Priest Gulch Campground , RV Park, Cabins & Lodge

We originally had reservations at the McPhee Recreation Area for our visit to the Mesa Verde area, but upon arrival found it to be less than satisfactory. Fortunately we had good cell service and I was able to get into Priest Gulch about 20 miles away. What a difference!

The camp hosts went out of their way to make us feel welcome. It's the only place I have ever been where the host stuck around to help you back into your site. And while the sites were fairly close together (about 15 to 20 feet apart), the fact that we were literally backed up to the Delores River made it all worthwhile. It was so nice to sleep to the soothing sound of the river that it really didn't matter.

The owners will provide free firewood if you ask. They just don't want you to take it out of the park.

WiFi was fairly good, with few dropouts. There is a reasonably priced laundromat on the premises.

Our original plans fell through, Priest Gulch had just opened and had RV and tent sites available. All sites are gravel with a grass "yard". Pets welcome. Some pull through, many back in spaces, especially the sites that are on the Dolores river. Beautiful!! The camp hosts stay with you until you are in or backed into your site. Free firewood for use in the campground. Site 8 & 9 are located close to the bathroom/showers and full equipped, heated gazebo. Full hookups at all sites on the main side. Across the river same, with nothing at the remote tent camping sites. Electrical was being upgraded across the river while we were there. Excellent wifi. This is bear country, no food/stoves can be left out.

This is a great location to hike, visit Mesa Verde NP, Hovenweep NM, Telluride etc.

Highly recommended!

We arrived June 12 and stayed one night. Had it not been for a time constraint to Denver, we would have stayed a week here. We actually tent camped here 10 years ago and always wanted to return. It’s great for big rigs and had a perfect back-in site inches from the raging river. Fire pit available and FHU. The air was fresh and crisp and didn’t need air conditioning at night with windows open, although it got very cold. This is a must stop for any camping enthusiast. Great staff at front office. Will definitely return for longer stay.

I give it 5 stars because it rates that based on all traditional campground values, my only knock is the lack of wifi and cell coverage. I had very little ATT/Tmobile and other guests I spoke with using Verizon had the same results. Campground is well run with very friendly staff, bath house was clean. This was my second stay and I will return.
PS They said there is a T1 line planned for next year, let's hope that comes through

The sites are gravel but ours was perfectly level. Full hook ups and a fire ring, although there was a burn ban when we were there. There’s also free firewood when fires are allowed. The folks here are very friendly and helpful and the grounds are maintained very well. AT&T had no cell service here even with my booster. There is an off-network service available but it is iffy. The wifi service here at the campground was hit and miss. It worked better at times and not so good at other times. We have been planning on coming here for a year or two and we’re definitely not disappointed. We would certainly come back.

Friendly staff, large sites under tall pines and right on the Dolores river. Squirrels and birds for the cats to watch right outside the windows. They even offer free firewood for guests, unfortunately there are currently fire bans all over the 4 Corners area due to dry conditions. Hwy 145 between Cortez and Telluride runs right above the campground, but there is minimal traffic at night. We came here for a week to find some cooler temps, and have been pleasantly surprised. Mid-June with 76 degrees at 3 PM, down to 50 at night. I see several 37-43' class A coaches with SD or TX plates.....tells me the word is out! We like to keep our average cost down in the $25-$35 range but this is the kind of place that is worth the extra $$. We definitely will try to fit Priest Gulch into future travels.

We had this site recommended to us by a fellow camper a few years ago. When the state closed the state parks earlier this year: we gave them a call. Glad we did!

We had a back in site on the river. No leveling was required, full hookups all worked great. We were guided to our site by friendly staff... and enjoyed all interactions with them. The area is stunning... and falling asleep to the sound of the river aint bad either...

My AT&T cell was roaming, and wifi access was a big tough.... But that's not a deal breaker...

We will be back...

This particular area of the gulch has zero cell towers. The campground has done their best to put up their own towers so phone calls work anywhere in the park. However, if you need data for work or anything else, go to gazebo tower and connect to that or the “main” tower by the office. It’s all not secure so beware. It was a bit stressful trying to work, but this campground is gorgeous and if you don’t need data, this place is fantastic! Drive to Telluride one day! Amazing!

I am not always a fan of private RV parks, but this is one of the best. The people who work there and the people that stay there are always friendly. There is a trailhead for a nice 5 mile loop or farther across the street and there are many additional hikes within an easy drive. This place is booked early every summer especially the coveted river sites, but always call for a site from a cancellation. No dog park (there is a pet walk area with grass), but across the street near the trailhead is an open field with a creek. Additionally, there is a short trail near the back end of the campground that dogs can walk. Internet was sometimes limiting, but I believe in the fall of 2020 this was updated. I have stayed many times here, the last being in October 2020 and the internet was very much improved. May not work for someone working remotely but will be fine for the every day user. Even though your phone will register no service, I haven't had any problems making voice calls. They also rent cabins which some are dog friendly and are on the river. Bathrooms and laundry are kept immaculate.

Lovely campground RIGHT on the Dolores river. Staff and owners were all so nice and helpful. Parking is tight with trees and all so they take you to your site and help you park which was wonderful. Full hookups, picnic table and fire ring although we were on a fire ban. Quiet, friendly and peaceful place. Wifi was intermittent at best which was fine because we came to get away. Camp store is small and limited. They do have laundry and bathhouse if needed. We drove to Mesa Verde NP one day and fished in some lakes on another. Fishing tackle available in nearby Dolores--about 25 mins away. River was running really fast and strong and was great because it drowned out any road noise which was minimal anyhow.