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

HTR Durango

74 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Durango, CO

Nestled in a protected box canyon surrounded by high cliffs of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine and just minutes to downtown Durango, HTR Durango, formerly Lightner Creek Campground, is located on a seasonal mountain stream, making it an ideal setting for nature lovers of all ages. The paved county road off HWY 160W to our campground is well maintained, making the 1.5-mile drive easily accessible, regardless of what you bring. Enjoy various recreational activities in the Durango area, including many hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, river rafting, rock climbing, zip-lining, off-roading, horseback riding, shopping, dining, breweries, and much more. There is so much to see and do in the Four Corners Area! If you want a memorable vacation experience in Durango, look no further than HTR Durango. Dry Camping (October 14-31, 2024, May 1-15, 2025 and October 13-30, 2025): During dry camping, only RV sites are open, with no tents or cabins. The only water available is at the front of the park at the fill-up station. The RV sites do not have water or sewer, but they do have electricity. Our staff is available on-call.

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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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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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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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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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Sleeping Under the Mesa Verde

2 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Cortez, CO

We are conveniently located under the Mesa Verdes and next door to the world renowned Phills World Bike Trails. The Views include, Ute Mountain, Telluride, Lizard Head Pass and many more. You are 10 miles south of Boggy Draw Trail system and 10 miles from the Mesa Verde Park entrance. You can also just hang out and hike the 430 Acre property with pre-approved permission. It is an active ranch so there is usually always livestock roaming. Pets are acceptable, it's a ranch animal are always welcome. We have the one site now that is a leveled concrete pad with water and power. If you are visiting Cortez, CO and looking to camp or have an RV or camper in the back of the pick-up, we can find a place to let you enjoy the stay here. Directions. South on CR 27 off of HWY 160 till you get to CR H, Make a Left and its one mile on the right side of the Road.

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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!

Junction West Durango

99 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Durango, CO

History of JW Durango Riverside Resort It all started in 1965… When this campground hosted its first guests the goal back then was simply to offer folks from around the Four Corners a place to relax and lounge along the Animas River. Today, the property boasts 73 quality RV sites, 24 cabins and 6 tent sites. We also have a heated pool, playground, convenience store, retail shop, game room, café with a large deck for dining, laundry room, paved roadways, two bath houses, and an observation deck overlooking the Animas. The property sits just south of Bakers Bridge, a local landmark made famous as the set of the climactic finale in the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” – where Paul Newman and Robert Redford sat along the rocky cliffs that line the river before they famously took the plunge. As the lifeblood of this community, the Animas River winds its way under that bridge and south toward historic downtown Durango. Everyone from whitewater enthusiasts and acclaimed fly fisherman to laidback locals in inner tubes enjoy the same flowing mountain waters miners have tapped for more than a century. Back in 1965, the population of Durango was just over 10,000 and La Plata County almost 20,000. Today, the city itself is home to 20,000 residents while the county is closing in on a staggering 58,000. As more and more people discover the beauty and majesty of the San Juan National Forest and surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, the number of people flocking to the Four Corners region continues to grow. Whether hiking, biking, horseback riding, or four-wheeling this area has an endless number of adventures to uncover. Even if it takes a lifetime to explore some of the forgotten roads in this region, these outdoor experiences offer just a glimpse of what there is to do when you visit. People come from around the world to ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, listen to songs and stories from the Bar D Wranglers, hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort, or hug the guardrails along the legendary Million Dollar Highway. These are just a few of the reasons people continue to come back year after year, and generation after generation. Even here at Durango Riverside, we constantly listen to stories from guests who first came here as children and now return with their own. It really is easy to find places where you can experience some of the wonders this community has to offer. But, there’s only one place where you can relax and lounge along the Animas River with friends and family, making memories that will stick with you for generations – Durango Riverside.

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Giggling Goat Farm

3 sites · RVs40 acres · Norwood, CO

Giggling Goat Farm is a small farm located on 40 acres just outside of Norwood, CO. We have dairy goats, chickens, and are using our "Fairy Forest" for youth programming. We are also moving towards sustainable growing and permaculture practices about which we are passionate. Our goal is to use our land to set an example as good stewards of our wonderful earth.

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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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Denkai Animal Sanctuary

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Hesperus, CO

Nestled amidst 40 acres of breathtaking Mountain Views, our tranquil sanctuary offers a truly serene and peaceful retreat. Located on our nonprofit animal sanctuary property, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while knowing that your stay supports a worthy cause. Just a short ten-mile drive away lies the renowned Lake Nighthorse, a haven for water enthusiasts. And for those looking to explore the shimmering waters, we provide convenient on-site paddleboard rentals, ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable aquatic adventure. As you wander through our expansive grounds, you'll discover pockets of lush greenery and shaded areas, perfect for finding solace in the embrace of nature. If you're traveling with an RV, worry not, as we offer ample parking space to accommodate your vehicle. Additionally, horse owners will find our sheltered areas with larger paddocks ideal for their equine companions. Whether you're seeking a peaceful respite or embarking on an equestrian adventure, our sanctuary provides the perfect haven for both humans and horses alike. At our sanctuary, we understand that everyone has unique needs and desires. Whether you're in search of a quiet place to rejuvenate your soul or simply passing through the area, we are dedicated to catering to your individual requirements. While we don't provide amenities such as water, electricity, or septic facilities for RVs, we encourage you to come prepared for sustainability. Bring your own water and necessary items to ensure a comfortable stay. Rest assured, our idyllic surroundings and warm hospitality will make your visit a memorable one, regardless of the purpose of your stay.

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Almostaranch

3 sites · RVs11 acres · Durango, CO

The Almostaranch Family welcomes you to stay with us in the San Juan Mountains located in Durango, Colorado. Our property features spectacular views and endless activities for you and your family. We look forward to seeing you! Durango is the Capitol of mountain biking in the US. Horseback riding next door and snowmobile rentals close by. Kayaking very close & hiking trails everywhere. Silverton 35 miles. RV site includes horseshoe pits and tables.

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.