When we planned our trip to Mesa Verde, we knew we wanted more than just a day visit—we wanted to immerse ourselves in the park. So we packed up our tent and spent two nights at Morefield Campground, the only campground inside Mesa Verde National Park. It turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the trip, and we’d absolutely recommend it for families who love camping.
If you’re new to camping, our guide to Family Camping for Beginners covers everything you need to know before your first trip with kids.
Staying inside the park gave us the chance to join more than one ranger-led tour—a big plus since they fill up quickly (I definitely recommend booking in advance). We especially enjoyed the Cliff Palace Tour, while Balcony House was a real adventure. That tour had us crawling through a narrow tunnel on our hands and knees and climbing a 30-foot ladder to make our way out. The kids thought it was the best part!
If your family enjoys visiting National Parks, you may also want to read our guide to Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids.
The Campground Experience
Morefield Campground sits in a wide, open valley surrounded by rolling hills, about four miles from the park entrance. I couldn’t find exact site sizes when booking, but our huge 12-person tent just fit on the tent pad. The campsites are generally spacious, though unlike some parks, there isn’t always room for multiple tents. One thing to keep in mind: there isn’t much shade. In the heat of summer, afternoons can feel a bit intense, but in spring and fall the open sites are perfect for soaking up the cooler weather.
Top Tip: Campsites are first come, first served—even if you’ve made a reservation—so arrive early to snag the best spot. We lucked out by showing up sooner than planned, and the staff at the camp store (where you check in) circled their favorite sites for us, including which ones had shade. Do I sound obsessed with shade? Yes—but trust me, it makes a huge difference in comfort!
They give you a tag and you put one on the site you choose and then let them know which site you’re staying at.
Another tip: Mesa Verde is a certified Dark Sky Park, and the stargazing is incredible. If the weather’s clear, take off your rain fly and sleep under the stars. It’s a memory your family won’t forget.
Before you go, don’t forget to download our Ultimate Family Camping Checklist to make sure you pack everything you need.
Wildlife and Safety
The park is home to deer, wild turkeys, and even cougars. While it’s exciting to know such wildlife roams nearby, it also means being extra mindful—keeping kids close, storing food properly (sites have bear lockers for food and toiletries), and not wandering too far at night. Our kids loved spotting wildlife from the campsite, but we also had some good “safety talks” before we arrived. I’m relaxed about most animals, but cougars make me nervous.
Evening Programs
One of the best parts of camping in a national park is joining the ranger-led evening programs. At Mesa Verde, we went to the amphitheater for talks about the history of the cliff dwellings, local wildlife, and the story of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The kids were captivated, and we left feeling like we had a deeper connection to the park. There was also a stargazing program which we, unfortunately, missed.
Facilities That Make Family Camping Easier
- Showers (yes, showers!): After dusty hikes and hot days, this felt like a luxury. The showers are open 24hrs and are free.
- Laundromat: Super handy if you’re on a longer trip through Colorado. It was $2.25 for a 30-minute load when we visited. There were plenty of washers and dryers but you had to bring your own detergent or buy it from the camp store.
- Camp Store: Well-stocked with snacks, firewood, coffee, and souvenirs. It was open 7am – 7pm too.
- Café: We tried breakfast one morning, but the wait was very long despite there only being a few customers. Honestly, I’d recommend bringing your own or cooking at camp.
What We Loved About Camping Here
- Waking up early and being right inside the park—no long drive to the entrance.
- Starry skies that seemed to stretch forever.
- Easy access to trails, overlooks, and the main road into the cliff dwellings.
- We were on the trails early and had them mostly to ourselves.
- The mix of rustic camping with a few creature comforts like showers (did I mention they have showers?) and a store.
- The kids had plenty of time to complete their junior ranger booklets.
- One day wouldn’t have been enough to see everything we wanted and camping here gave us extra time at the park.
- There were things to do indoors for a break from the heat (Visitor Center, Museum, and post office too).
Mesa Verde is one of many incredible destinations featured in our Ultimate Colorado Bucket List for Families.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Little Shade: Summer can be tough, so aim for spring or fall if you can, or hike early to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Wildlife Awareness: Cougars live here—be mindful, especially with kids and pets.
- Book Early: The campground does fill up, especially in peak season. If you know your dates, book any ranger led tours as early as possible, they fill up too.
Final Thoughts
Mesa Verde is one of our favorite places to camp in Colorado, combining fascinating history with beautiful scenery and family-friendly adventures. If you’re planning more outdoor trips, you might also enjoy our guides to Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids, Camping in Yosemite National Park with Kids, and National Park Packing List for Families. For more ideas and resources, visit our Family Camping Hub.
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