The best camping near Lone Mesa State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lone Mesa State Park adventure.

Discover Lone Mesa State Park's scenic landscapes and exclusive hunting opportunities.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Lone Mesa State Park

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Bright Star Campground

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, CO

We have COMPLIMENTARY Wifi, Drinking Water, Ice, Hot Showers, Bathrooms, Shade, and an equipped Camper's Kitchen for our guests to enjoy from April 15 - Oct 15! There are TIPIS, CAMPING CABINS, TENT and BOONDOCK SITES. WE ALSO HAVE A NAVAJO HOGAN (wood yurt) OPEN-YEAR ROUND. All of our sites are not listed here. We can also accommodate groups and small events but not public events. We have a private covered group site as well. Bright Star Campground: Once used as a church camp, it is now a Campground for all to enjoy! We are a perfectly located vacation campground on 40 acres with amenities and wide-open spaces. Amenities include hot showers, an equipped community kitchen, a pavilion with hammocks, tables, ping pong, etc. Enjoy complimentary coffee, eggs, filtered drinking water and more. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic mountain/mesa views of the Four Corners region, all only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are in an arid desert climate. Water is scarce, stored in cisterns for use in camp. Because of this we ask that you be conservative with water use in camp. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that Cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many things to do/see nearby: Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. There are museums and cultural centers in the area as well. Durango is 45 min, Telluride is 1.5 hrs away, and Moab is about 2.5 hours away-including Arches and Canyonlands National parks. The best/nearest airport is in Durango. Cortez has Denver Air (Key Lime Air) with connections to Denver and Phoenix. The nearest large international airport is in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.

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Spectacular Mountain Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Ridgway, CO

5 acres of trees up on a hill with breathtaking views of the mountains, including the 14er peak, Mount Sneffels. Only 5 miles from the small mountain town of Ridgway, Colorado and only 30 miles from the famous mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Friendly hosts willing to offer great advice about how to explore the area. The mountain views from the property makes you imagine you are in Nepal looking at one of the Himalayan Peaks!

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Durango Placer

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hesperus, CO

Learn more about this land: The creek is just feet away from your tent site, with numerous waterfalls. Great hiking, or just taking in the scenery. So much to do in the immediate area: biking, hiking, fishing swimming, jeeping, exploring, rock hounding, birding, etc. Located 35 minutes from downtown Durango at 9300 feet. Visit the cool mountains and the cold creek. You will have the place to yourself. One group only on this property at a time. There are 3 tent sites to choose from, and a RV site to park. Up to 6 guests in a group allowed . Fire wood is provided free, a full kitchen with camp stove, sink , utensils, cups, and plates available. Updated privy, and hot showers. Enjoy ! The road closes in the winter so hosting is restricted from May 15th thru October 15th There is no cell service. Wifi is available. Landline is available in emergency. Happy Camping !

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Tranquility @ The Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Hesperus, CO

5th generation, 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife; Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few. Learn more about this land: 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife (Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few) . Guests are encouraged to explore this beautiful piece of the southwest. The Farm is located just 12 miles from La Plata Canyon, 15 miles from Durango, 15 miles from Lake Nighthorse, and 35 miles from Mesa Verde National Park. There is one large campground that can hold up to 5 RV's and 1 secluded tent small camper site to choose from. Guest are welcome to purchase vegetables and fresh farm eggs.

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Camping in the Mesas

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Dolores, CO

This land was inhabited by the Ancient Anasazi and Pueblo people. The Anasazi Heritage Museum and archeological ruins are two miles away. There are ruins and sites on this land that have yet to be excavated. Many different ancient people came through this land, left and sites were inhabited by other people. One group of people would come and build upon the sites of another group, and taking part of their culture with them.

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Lazy Rooster Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Rico, CO

The ranch was the site of a sawmill in the early 1900s when the old Rio Grande Southern and Galloping Goose Railroads ran through the property along the Dolores River. All that’s left now is a little shack in the middle of the meadow and some remnants of the railroad tracks in the river.

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MSB Legacy Retreat

4 sites · RVs9 acres · Mancos, CO

We have 9 acres with plenty of elbow room. Located 5 minutes from Mancos, right off CO 184, there is one site in the trees with full hookups and 2 sites on top perfect for group camping. Sites on top have a beautiful view of Mesa Verde to the west and the La Plata mountains to the east. Both sites have water and electricity and sewer dump nearby. The area is full of history, from Mesa Verde National Park to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. 3 ski areas within an hour, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, stargazing or just enjoying the sunsets. With Mancos only 5 minutes away, there are dining options, brewery, parks, library, and shopping all with a small, hometown feel. Come enjoy all the 4 Corners area has to offer!

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Canyon Trails Ranch

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, CO

The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area. The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.

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RV sites

3 sites · RVs9 acres · Dolores, CO

Learn more about this land: View of mts off of paved highway access. Within minutes to national forest, lakes and rivers. Enjoy fishing, biking, hunting, ohv riding also hiking and climbing within minutes of sites.

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Animas River Valley red cliffs

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Durango, CO

Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year. No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production. Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.

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CampV Colorado

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Naturita, CO

Inspired Shelter for the Spirited Wanderer CampV was established in 1942 by the Vanadium Corporation to house the engineers who worked in the uranium mines outside of Naturita, Colorado. In 2020, this historic gem was restored by StudioVille Crew to welcome wanderers to a remote and scenic corner of SW Colorado. Discover your Wild without the crowds. Beautiful with a tiny bit of dirt under the fingernails and 120 acres to explore, travelers can sleep well in one of the newly reimagined historic cabins, glamping tents, Jupes, airstreams or river front camping. Through our arts non-profit WEarts, explorers can experience our curated art and support art and creative programming in a rural community. When you’re ready for a mission, check out Planet V, our annual arts and music gathering over Memorial Day and prepare to lift off.

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Twilight Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Silverton, CO

Twilight Falls is a 40 acres private paradise of natural forests, meadows, streams and waterfalls nestled within thousands of acres of San Juan National Forest. Come experience this amazing place. Words cannot describe it. This has been a family retreat for our family for decades, and we want to share it with you.

The best camping near Lone Mesa State Park guide

Overview

About

Lone Mesa State Park, a pristine expanse of nature, offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. With 11,760 acres of diverse terrain, visitors can immerse themselves in activities like hunting, wildlife watching, and participating in educational programs. The park's Special Use Permit program provides exclusive hunting experiences amid its rich habitats, while volunteer and stewardship programs offer deeper engagement with the park's conservation efforts.

When to go

The best time to visit Lone Mesa State Park is during the hunting seasons when access is granted through a Special Use Permit. Outside of these times, the park is not open for general visitation, making it essential to plan ahead. The park's unique programs and limited access create an exclusive atmosphere, ensuring a serene and crowd-free experience.

Know before you go

Access to Lone Mesa State Park is limited to those with a Special Use Permit, primarily for hunting.
For the latest park conditions and updates on access, contact the park office at (970) 533-7065.
Cell phone coverage within the park is spotty, so plan accordingly for limited communication.
Be aware of local fire restrictions and practice caution with any campfires in surrounding areas.
Check-in and Check-out at the Hunter Check-in Station is required for permit holders during hunting seasons.