Morefield Campground is a premier destination for visitors to Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park.
With many amenities, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your time here. However, you’ll want all the details before you pack your bags.
Today, we’re bringing you everything you need to start planning your visit to this adventurer’s paradise.
Let’s hit it!
Discover Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Folks planning to camp in Mesa Verde National Park are in for a treat. Nestled in the northernmost quadrant of this Colorado park, Morefield Campground is a hub of activity.
It’s the epicenter of some of the area’s best hiking trails. In fact, you’ll find 12 miles of maintained pathways right outside your door. Plus, the Mancos Valley and Montezuma Valley overlooks are just a short ride away.
Whether you walk or drive, spectacular views await. Depending on the season, you might spot wild deer, turkeys, or fields of native wildflowers. Occasionally, bears are also seen in the area.
Over 100 years ago, archaeologist Jesse Fewkes began leading fireside chats about the land’s ancient history with interested visitors. Rangers carry on that tradition today at the campground’s amphitheater. You can catch these free discussions regularly from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Campground Details
Located in Southwestern Colorado, Morefield Campground offers more than just stunning views. It’s actually a full-blown village.
During the open season, it’s chocked full of amenities. You can visit the camp store from May to October to resupply necessary items, including ice and firewood. You’ll find laundry facilities, bathrooms with hot showers, a dump station, and even a gas station.
A total of 267 sites welcome RV and tent campers. Fifteen of those offer full hookups. Whatever spot you choose, you’ll have a fire ring, picnic table, and a barbeque grill. And while there’s rarely cell service, you’ll have access to the park’s WiFi.
Folks traveling with pets can utilize the kennel to keep their four-legged friends while enjoying the sights or an all-you-can-eat breakfast at the Knife Edge Cafe.
Despite being just a few miles from the park’s entrance, the campground hardly ever hits capacity. No matter when you visit, you should have plenty of space to stretch out.
They don’t operate between November and May. However, you can still camp for a week or two just before or after closing without additional amenities.
About Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most fascinating landmarks in the country. You might know it as a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for the cliff dwellings carved into the landscape.
Nestled between the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation and the Mancos Valley, the area consists of massive plateaus and deep canyons. Its elevation is between 7,000 and 8,400 feet, meaning visitors face lots of sun exposure and both high and low temperatures depending on the season.
In 2021, it became the world’s 100th International Dark Sky Park. Camping in Mesa Verde lets you experience unbeatable views of starry skies at night. You can even participate in stargazing programs led by knowledgeable rangers during summer.
While you can explore much of the park on foot, some areas are off-limits due to the fragile archaeological ecosystem. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get up close and personal with ancient history. Plenty of hikes and tours feature authentic petroglyphs and cliff dwellings.
Know Before You Go: The Hidden Dangers for You in Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde History and Culture
President Theodore Roosevelt, the father of America’s National Park Service, established Mesa Verde in 1906. He aimed to preserve the lifeways of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived here between roughly 550 and 1300 AD.
The park consists of over 4,700 distinct archaeological sites. These include the famous cliff dwellings, pueblos, pithouses, and agricultural zones.
The Puebloans lived on top of the mesas for most of their reign. Sometime in the 1190s, they began building homes in the shelter of overhanging cliffs. However, they continued to farm the land above. Eventually, they moved southward into Arizona and New Mexico, leaving these structures behind.
Fortunately, preservation efforts have paid off. The cliff dwellings are still in good condition, and you can even tour them while you’re here. You might spot ancient artifacts on the ground, but please leave them where they are.
Get more details with The Mesa Verde Road Trip Guide.
When Is the Best Time to Stay at Morefield Campground in Colorado?
About 600,000 people explore Mesa Verde each year, most visiting between mid-June and mid-August. However, as we mentioned earlier, this campground rarely hits capacity. Even so, you’ll want to consider a few things before planning your trip.
Remember that Morefield Campground is only open between May and October, but other nearby towns offer alternative accommodations. Officials suggest hitting the park in early June or late August to avoid big crowds.
During summer, temperatures can vary from the mid-50s to an average high of 87 degrees Fahrenheit.
The park only gets about 18 inches of annual rainfall but can receive over six feet of snow in the winter. Although many facilities close during colder months, you can still enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports. However, you won’t be able to tour the cliff dwellings or participate in any scheduled activities.
Unless it’s your only option or you’ve already been during peak season, we suggest visiting when facilities are open so you can make the most of your time here.
Best Things to Do Near Morefield Campground
When camping at Mesa Verde, you’ll want to experience as much as possible. Here are a few highlights we think you’ll enjoy.
Hike the Knife Edge Trail
Named for the historic road it follows, the Knife Edge Trail offers unparalleled views of the Montezuma Valley. It’s a relatively easy two-mile out-and-back trek. It should take about 45 minutes round-trip. Better yet, the trailhead is in Morefield Campground.
This hike follows a single-file path. And be aware that dogs and bikes are prohibited. However, you’ll be rewarded with unbeatable scenic vistas once you get to the end.
Get more hiking in with the Durango, Cortez, and Mesa Verde National Park Trail Map.
Visit the Cortez Cultural Center
If you go camping in Mesa Verde during the off-season, you might not get to learn about the area’s fascinating history on-site. However, the Cortez Cultural Center is open year-round and provides valuable insight into the region’s past.
In addition to info on the Ancestral Puebloans, you’ll also see exhibits on the Navajo and Ute Mountain peoples. If you visit in summer, you might even witness traditional Native dances. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
Check Out Downtown Mancos, Colorado
About 20 minutes from Morefield Campground is the small town of Mancos, Colorado. This artsy hamlet was recently designated a Certified Colorado Creative District. Around nearly every corner, you’ll find quirky shops with locally crafted goods.
Historic Mancos is a nod to the Old West. Writer Louis L’Amour penned many of his novels here. Whether you want to sample locally brewed beers or fill your wardrobe with cowboy hats and leather chaps, you’ll find it here.
Camp Among Ancient Dwellings
Colorado’s Morefield Campground has a lot to offer visitors. You’ll have access to everything you need when the facilities are open. You’ll also be surrounded by some of the most spectacular sights in the state.
From all-you-can-eat breakfast to some of the country’s most significant archaeological sites, Mesa Verde National Park has it all!
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