Mancos State Park

Star4.22
82 reviews
Box 1047, Dolores, Colorado, 81323, United States
Fishing

Quick Facts

7,858 ft

Price

$22 - $31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website
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Mancos State Park
$22.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping reservation fees range between $22 for standard camping and $31 per day including a $9/day entrance fee. The fee paid through Reserve America...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve America
Provider
9708822213
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 82 reviews

386 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanstafffriendly

Some mention

noise

"Mancos State Park has received mixed reviews, with common praise for its clean facilities, beautiful scenery, and diverse recreational activities. Some negative comments include issues with trash, reservation challenges, and additional fees."

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Campground Map

Box 1047, Dolores, Colorado, 81323, United States

Mancos State Park

Box 1047, Dolores, Colorado, 81323, United States

Driving directionsFrom Durango take Hwy 160 west 27 miles to the town of Mancos. Go north on Hwy 184 1/2 miles and turn east onto County Rd 42 (Forest Service Rd 561). Go 5 miles and take Rd N to the park entrance.
Road access includes paved highways leading to Mancos before transitioning to gravel roads. Seasonal accessibility issues are not explicitly mentioned, but dirt roads around the dam can be dusty due to vehicle traffic. User reviews describe the campground circle as narrow with trees on either side, posing challenges for larger rigs.
Nearby places
Mancos (approximately 5 miles), Durango (27 miles), Cortez (null, not explicitly mentioned but in the region)
Nearby supplies
The town of Mancos provides supplies and amenities, approximately 5 miles away. User reviews mention Mancos having great places to visit.

Best Time to Camp at Mancos State Park

Mountain breezes sweep through the pines each day, picking up strength from mid-morning through evening, creating nature's own symphony in the treetops. Winter transforms this high-country haven into a snow-dusted wonderland, where hardy campers can experience the profound silence of a forest blanketed in white. The changing seasons paint the landscape in ever-shifting palettes, from spring's fresh greens to autumn's golden aspens, while summer days bring warm sunshine filtered through the pine canopy.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer highlights focus on lake activities, boating and fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Good mountain scenery; fewer explicit fall-specific notes but generally pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring visits can be positive but often affected by snow cover and variable reservoir levels.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 14% in CO

Park open year-round; reviewers praise winter yurt camping and snowshoeing experiences.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round with some sites maintained and available during winter.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire bans may be in effect as indicated in user reviews.

About Mancos State Park

Nestled within a towering Ponderosa pine forest, Mancos State Park welcomes adventurers with 32 thoughtfully placed campsites and 2 cozy yurts that serve as your gateway to Colorado's most iconic landscapes. Here, where the scent of pine mingles with mountain air, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned between the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the geographic marvel of Four Corners. The park's shimmering reservoir reflects the surrounding peaks while beckoning anglers, boaters, and hikers to explore its shores and the winding trails that disappear into the forest beyond.
Mancos State Park accommodates a range of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV sites, walk-in sites, and yurt rentals. The park is open year-round and offers winter camping opportunities.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Visitors may not camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer, or camper in a state park for more than 14 days in any 28-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a wide range of activities to campers, including fishing, hiking, non-motorized boating, bird and wildlife watching, and winter activities like snowshoeing. Nearby attractions such as the Four Corners region and Mesa Verde National Park add to the recreational opportunities.
HikingHiking trails, including one that circles the lake, vary in difficulty and are described as easily navigable. The total hike around the lake is approximately 3 miles, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
FishingFishing is a highlight at Mancos, with stockie rainbow trout being the primary catch. Some reviewers noted excellent fishing, with one mentioning '4-day limits on trout' being easy to achieve.
BikingThe park provides trails suitable for mountain biking, and gravel bikes can also navigate the terrain. Some trails include hills, requiring moderate skill levels.
BoatingBoating is restricted to non-motorized options such as kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. A boat ramp is available on-site.
Wildlife viewingOpportunities for observing a wide range of wildlife, including deer, eagles, and 223 bird species throughout the year, are abundant. Bird watching is particularly popular.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity; bear-proof lockers are available at west-side sites. Seasonal fire bans and narrow roads also pose challenges.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire bans may be in effect as indicated in user reviews.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at west-side campsites but are not provided at east-side sites.

Weather at Mancos State Park

Reviews

4.2
82 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Mancos State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mancos State Park has received mixed reviews, with common praise for its clean facilities, beautiful scenery, and diverse recreational activities. Some negative comments include issues with trash, reservation challenges, and additional fees.
Review Summaries
Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers often noted the park's cleanliness, beautiful mountain views, abundant recreational options, and friendly staff. The yurts and stargazing opportunities also received specific praise.
Based on 82 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include additional entrance fees beyond the reservation cost, limited availability of showers and flush toilets, and trash along the shoreline. Some reviewers found the reservation system...
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Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive with a reservation, and be aware of additional entrance fees. Opt for west-side campsites for seclusion and bear boxes. Bring extra trash bags to help keep the area clean.
Based on 82 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the lake's activities, while winter reviews focus on snowshoeing and the 'magical' experience of winter yurt camping. Spring can be challenging due to snow cover on campsites.
Based on 82 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fishing was excellent on both trips, and the hiking trail around the lake is nice." - A Smith. "Winter yurt camping is a magical experience." - Abe Young. "West side campsites are secluded and offer...
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Based on 82 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

West side sites are described as secluded with bear boxes, while east side sites include potable water and more amenities. Campsite 25 is noted as undesirable due to proximity to an outhouse.
Based on 82 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited details on accessibility, but the park has basic trails and well-maintained grounds.
Based on 82 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but leash rules are strictly enforced. Most reviewers had positive experiences bringing their dogs.
Based on 82 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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