RV Camping in Mesa Verde National Park: Morefield Campground & Cliff Dwelling Tours

If you’re looking for an RV destination that blends jaw-dropping scenery, deep history, and peaceful camping, Mesa Verde National Park should be high on your list. Tucked into the high desert of southwestern Colorado, this park is offers the rare opportunity to camp in your RV inside a national park surrounded by ancient cliff dwellings. From quiet evenings under the stars to days spent exploring centuries-old structures, Mesa Verde is a must-visit for RV travelers who love meaningful destinations. Located 4 miles inside the park, it is the only campground within Mesa Verde national Park, and it is very RV friendly.

What to expect:

• RV sites that can accommodate large rigs

• Electric and water hookups available at select sites (no sewer at sites)

• Dump station and potable water on-site

• Clean restrooms, showers, and laundry

• Camp store and seasonal café

• Quiet, dark skies perfect for stargazing ✨

The elevation (around 8,000 feet) means cooler evenings, even in summer, which makes campfires and cozy nights extra enjoyable.

What to do while at Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde protects over 5,000 archaeological sites, including about 600 cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago. Seeing these structures tucked into canyon walls is unforgettable.

A few of Our Favorites:

• Cliff Palace – the largest and most iconic dwelling

• Balcony House – adventurous guided tour with ladders and tunnels

• Spruce Tree House – one of the best-preserved sites (access varies)

Many tours require reservations and are Ranger led, so plan ahead, especially during peak season.

Scenic Drives & Viewpoints

Mesa Verde’s roads wind through high desert mesas and deep canyons, offering stunning pull-offs and overlooks.

Don’t miss:

Cliff Palace – The largest cliff dwelling in North America and the most iconic

Balcony House – A guided adventure with ladders, tunnels, and narrow passages

• Mesa Top Loop Road – Easy access to several dwellings and viewpoints

• Park Point – One of the highest spots in the park with panoramic views

• Sun Temple & Cliff Palace Overlook – Incredible photo opportunities 📸

Plan extra time, this is not a park you want to rush.

Cliff Dwelling Tours: What to Know Before You Go

• Closed-toe shoes required 👟

• Expect ladders, uneven stone steps, and narrow passages

• Not recommended for those with severe mobility issues or fear of heights

• Rangers provide fascinating history and context, worth every minute

🎟️ Tours are weather dependent, so always have a backup plan.

Day Packing & Picnic Tips

There are no restaurants or fuel stations inside the park, making packing ahead essential, especially if you’re RVing.

What to pack for the day:

• Plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need)

• Picnic lunch or easy snacks

• Cooler with ice packs

• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses

• Layers (cool mornings, warm afternoons). We were there in May and the afternoon was very warm!

• Comfortable walking shoes

🧺 Picnic spots: Far View area and designated pull-offs offer tables and beautiful views, perfect for lunch between tours.

Why We Loved RV Camping at Mesa Verde (Our Personal Take)

Camping inside Mesa Verde National Park made this stop feel truly special. Being surrounded by so much history from sunrise to sunset allowed us to slow down and fully immerse ourselves instead of rushing through as a day trip.

Seeing the different cliff dwellings was incredible, and we kept imagining what life must have been like for the Ancestral Pueblo people, how they built these structures into sheer canyon walls and scaled the rock faces using only finger and toe holds. The craftsmanship and ingenuity are humbling to witness in person.

We loved the slower pace of the park, especially taking time to enjoy a picnic in such a historically rich setting. Wildlife sightings, including deer and birds, added to the peaceful, almost timeless feel of the park.

Traveling with our dogs was easy thanks to our RV site with electric hookups, which allowed them to stay safe and comfortable while we explored pet-restricted areas. We stayed two nights and filled every day, but honestly, three nights would be ideal if you have the time. Mesa Verde is a place worth lingering, it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.