Main Campground

For Coloradans seeking a tranquil and picturesque escape in the southwestern part of our state, the Main Campground at Mancos State Park offers an ideal setting. Nestled amidst a beautiful ponderosa pine forest and adjacent to the serene Jackson Gulch Reservoir, this campground provides a quintessential Colorado outdoor experience. It's a place where the sounds of nature, like the distant howling of coyotes and the peaceful presence of deer wandering through your camp, become part of your unforgettable memories. As locals, we appreciate the blend of natural beauty and well-maintained facilities that make this park a true gem.

Mancos State Park is renowned for its peaceful ambiance and abundant wildlife, and the Main Campground perfectly embodies this spirit. Unlike some bustling campgrounds, Main Campground offers a quieter, more immersed-in-nature feel, even with its convenient amenities. Reviews consistently highlight the "beautiful and peaceful" environment, where campers can truly unwind and reconnect with the natural world. Imagine waking up to the crisp mountain air, surrounded by towering trees, with the possibility of spotting deer right outside your tent or RV.

The campground caters to both tent and RV campers, with various site types available to suit different preferences. While it offers a more rustic experience without full hookups at every site, the facilities are kept notably clean, including the vault toilets and available drinking water. Beyond the immediate comfort of your campsite, Main Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the rich recreational opportunities of Mancos State Park, including fishing and hiking, and its strategic proximity to iconic Southwestern Colorado attractions like Mesa Verde National Park. It’s a compelling choice for any Coloradan looking for a serene and authentic outdoor adventure.

Main Campground is located at 42590 Road N, Mancos, CO 81328, USA. This address places it squarely within Mancos State Park, a beautiful and accessible destination in Southwest Colorado. The park itself is situated about 7 miles northeast of the quaint town of Mancos, and approximately 12 miles from the entrance to the world-famous Mesa Verde National Park.

Accessibility to Main Campground is generally excellent. From the town of Mancos, you typically turn north onto Highway 184 for a short distance, then east onto County Road 42. County Road 42 is paved for about a mile before becoming a well-maintained gravel road for the remaining three miles to County Road N. Turning left onto County Road N will lead you directly into the park and to the campground. This relatively easy access means that the Main Campground is suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including RVs up to 40 feet long and trailers, with both pull-through and back-in sites available.

The park is centrally located, making it a fantastic base for exploring the diverse attractions of Southwest Colorado. Beyond the immediate offerings of Mancos State Park, visitors are within a reasonable drive of destinations such as the San Juan Skyway, the vibrant city of Durango, and extensive public lands. The convenient access ensures that campers can easily venture out for day trips to explore the region's rich history, stunning natural beauty, and numerous outdoor activities, making it a highly practical choice for locals.

Main Campground at Mancos State Park provides essential services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, balancing rustic charm with necessary conveniences:

• Campsites: The Main Campground features 23 sites suitable for both tent and RV campers (up to 40 feet long), offering a mix of pull-through and back-in options. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are accessible within the campground, providing essential restroom facilities.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at the Main Campground, a crucial amenity for campers.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is conveniently located at the exit of the Main Campground, providing a place for RVers to empty their waste tanks.
• Yurts: While not part of the standard campsites, Mancos State Park also offers two yurts for rent year-round, which come with electricity, a microwave, refrigerator, gas heater, bunk beds, and are typically reservable.
• Firewood: Firewood is often available for purchase at the park.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted at campsites, though they must be leashed and controlled.
• Reservations: Reservations are typically required to camp at Mancos State Park and can be made online or by phone up to six months in advance.

These services provide a solid foundation for a relaxing and self-sufficient camping trip, ensuring that campers have access to necessary facilities while enjoying the natural environment.

Main Campground at Mancos State Park offers a wealth of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Colorado locals seeking an authentic outdoor experience:

• Abundant Wildlife: As noted by campers, it's common to "woke up to a large pack of coyotes howling very loud and at least 8 deer walking through our camp." This provides an incredible opportunity for wildlife viewing right from your campsite.
• Peaceful & Quiet Atmosphere: Despite offering amenities and being a popular park, the campground is often described as "beautiful and peaceful," providing a serene retreat from everyday life.
• Jackson Gulch Reservoir: The campground's proximity to Jackson Gulch Reservoir means easy access to a "no-wake" lake perfect for fishing (stocked with rainbow trout and yellow perch) and non-motorized boating like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing.
• Hiking Trails: The park boasts over five miles of trails, including the Black Bear Trail, Mountain Lion Trail, and Mule Deer Trail, offering moderate hiking opportunities and connections to longer US Forest Service trails.
• Proximity to Mesa Verde National Park: Its location just 12 miles from Mesa Verde National Park's entrance makes it an ideal basecamp for exploring the ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.
• Year-Round Recreation: Mancos State Park offers activities across all seasons, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing in winter, making it a versatile destination.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers appreciate the "simple and clean facilities," including vault toilets and accessible drinking water, ensuring a comfortable rustic experience.
• Scenic Ponderosa Forest: The campsites are nestled within a beautiful ponderosa pine forest, providing natural shade and a classic Colorado mountain setting.

These features combine to create a comprehensive and appealing outdoor destination for a variety of interests.

For those planning a memorable trip to Main Campground at Mancos State Park, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 42590 Road N, Mancos, CO 81328, USA

Phone: (970) 533-1065

Mobile Phone: +1 970-533-1065

As Main Campground is part of Mancos State Park, it is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The provided phone numbers are for the park office, which is the primary point of contact for all inquiries.

It is highly recommended to contact Mancos State Park directly for the most current and accurate information, especially regarding:

• Reservations: Campsites at Main Campground require reservations. These can be made through the CPW website or via their reservation system (1-800-244-5613). Booking in advance, especially for popular times like holidays, is crucial due to demand.
• Park Pass: A valid Colorado State Park Pass (daily or annual) is required for all vehicles entering the park, in addition to camping fees.
• Current Conditions: Inquire about any fire bans, water levels in Jackson Gulch Reservoir, trail conditions, or wildlife advisories.
• Operating Hours: While the park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Visitor Center may have more limited hours (e.g., Friday-Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Fees: Confirm current camping fees and any additional charges.

Checking the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for Mancos State Park (cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/mancos-state-park) is also an excellent resource for detailed maps, brochures, and up-to-date alerts before your visit.

For Colorado locals, Main Campground at Mancos State Park stands out as an exceptional destination that truly embodies the essence of our state's outdoor heritage. Its peaceful environment, surrounded by a beautiful ponderosa forest and teeming with wildlife, offers a refreshing escape from the daily grind. The opportunity to witness deer casually wandering through your campsite or hear the wild calls of coyotes underscores the authentic connection to nature that many of us seek.

The campground's well-maintained facilities, including clean vault toilets and accessible drinking water, ensure a comfortable experience even without full hookups. Crucially, its strategic location near Jackson Gulch Reservoir provides ample opportunities for fishing, wakeless boating, and hiking. Moreover, Main Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring major regional attractions like Mesa Verde National Park, making it a hub for both relaxation and adventure. For any Coloradan looking for a serene, amenity-conscious, and wildlife-rich camping experience that feels deeply connected to our state's natural beauty, Main Campground at Mancos State Park is a perfect choice.

Main Campground

42590 Road N, Mancos, CO 81328, USA