About Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde NP
The only national park dedicated to preserving the works of humankind. Mesa Verde protects over 5,000
archaeological sites including the world-famous cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans. Morefield Campground
is your gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Colorado's extraordinary canyon country.
Highlights
- Cliff Palace — largest cliff dwelling in North America
- Balcony House for adventurous climbers
- Chapin Mesa Museum covering 1,300 years of history
- Petroglyph Point Trail along canyon rim
- Sweeping views of four-corners region
Directions & How to Get There
From Cortez, CO: Take US-160 E 7 miles to the park entrance road, then 4 miles to Morefield Campground — easy
to miss the campground before reaching the main visitor area. From Durango: Take US-160 W approximately 35 miles
to the park entrance.
Nearby Attractions
- Cliff Palace (15 mi from camp)
- Balcony House (15 mi)
- Chapin Mesa Museum (15 mi)
- Four Corners Monument (40 mi)
- Hovenweep NM (45 mi)
Insider Tips
- Cliff Palace tours require tickets purchased at Chapin Mesa — book in advance
- The park road is very winding with sharp curves — take it slow
- Deer are common throughout the campground — don't feed them
- Combine with Hovenweep and Chaco Canyon for an archaeological circuit
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May–October
Season: April–October
Access difficulty: Moderate (winding roads)
What to Pack for Colorado Camping
- Navigation: downloaded offline maps, compass, and GPS device
- Water: at least 3 liters per person per day (more in desert parks)
- Food: bear canister or use provided bear boxes where required
- Shelter: 3-season tent, rain fly, and ground tarp
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- First aid kit: including blister treatment, pain reliever, and any personal medications
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Lighting: headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp
- Safety: whistle, emergency bivy, and knowledge of your emergency exit route