by rangers throughout the year.
Camping Tips
When it comes to camping in Mesa Verde National Park, there are a few key tips that will help ensure you have an enjoyable and safe experience. Here are some top tips for camping at Mesa Verde:
Setting Up Camp: First and foremost, be sure to choose a flat spot on higher ground when setting up your campsite, as the higher elevations may see more rainfall than lower levels. Additionally, take time to remove any loose rocks or debris that could puncture your tent floor or cause tripping accidents. Finally, make sure to set up away from washouts and washes as those areas can flood quickly following heavy rains.
Food & Water: Bring enough food for the duration of your stay in the park and pack non-perishable items whenever possible. Additionally, remember that collecting firewood is illegal in the park due to potential destruction of natural resources; instead bring wood purchased outside the park for cooking needs. Lastly, don’t forget plenty of water for drinking and cooking along with eye drops or saline solution since the dry air can cause irritation in eyes more easily than normal climates.
Campfire Safety: Never leave campfires unattended while burning and maintain control over open flames at all times; also use existing fire rings when available rather than starting new fires so as not to damage nature surrounding your site unnecessarily.. Ensure campfires are completely extinguished before leaving or retiring for the night by dousing with water until no steam arises from embers left behind — it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Leave No Trace: Remember that you’re visiting a national park filled with many people who come here year round enjoying its beauty — respect them (and nature!) by practicing Leave No Trace principles when camping such as disposing waste properly , leaving what you find untouched wherever possible , respecting wildlife boundaries , keeping noise levels low , being conscious of lighting sources at night , etc., all which will help preserve this stunning landscape long into future generations!
Setting Up Camp
When setting up camp at Mesa Verde National Park, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, be sure to reserve your campsite ahead of time.
The park offers both backcountry and car camping options, so plan ahead according to the type of experience you would like to have.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your tent or RV, take the time to level out the ground and place items such as rocks around it for stability. Make sure that you’re not blocking any trails or pathways when placing your tent or camping gear.
When putting up tents, make sure that all stakes are firmly secured into the ground as strong winds could wreak havoc on an improperly secured shelter.
Once set up is complete, don’t forget about guy lines; these adjustable cords will give extra support and stability in windy conditions. Lastly, if you’re using an RV remember to fold down all jacks after settling into your site; this will help prevent any damage occurring from strong gusts.
Food & Water
Food and water are essential during your camping trip to Mesa Verde National Park. Here are a few tips for making sure you have enough of both:
Bring plenty of food that is high in calories and nutrition, such as nuts, dried fruits, granola bars, etc.
Pack plenty of water with you – it’s recommended to bring one gallon per person per day. Make sure to fill up your containers at nearby sources like rivers or springs.
Plan out meals for each day of your trip and make sure you have the ingredients necessary for them before leaving home.
If possible, pack non-perishable items so they don’t spoil quickly in warm weather while sitting in the sun during your hike.
Keep all food stored securely in bear-proof containers if available – this will help prevent wildlife from getting into your food supply!
Consider bringing along some cooking supplies such as a camp stove or charcoal grill so you can prepare hot meals on the trail without having to worry about dehydration or spoilage.
Campfire Safety
Campfires are a great way to stay warm and cook meals while camping at Mesa Verde National Park, but it’s important to make sure you practice responsible fire safety.
Before starting a campfire, check the park’s regulations about where and when campfires are allowed. In some areas of the park, fires are only permitted in designated fire rings or grills; in other areas they may be prohibited due to high heat or drought conditions.
Make sure that your fire is located away from overhanging branches and anything that could easily catch fire if stoked too vigorously.
It’s also important to bring proper supplies for building a campfire safely. Make sure you have an adequate supply of wood; avoid using green branches or logs as they produce more smoke and create greater hazards due to their extra moisture content.
Bring along either matches or a lighter for lighting the wood, as well as newspaper or kindling for easy ignition. Finally, always remember to extinguish your campfire completely before leaving the area – pour water on it until all embers are cool-to-the-touch and no smoke is visible!
Leave No Trace
When camping at Mesa Verde National Park, it is important to follow the leave no trace principles. This means that you should be prepared to pack out all of your items and garbage as well as staying on designated trails and campsites in order to preserve the park for generations to come.
Be sure to plan ahead by preparing a trash bag for food waste and other non-recyclable materials so that they can be packed out with you when you leave. If possible, bring reusable containers or utensils instead of disposable ones so that there is less waste created during your stay.
It’s also important to respect wildlife by avoiding feeding them or disturbing their habitat in any way. Make sure to check the rules and regulations before embarking on any activities such as hiking or fishing so that you can protect both yourself and the environment while having a good time outdoors.
In addition, campfires are not allowed in some areas due to high fire risk, so make sure to look up fire restrictions before lighting one up! If fires are allowed in your area, always follow proper safety practices such as clearing away brush from around the fire pit, attending it at all times until it is safely extinguished, and never leaving behind hot embers after you’re done using it.
Conclusion
Camping at Mesa Verde National Park is an incredible experience. The ancient ruins, natural wonders, and diverse outdoor activities make it a bucket list destination for any outdoors enthusiast. In order to ensure your trip runs smoothly and safely, there are a few things you need to know before you go.
Camping in the park is allowed in designated areas only and there are specific rules and regulations that must be followed to maintain these areas. Make sure to check the rules before making your reservation so that you can plan accordingly.
Additionally, it’s important to pack all of the essentials such as food, water, camping supplies like tents and sleeping bags, and medical supplies like first aid kits for emergencies.
When it comes time to setting up camp, be mindful of your surrounding ecosystem by leaving no trace of your presence behind when packing out from your stay.
Establish a campfire away from brush or trees with ample clearance around it for safety reasons; never leave fires unattended during high wind conditions or night-time hours when temperatures drop quickly at higher elevations.
Finally, always respect wildlife in its native habitat – take pictures but don’t touch or disturb creatures large or small! Take these tips into consideration while planning for an unforgettable adventure at Mesa Verde National Park!
