Morefield Campground

Morefield Campground

 

Tucked away in a picturesque canyon, Morefield Campground provides a world of adventure in the heart of Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez.

The perfect getaway for being outside with Mother Nature, the Morefield Campground offers hundreds of sites only 4.5 miles from the Mesa Verde National Park’s entrance. Pairing breathtaking landscapes with modern conveniences, visitors can marvel at the native Gambel oaks or hike to ancient dwellings. So, grab your tent and sleeping bag — the ultimate Colorado camping experience awaits.

Open from April to mid-October, the campsites are located across seven loops. One great perk is most sites are private and secluded. Don’t be surprised if you encounter curious wildlife such as wild turkeys and frolicking deer wandering into camp. Careful though; this does include bears, so make sure you keep food locked away. Pets are allowed on the premises and multiple RV sites provide all the hookups you need.

What makes it special?

How does an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast sound? From mid-May to mid-October, Knife Edge Café in Morefield’s full-service village is flipping flapjacks and serving up mouthwateringly good eats to guests. We can’t think of a better way to fuel up before a long day of hiking the trails. But that’s not all — other amenities include a laundromat, complimentary showers, a gift shop, a grocery store and even an RV dumping station.

The most Colorado thing about this place

Colorado and camping go together like bread and butter. If you need to know only one thing about Colorado locals — it’s that communing with nature is a top priority. And why wouldn’t it be? Colorado is known for its breathtaking and diverse landscapes. Now grab some marshmallows and strike up a fire — it’s s’mores time!

Morefield Campground
Morefield Campground
Morefield Campground

Our favorite traveler review

“National Park campgrounds are simply the best, and Morefield Campground is no exception! We tent camped and stayed on the Zuni loop. I absolutely loved how they separate RVs and tents. It sure does make for a much quieter experience. There are numerous mule deer in the area, and they are fun to watch. Additionally, there are numerous birds to see and hear. Many of the sites have bear boxes, which I don't have much experience with, but I ended up really loving them.” — Clarissa H., Google Reviews

Things to see and do nearby

Mesa Verde National Park is home to a plethora of hiking trails, good for hikers ranging from beginners to experienced. For those seeking diverse scenery, the 7.8-mile Prater Ridge Trail is where it’s at. Knife Edge Trail is a 2-mile loop that passes by Montezuma Valley Overlook — the perfect place for a sunset picnic. Don’t skip Point Lookout Trail. You’ll hike 2.2 miles around the top of an expansive mesa. Bring a camera, the views of the Montezuma and Mancos valleys are awe inspiring.

Or head out on a scavenger hunt. It’s the perfect activity for kids 4-17 and, best of all, it’s free! The adventure begins as your junior explorers seek out more than 30 educational stations throughout the Mesa Verde National Park. Each station offers up facts about the region’s plants, wildlife and archaeological sites. Do you know which shrub can be used to make shampoo? No? Neither do we. Find out and fill us in. No seriously — our current lather is split-end city!

Want to take a guided tour? The Mesa Tour Experience pairs guests with a professional guide — we’re talking National Association for Interpretation Certified (NAI). Discover the history of the Ancestral Puebloans while you hike to the Cliff Palace, one of the most visually stunning dwellings in the park. Along the way, your guide will spin tales about hunters and gatherers who once settled the area as well as provide insights into the local architecture and agriculture.

While you’re at it, seek out ancient cliff dwellings. Known for their impeccable preservation, the Mesa Verde dwellings are a sight to behold. Built in the 1190s by the Ancestral Puebloans, these structures are located beneath the cliffs of the mesa. Make sure to bring a camera for some Instagram-worthy shots.

 

Photos courtesy of Aramark