roadtripper706060

The location is right off Hwy 160, less than two miles from Mesa Verde NP and just outside of Cortez, CO. We got there about 2 pm on a Saturday in mid-May, and got the only open site. The sites are roomy, and well-spaced. On our site, the entrance to the site is perpendicular to the road, and would be difficult to get a large rig into, but we have a 22' van and had no problems.

The road was not bad, but we got there after two days of rain, and it was very muddy. Deep ruts in the road, and the sites were mud holes. I'm not sure I'd take a large rig up there under muddy conditions, but our Sprinter van did OK.

The views were great, and it was very quiet. So close to Cortez and to Mesa Verde. Great spot.

It's a bit of a drive from the main road, but road is in pretty good shape. This site is grassy, with an old corral, and quite large. Too windy and dry for a campfire on this trip, but this would be a great place to spend a couple of days. Space is large for one, but might accommodate a second if necessary. We were the only ones here on a Wednesday in late may, but quite a bit of local traffic on the roads. They were very respectful, and even turned around when they saw us camping.

Can strongly recommend.

Quiet spot. Wooded and lots of space. A boat ramp makes it a perfect spot for kayaking. There is water, but not for threaded connection. Vault toilets. $3 per night.

Sites are small, but campground was not that busy on a Tuesday in late May. Easy access off I-40. Beautiful lake views in a picturesque, hilly, wooded landscape.

Our rig is small (24’) so no issues with small sites, but I can see where big rigs might not be that easy to accommodate.

Over all, a great find.

Went to the main store when we arrived at Mesa Verda, and was surprised that there were so many sites available on a Saturday in mid-May. Most other national parks are sold out months out.

There are three main loops: tent campers (RVs OK but no generators), RV with hookups, and RV dry camping. There were no sites in the RV sites with hookups, so we went to the "Hopi" loop (RV dry camping). Sites are on the small side (typical of NPS sites designed in the 1960's), a bit more closely spaced than I would have expected, and not very level. But they had picnic tables and a fire pit, and ours was surrounded on two sides by scrub oak. But lots of sites to choose from, and if you're visiting Mesa Verde, this was far more convenient and than nearby US Forest Service sites.

Only down side was the number of generators. Our neighbor across the road was running a loud one from 7 am to 10 pm. Lots of others, too, though not as long or loud.

Camp sites in the park are hard to come by so we thought they’d be nice. It was a Thursday in mid-July and we got a spot in Portage loop of Lower Falls campground. The sites are close, with no vegetation between sites, so no privacy. Light rain overnight turned the site into a mud hole. Dog s**t everywhere. The showers were disgusting. Clearly, the upkeep has been overwhelmed by the use and some users are not conscientious. But the park is beautiful. Great hiking. Falls are spectacular.

The campground is right off State Road 12, well-marked and easy to find.

We did not have reservations, and got there about 2 pm on a Thursday in mid-May. It took a while to find a campground host, as she has lots of responsibilities. People were leaving notes, and there was a sign saying that sites 7 through 21 were available if unoccupied, so we found a site and left a note. We got the last site (21), and quite a few people who came later were turned away. I take from that this is a pretty busy place, and it's understandable because it's such a great spot.

The sites were spacious and paved, so no trouble when it started to rain. There are flush toilets (pretty rare), though no showers. The place was a mix of tenters and small RVs, and was very quiet. Pines and fir trees all around, so cool and pleasant.

Paid $10 with Senior Pass, but price is $20.

Close to I-29, with easy access. All sites are pretty flat, most with electric. Water is available at dump station. Bathhouse is clean, and has laundry. Sites are very shady, and lots of space between each. Nice hiking trail near bathhouse. We loved this place.

Sites are first-come, first served. We got there on a Thursday in mid-July about 2pm and it was about 1/4 full. By Friday, it was full. Electric sites are first to go. We got a non-electric site. All sites are very private, the electric sites are level, the non-electric sites vary. The showers are clean, trash never overflows like some places. Extremely well maintained. They are very strict about bear country camping rules. The hiking and paddling are spectacular. It’s a short walk to sandy, quiet beaches and beautiful lake vistas. Truly one of the most beautiful campgrounds and parks we’ve ever visited.