Morefield Campground

Nestled just four miles inside the iconic Mesa Verde National Park, Morefield Campground offers Coloradans a prime opportunity to truly immerse themselves in a landscape rich with ancient history and stunning natural beauty. As the only campground within the park, it provides unparalleled access to the legendary cliff dwellings and vast trail systems that make Mesa Verde a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those looking for a convenient and amenity-rich base to explore this incredible corner of Southwest Colorado, Morefield Campground is an excellent choice, catering to a wide range of camping preferences from spacious RVs to comfortable tent setups.

Many local Coloradans understand the value of a national park experience, and Morefield Campground facilitates this by placing you directly within the heart of the action. While some guest feedback points to areas for improvement regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of certain facilities, the core offerings—including the highly appreciated hot showers and the convenience of a well-stocked camp store—remain significant advantages. The ability to select your own site upon arrival is a notable perk, allowing campers to find the perfect spot that suits their needs, whether it's for shade, space for a gazebo, or proximity to specific features.

Morefield Campground's setting in a beautiful, high-elevation canyon, abundant with Gambel oak and native flowers, enhances the natural experience. It's common to see local wildlife, like deer and wild turkeys, wandering through the loops, adding to the charm. Despite minor maintenance concerns in some areas, the overall consensus is that Morefield provides a good base for exploring Mesa Verde, making it a recurring choice for many visiting this unique and historically significant park.

Morefield Campground is conveniently located at Mile Marker 4, U.S. 160, within Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA. This places it approximately four miles past the park entrance, ensuring campers are already deep within the park's scenic landscapes upon arrival. The address indicates its position directly on the main road (U.S. 160) that leads into the park, making it easily identifiable.

The campground's internal roads are laid out in various loops, winding through the high-elevation grassy canyon. These roads are generally well-suited for both RVs and cars, allowing visitors to drive around and select their preferred campsite after checking in. While the park roads, including those leading to and from Morefield, involve some elevation changes and curves typical of mountainous terrain, they are paved and generally well-maintained for vehicle traffic of all sizes.

For those arriving from outside the region, the park entrance is located off U.S. 160 between the towns of Mancos (about 9 miles west) and Cortez (about 15 miles west). Durango, a larger city with more comprehensive services and an airport, is approximately 40 miles to the east. The direct location within the park significantly reduces daily travel time to major attractions like the cliff dwellings and trailheads, which are further into the park. This accessibility within the park boundaries is a key benefit, allowing campers to maximize their exploration time.

• Campsites: Morefield Campground offers 267 campsites catering to both RVs and tents.
  • Full Hookup RV Sites: 15 sites are available with water, electric (30/50 amp), and sewer connections. These are highly sought after and often require advance reservations.
  • Dry RV/Tent Sites: The majority of sites are dry, suitable for RVs without hookups or tent camping. Each site typically includes a picnic table, fire ring, and/or barbecue grill, and often a gravel tent pad.
  • Group Tent Sites: 17 dedicated group sites are available for tents, accommodating up to 25 guests.
  The unique "pick your own site" policy after check-in is a notable service, allowing campers to choose a spot that best fits their needs for shade or space.
• Restrooms: Flush toilets are available in multiple bathhouse locations throughout the campground loops.
• Hot Showers: Complimentary hot showers are provided in individual stalls near the Camp Store, offering good water temperature control and adjustable shower heads.
• Laundromat: A coin-operated laundry facility is available near the Camp Store for guest convenience.
• Dump Station: A free dump station with multiple bays is provided for RVers.
• Camp Store & Gift Shop: A well-stocked store in Morefield Village offers registration, camping supplies, groceries, firewood, and souvenirs.
• Knife Edge Café: During the operating season, an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is served at the Knife Edge Café.
• Gas Station: A Sinclair gas station is located within the Morefield Village complex, offering 24/7 credit/debit card payment.
• Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible, particularly strong around the Morefield Campground Store area.
• Dog Kennel: For pet owners, a kennel service is available in Morefield Village, as pets are restricted from most archaeological sites and trails within the park. Fees apply.
• Amphitheater: Evening ranger talks and interpretive programs are often held at the campground's amphitheater during the peak season.

• Inside Mesa Verde National Park: The most significant highlight is its exclusive location within the national park, providing immediate access to Mesa Verde's world-renowned archaeological sites and scenic drives, eliminating the need for daily travel into the park.
• Site Selection Flexibility: The unique policy allowing campers to drive around and choose their own site (by placing a tag on the post) ensures a personalized camping experience, enabling selection based on shade, space, or privacy needs.
• Excellent Shower Facilities: The hot showers are consistently praised for being well-maintained, clean, and thoughtfully designed, a much-appreciated amenity for campers after a day of hiking and exploration.
• Comprehensive Village Amenities: The Morefield Village area, adjacent to the campground, acts as a self-contained hub offering a camp store, gas station, laundromat, and a café, providing essential services without leaving the park.
• Wildlife Sightings: The campground's natural setting in a high-elevation canyon attracts local wildlife, with frequent sightings of mule deer and wild turkeys, offering delightful opportunities for nature observation right from your campsite.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: Several park trails, including the popular Prater Ridge Trail, are directly accessible from the campground, allowing for convenient access to outdoor recreation.
• Dark Sky Certification: The park's commitment to dark skies means excellent opportunities for stargazing, though some external lighting near facilities may require consideration for optimal viewing.
• Educational Programs: Ranger-led evening programs at the amphitheater provide engaging and informative sessions about the park's history, culture, and natural environment.

Address: Mile Marker 4 U.S. 160, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA

Phone: (800) 449-2288

Mobile Phone: +1 800-449-2288

For reservations and the most up-to-date information on operating hours, site availability, and current conditions, particularly during the shoulder seasons or due to weather, it is highly recommended to call the reservation line or visit the official Mesa Verde National Park concessionaire website. Reservations, especially for full hookup sites, are strongly advised due to the campground's popularity.

For Coloradans, Morefield Campground at Mesa Verde National Park presents a unique and highly suitable camping destination. Its primary appeal lies in its exclusive location within the national park itself. This means that locals seeking to delve deep into the rich Ancestral Pueblo history and explore the stunning landscapes of Mesa Verde can do so with unmatched convenience, minimizing travel time to and from the park's archaeological sites and trailheads. This is a significant advantage, allowing for more time spent exploring and less time commuting.

While some minor maintenance issues in the restrooms have been noted by previous visitors, the presence of excellent, clean hot showers is a highly valued amenity that elevates the camping experience. The convenience of having essential services like a camp store, laundromat, gas station, and even a café within the campground village means that Coloradans can enjoy a comfortable stay without needing to leave the park for basic supplies. This level of amenity is often a pleasant surprise for those accustomed to more rustic national park campgrounds.

The "pick your own site" policy adds a personal touch, empowering local campers to find the perfect spot that caters to their specific needs for shade, space for outdoor gear, or proximity to facilities. Furthermore, the opportunity to witness native wildlife like deer and wild turkeys roaming freely through the loops adds to the authentic Colorado outdoor experience. For families, history enthusiasts, or simply those looking for a comfortable and well-situated base to explore one of Colorado's most culturally significant and naturally beautiful areas, Morefield Campground remains an excellent choice, ensuring a memorable and convenient adventure in their home state.