Camping in Mesa Verde: Morefield Campground, 267 Sites and Rates

By Jocelyn Pion · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Mesa Verde

In a nutshell: Mesa Verde has one campground inside the park. Morefield Campground accommodates tents and RVs across 267 sites, including 15 with electrical hookups. Reservations are made through visitmesaverde.com, and some sites are available first come, first served. Dispersed camping isn't allowed anywhere. The park's protected archaeological status closes off that option entirely.

Campgrounds in the park (1)

• Campground Morefield Campground see NPS · 267 sites Directions ↗

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Can You Camp Inside Mesa Verde?

Yes, you can camp in the park, but everything is concentrated in one location. Mesa Verde isn't a wilderness park where you can roam and camp freely. It's a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, which explains why dispersed camping isn't allowed. Outside designated sites, camping is strictly prohibited with no exceptions.

Campgrounds Inside the Park

Morefield Campground

Morefield Campground is about 3.7 miles from the main entrance, well before the road climbs toward the mesas and cliff dwellings. It's a convenient base: you're inside the park, tucked beneath juniper and piñon trees, without having to drive back down the winding road to the valley every evening.

The campground has 267 sites in all: 85 for tents only, 15 for unhooked RVs, 15 with electrical hookups, and 17 group sites. Every site has a table, bench, and grill. Facilities include restrooms with showers, laundry, a dump station, a store, firewood for sale, bear-proof lockers, and internet access. The main season runs roughly from May through October. Two off-season camping windows let you stay at Morefield outside that period: October 20–27, 2026, in the fall, and April 17–24, 2027, in the spring. The table above shows the current NPS dates.

RV or Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?

Both options are available at Morefield, but they fall into separate reservation categories. The 15 sites with electrical hookups go first once the booking window opens. If you're traveling by RV and need a hookup, make those your priority.

The maximum permitted vehicle length at Morefield is 46 feet. Some park roads have additional size restrictions depending on the area you're visiting, so check them before you leave. The Mesa Verde RV camping guide covers these restrictions road by road.

Tent sites are in a separate area that's quieter and more shaded, away from the RV section.

Camping Nearby: Campgrounds Outside the Park

When Morefield is full, Mesa Verde Country has several private campgrounds and RV parks around Cortez to the west and Mancos to the east. They offer full-hookup sites, sometimes with pools or better-equipped laundry facilities, and nightly rates that are often a little lower. For undeveloped camping, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands around the park offer options, subject to local restrictions currently in effect. The Mesa Verde lodging guide also covers lodges, hotels, and motels if you prefer a solid roof.

Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping

Mesa Verde doesn't allow any form of dispersed camping or camping outside official sites, and the park has no backcountry camping permit. Every patch of ground may contain archaeological remains, so protecting them takes priority over everything else.

If dispersed camping is your priority, the neighboring national forests, including San Juan National Forest and Manti-La Sal National Forest, offer legal dispersed camping areas less than an hour from the park. The Mesa Verde hiking guide covers possible routes around the site.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite in Mesa Verde

Reservations are made through visitmesaverde.com. Some sites are available first come, first served. The rest can be reserved in advance, with the booking window opening several months before arrival.

July and August are the busiest months. The 15 sites with electrical hookups fill within days of reservations opening. Tent sites hold up a little better, but don't leave weekends and school breaks to chance. Outside the summer peak, late April, September, and early October offer much better availability. The Mesa Verde seasons guide explains the advantages of each period to help you choose.

Rates: How Much Does a Night at Mesa Verde's Campground Cost?

The rate at Morefield Campground is $38 per night. It applies to every type of site, including tent, RV, and electrical-hookup sites. This fee is separate from the park entrance fee, which is valid for seven days. If you're visiting several parks on one trip, the America the Beautiful pass covers all U.S. federal recreation sites for a year and quickly pays for itself. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.

Camping Safety and Best Practices

Mesa Verde isn't bear country on the scale of Yellowstone, but local wildlife still calls for caution. Mountain lions, coyotes, and mule deer move around Morefield. Never leave food in your tent or vehicle. Use the bear-proof lockers available at the campground.

Rattlesnakes live in the park, especially in rocky areas. Watch where you put your hands and feet, particularly on early-morning outings when snakes warm themselves on the rocks.

Afternoon thunderstorms are common from July through August. Locate shelters before the sky turns, and avoid standing under an isolated tree during lightning. Check the fire restrictions posted at the park entrance before lighting a campfire. They can change during the season as conditions dry out.

Which Campground Is Right for You?

If you're just starting to plan your trip, the Mesa Verde general guide gives you an overview of the park.

• For a tent and an immersive stay: Morefield is your only in-park option. Its 85 tent-only sites are in a dedicated area. Reserve as soon as the booking window opens for July and August weekends.
• For an RV or camper van: Morefield has 15 sites with electrical hookups, and you should reserve them first. The maximum permitted length is 46 feet.
• For families: The store, showers, laundry, and NPS Junior Ranger program, available at the visitor center, make Morefield a solid choice with kids.
• For the off-season (September–October): You'll find fewer people, cooler temperatures, and fall light on the mesas. An off-season camping window runs October 20–27, 2026, extending the season.
• If the park is full: Campgrounds and RV parks around Cortez and Mancos offer an accessible alternative near the park entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions