Camping In Mesa Verde National Park

Due to the archaeological-artifact-rich nature of Mesa Verde National Park, backpacking is not allowed. There is, however, a 267-site campground with room for RVs.

Morefield Campground, located 4 miles inside Mesa Verde, is open from mid-May to mid-October. It offers 267 sites for tent campers as well as RVs, though just 15 sites offer full hookups for recreational vehicles and those sites are available via reservation (800-449-2288).

The campground rarely fills. Each site has a table, bench, and grill. Morefield's campsites are situated on loop roads that extend through a high grassy canyon filled with Gambel Oak scrub, native flowers, deer, and wild turkeys.

Several of the park's best hikes leave from Morefield and climb to spectacular views of surrounding valleys and mountains.

Wake to an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast at the café in Morefield's full-service village. There's also a gas station, RV dumping station, coin-operated laundry, complimentary showers, a gift shop and grocery store.

Start at $24 plus $2 energy surcharge, plus tax for dry campsite (2 people). Maximum of two vehicles, two tents. Reservations accepted. Group sites ($60 minimum) are available at $6 per night, per adult or child. Reservations accepted.

Primitive camping, from mid-October to early November is available for $20 per night. Comfort stations are open during this period.

Rates and dates are subject to change. (For current rate information, call 1-800-449-2288 or visit the ARAMARK website.)