Mesa Verde National Park
1 campground in the park · 70 nearby · 9 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
1 current alert
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationRoad ConstructionRoad work will begin on the first four miles of the Main Park Road during the week of September 20 - 26. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. Far View Sites and Cedar Tree Tower are closed for road improvements. Wetherill Mesa Road has compacted gravel for 30 feet; motorcycles should take extra caution on this road.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $30 per vehicleValid 7 days
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 1 campground
- Near the park
- 70 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 9 sitesWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $55Mesa Verde only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 1
Camping near the park 70
- Aerial viewCampground
Ancient Cedar
7.7 mi · Mancos, CO
- Aerial viewRV Park
Mesa Verde RV Resort
7.7 mi · Mancos, CO
Free and dispersed nearby 9
See them on the map- Camp siteCortez, CO8.5 mi
- FerrisLewis, CO28 mi
- Camp sitePleasant View, CO32 mi
- Camp sitePleasant View, CO32 mi
- Brown Springs CampgroundFarmington, NM34 mi
- Camp siteDove Creek, CO43 mi
Services nearby: 1 dump station · 1 rest area
About Mesa Verde
For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. This…
For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. This World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park is home to over a thousand species, including several that live nowhere else on earth.
Photos: NPS Photo
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Food
- Guided Tours
Plan your visit
Getting there
Mesa Verde National Park is in Southwest Colorado. The park entrance and the Visitor and Research Center are located ten miles east of Cortez, nine miles west of Mancos, and about 35 miles west of Durango, Colorado…
Weather
SPRING: This season offers a range of weather including clear skies, wind, rain, cloudy days and temperatures from 40–70°F (4–21° C). Snow may fall into May. SUMMER: Most days are sunny and temperatures can reach above…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle, 7 days$30
- Motorcycle, 7 days$25
- Per person, 7 days$15
- Private vehicle$20
- Per person$15
- Motorcycle, 7 days$15
- Mesa Verde annual pass$55
Hours
The park is open daily except for emergency conditions. The Visitor & Research Center and Mesa Verde Museum are open all year but closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Ancestral sites, picnic areas, and trails are open 8 am to sunset. Some park areas including Wetherill Mesa, campground, and other visitor services are closed during winter. Cliff dwelling tours are mid-May through late October. Reservations are required and available 14 days in advance of tour date online at www.recreation.gov.
Getting there
Mesa Verde National Park is in Southwest Colorado. The park entrance and the Visitor and Research Center are located ten miles east of Cortez, nine miles west of Mancos, and about 35 miles west of Durango, Colorado along Hwy 160. Mesa top ancestral sites, Cliff dwellings, tours, and the Mesa Verde Museum are 20 to 21 miles (approximately 45 minutes) south along the park road which which is steep, narrow, and winding.
Weather
SPRING: This season offers a range of weather including clear skies, wind, rain, cloudy days and temperatures from 40–70°F (4–21° C). Snow may fall into May. SUMMER: Most days are sunny and temperatures can reach above 90°F (32°C) . Thunderstorms are common in July and August. FALL: Temperatures range from 50–75°F (10–24°C). Snow may fall as early as October. WINTER: Temps range from the teens to low 30s F (below -1°C) . Icy roads are common. Snow tires, all-wheel drive, or chains may be required.
Camped at Mesa Verde? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose.