Camping in Mesa Verde National Park: Is Morefield Campground the Best in the National Parks?

Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park

Honestly, Mesa Verde National Park has amazing weather year-round. Even in winter, there are some warm and sunny days. That said, the weather can change in an instant, and you should be prepared for anything.

For the most pleasant temperatures, we recommend camping in Mesa Verde National Park between April and October. Many campgrounds are only open in the summer season, so you’ll have plenty of options.

How to Get to Mesa Verde National Park

The best way to get to Mesa Verde National Park is by car. There are no public transportation options into the park and it’s fairly remote.

We recommend searching for flights and car rentals on Expedia. They offer packages so you always get the best deal.

The closest airports to Mesa Verde National Park are in Cortez (CEZ), Durango (DRO), and Farmington (FMN). These are small regional airports, so pricing can be more expensive. Major airports near Mesa Verde National Park include Denver and Albuquerque.

Distance and drive time from these airports to Mesa Verde National Park:

• Cortez Municipal Airport: 36 miles, 1 hour
• Durango-La Plata County Airport: 70 miles, 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Four Corners Regional Airport (in Farmington, New Mexico): 90 miles, 2 hours
• Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): 258 miles, 4 hours and 30 minutes
• Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ): 270 miles, 4 hours and 45 minutes
• Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF): 286 miles, 5 hours
• Flagstaff Pullman Airport (FLG in Flagstaff, Arizona): 301 miles, 5 hours and 15 minutes
• Denver International Airport (DEN): 413 miles, 7 hours and 30 minutes

NOTE: All distances listed above and below are routed from the Headquarters area of Mesa Verde National Park, near Spruce Tree House. Depending on where you’re traveling to/from, drive times may vary.

Distance and Drive Time to Mesa Verde from Nearby Towns and Other National Parks

• Cortez, Colorado: 31 miles, 1 hour
• Durango, Colorado: 56 miles, 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Canyonlands National Park (Needles District): 137 miles, 3 hours
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: 174 miles, 3 hours and 45 minutes
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: 220 miles, 4 hours and 30 minutes

Physical Address

You’ll enter the park via Highway 160. To get directions on your GPS or maps app, enter the following address for the Mesa Verde campground.

Mile 4, Main Park Road
Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330

Are Pets Allowed in Mesa Verde National Park?

Due to wildlife and precious historical resources in the park, pets are not permitted in certain areas.

Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Owners are required to pick up after their pets. They cannot be left unattended, even if tethered.

As long as they’re kept on a leash, they are permitted in Morefield Campground, the only campground in Mesa Verde National Park.

The campground has a kennel if you want to go somewhere your pet can’t. Rates are $25 per day or $17 for 4 hours or less.

Other areas they are allowed are anywhere a car can go. Think parking lots and paved roadways. They aren’t allowed in any buildings, at any archaeological sites, at most overlooks, or on most trails. Some paved trails, such as Park Point and Mesa Top Loop, allow leashed pets.

Mesa Verde National Park can be very warm and dry. Make sure to keep your pets hydrated. Don’t leave them in a vehicle, even with open windows.

Be Aware of Wildlife

There is a wide variety of amazing wild animals to see in Mesa Verde National Park. While these opportunities are incredible, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Wild animals are still wild.

One of the most important things to remember is bear safety. While camping in Mesa Verde, remember to store your food in appropriate containers. Options include vehicles and bear lockers. In addition to food, you should store any items with a strong scent. Examples are sunscreen, toothpaste, and deodorant.

Plan ahead! Check out our post on Mesa Verde Tours so you know what to book before your trip.

Campgrounds in Mesa Verde National Park: Morefield Campground

There is only one campground in Mesa Verde National Park, but it has everything you need. It’s also huge, rarely filling up, and conveniently located near the park entrance. Honestly, for a national park campground, it’s borderline fancy.

Moraine Campground Map

You can click on the Morefield Campground map above to enlarge it and download it.

Morefield Campground Overview

In total, there are 267 sites in Morefield Campground. We told you it was huge! Of these, 15 offer electric hookups and are for RVs only. 85 of the sites are tent-only. All other sites can accommodate both RVs and tents. Each site is equipped with a bench, grill, and picnic table.

There are also 17 group campsites if you’re camping in Mesa Verde with a large party.

There are wheelchair-accessible campsites in the Apache Loop, as well as accessible restrooms. Some campsites have steps or are located on uneven terrain. If you require an accessible campsite, please let staff know when you make your reservation.

There are several facilities available for your convenience, including a cafe, camp/grocery store, gift shop, kennel, gas station, coin-operated laundromat, dump station, and bathhouses with showers. The cafe even offers an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast!

Park rangers also deliver ranger programs in the amphitheater on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Morefield Campground Rules and Regulations

• Campfires are only permitted in designated fire rings. If there is a burn ban or hazardous weather, no fires are permitted. Collection of firewood is prohibited, so you’ll want to purchase bundles at the camp store.
• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Check-in during camp store hours (pay the next day if they are closed). Check-out by 11 a.m. MST.
• Maximum length is 46 feet for RVs and vehicles towing trailers. If you have a large RV, reservations are strongly encouraged to ensure your site is large enough to accommodate you.
• Each campsite is limited to two tents, which are to be set up on designated gravel pads.
• Two cars or four motorcycles are permitted at each site (as long as they can park without blocking traffic).
• To protect wildlife and ensure your own safety, store food, coolers, and cooking utensils in your vehicle when not in use.
• Backcountry and dispersed camping in Mesa Verde National Park is prohibited to protect sensitive cultural resources.

Morefield Campground Amenities

Cell reception in the campground is unreliable. However, there is WiFi that is available throughout the campground! Signal strength may vary, so if you have trouble connecting move closer to Morefield Village and the camp store.

For emergencies, there is a phone in Morefield Village outside the laundromat. This is for local calls only.

The bathhouses host two types of toilets: portable and flush. Showers are free for all campers and include hot water.

Food storage lockers are available to protect your belongings from bears and other wildlife. The kennel is open seasonally so you can enjoy the park without worrying about leaving your pets unattended.

When Can I Camp at Morefield Campground?

Morefield Campground is open seasonally, from about Memorial Day weekend to Indigenous Peoples Day weekend. Check the reservation website for exact dates.

In the off-season, if weather allows, the campground may be open to primitive camping. There will be comfort stations, but all other amenities and services are unavailable in the off-season. Weather-dependent, primitive camping is available early to mid-May and mid-October to early November. Generally, the campground is closed to all camping from early November to early May.

How Do I Reserve a Site at Moraine Campground?

Reservations are not required, but they are accepted. If you’d like to stay in one of the 15 RV sites with full hook-ups, reservations are strongly encouraged.

You can make reservations online, over the phone (1-800-449-2288), or at the camp store.

How Much Does it Cost to Camp at Moraine Campground in Mesa Verde?

There are two options: “dry camping” or camping at one of the 15 sites with electric hook-ups.

To camp without electricity, it will cost $38/night. Camping in an RV with electric hook-ups is $51/night. Senior and Access Passes are accepted for camping discounts.

Rates are based on double occupancy (2 people). There are additional fees for additional campers.

Primitive camping in the off-season is only $20/night.