Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers and those who seek peace and solitude.
The park is located in the southwest part of Colorado and is famous for its prehistoric cliff dwellings, natural beauty, and wildlife.
Nestled among the pinyon and juniper trees, Morefield Campground is one of the largest campgrounds in the region.
It is also the only campground within the national park.
Morefield Campground is located close to the park entrance in the spectacular wooded canyon – Morefield Canyon.
It provides a perfect base-camp for exploring Mesa Verde National Park and the surrounding areas.
Here is an ultimate guide to Morefield Campground and its amenities, things to do, and why it’s a must-visit destination for campers and hikers.
Also Read: 27 Best Things to do in Southwest Colorado
Morefield Campground Sites and Amenities
Morefield Campground has over 260 campsites, and all of them are surrounded by trees, providing privacy and shade.
The campsites are suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers – as well as group camping sites.
Tent Camping at Morefield
Tent campers can set up on the gravel tent pad at the campground.
The tent sites are located close to Morefield’s full service village and you can easily walk to the cafe for breakfast.
The sites are quite and secluded – we could see birds, deer, and wild turkeys from our site.
Each site has picnic table and grill, most have bear lockers as well.
In summer, wildflowers grow abundantly near the camp sites.
Mesa Verde camping at Morefield is a great way to enjoy stargazing at night.
Also Read: 28 Best Places to enjoy stargazing in Colorado
RV Camping at Morefield
The campground also has several full hookup sites for RVs in the high grassy canyon filled with native trees.
There are dump stations located conveniently nearby.
Morefield Campground Store
The campground has a general store where visitors can buy groceries, camping equipment, souvenirs, firewood, and other camp supplies.
The camp store offers registration to campers who arrive during the day and can also assist with late arrivals.
Near the campground store, you will find amenities building with showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities.
The shower area is clean and the free showers are great to relax after hiking in the park.
Knife Edge Cafe
Adjacent to the camp store, you will find Knife Edge Cafe where you can enjoy delicious pancakes for breakfast.
The cafe closes at 10 am so be sure to reach on time to get your breakfast.
Tip – if you get coffee here, you can refill it throughout the day at other cafes in the park.
A gas station is also located adjacent to the camp store and cafe – this is the only gas station in the park.
The campground is open only during the peak season of mid-March to mid-October.
Things to do in Morefield Campground
While cell service near the campground is limited, there are many things to do in nature near the sites.
Here are the best things to do while you stay at Morefield Campground.
Explore Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is home to over 5,000 archeological sites that provide insights into the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
The Cliff Dwellings are the main attraction of the park, and visitors can take guided tours to explore them.
Besides that, there are several great things to do in Mesa Verde National Park.
The park offers ranger-led programs that include guided hikes, campfire talks, and stargazing.
You can also take cliff dwelling tours for Cliff Palace and Balcony House from the campground.
Visitors can also enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing in the park.
Watch out for bears, coyotes, wild turkeys, and other forest critters.
The nearby Mesa Verde visitor center provides valuable information on the park’s history, culture, and geology.
Enjoy campground activities
The campground has a natural amphitheater where visitors can enjoy concerts, movies, and other events.
The Morefield Amphitheater offers nightly programs during the summer months.
The Morefield Campground also features a wildlife viewing area where visitors can observe deer, coyotes, and other forest creatures.
Moreover, the campground has a full-service RV park with vault toilets, showers, water, and electric hook-ups.
Explore Southwest Colorado and Four Corners Region
The Morefield Campground is also a great base-camp for exploring the surrounding areas.
The campground is a short distance from the scenic San Juan Skyway, which offers breathtaking views of the mountain ranges and is ranked as one of the country’s most beautiful drives.
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are also nearby.
Moreover, Durango and Cortez are two charming towns with lots of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Hiking Trails near Morefield Campground
The Morefield Campground has access to several Mesa Verde hiking trails that take visitors to the top of mesas, cliffs, and canyons.
Here are the popular trails that begin at Morefield Campground.
Knife Edge Trail
The Knife Edge Trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon and the surrounding area.
This is an easy 2 mile hike that goes along the original park road built by the CCC.
It is great place to enjoy sunset views.
Point Lookout Trail
This is a moderate 2.2 mile hike that takes you to the top of Point Lookout for panoramic views of Mesa Verde National Park.
The trail has elevation gain of 400 feet through steep switchbacks and is better suited for those who are relatively fit.
It has steep sections with loose rock, so it’s not recommended for small children.
Prater Ridge Trail
Prater Ridge Trail is an 8 mile trail that starts at the campground.
It is a challenging hike that follows a narrow ridge and leads to an overlook at the top of Prater Ridge, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Colorado’s Four Corners region.
This trail might be strenuous but the views are well worth the efforts.
Point Lookout Overlook
The Point Lookout Overlook Trail is a short, easy hike that takes visitors to the top of a mesa and provides stunning views of the surrounding area.
The fire tower is also located here.
This trail is suitable for all age groups and offers great photo opportunities.
Morefield Campground is a haven for nature lovers and campers alike.
The campground’s amenities, natural beauty, and proximity to popular attractions make it the ideal base-camp for exploring Mesa Verde National Park and the surrounding areas.
The campground is quite large and rarely fills up – making it very popular with campers.
The Morefield Campground offers a perfect getaway experience for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation.