Mesa Verde

[kelpie]

Still working on my summer trip. I was kind of thinking I would stay at the cg inside the NP, mostly because I don't have a toad. Reading about the roads made me think I should probably rent a car for the couple of days I'd be there. Only place close is Enterprise and they wanted 42.99 per day(weekdays) and was debating whether or not I wanted to spend that. My youngest is working for them while he finishes his final semester in college and last year used his discount to get me a great deal in SD. He graduates in May so won't be working for them anymore. I asked if he knew of any discounts I could use and he told me that as long as he makes the reservation now while he is still employed, his rate applies. I called the local office in Cortez to see how far they would be able to pick me up. The young lady said that she mostly works alone so she is limited to 10 miles or so and the NP is too far, but she told me about one within range that is right outside the entrance. I looked the park up, got great reviews, looks good and with GS discount will be no more than Morefield (inside NP) with hookups. I will feel MUCH better driving a small compact car thru the park than freaking out out the MH so it's a great deal all around. Once in a while, it pays off to have a kid!

[JudyJB]

I think you are making the right decision with the rental car. I was there last summer camping with my son and his family in a motorhome, but we camped just across the road right outside the park. I had a rental car so we drove in.

I think if you were there off-season, like early May or mid-september, parking inside the national park and staying at the campgrounds would be nice, but they are right about the roads being curvy. We did see some motorhomes stopped at pullovers, but it would be a lot more relaxing to have a rental car.

Frankly, that is what I plan to do on those few times when driving my RV does not make sense. Please let us know how it goes.

[Sandersmr]

We did Mesa Verde in a church bus - 30 passenger size and we did well inside the park. But getting a car is not a bad idea. And if I remember correctly, we camped at the KOA right outside the park.

[cookiemom]

Kelpie,

The two RV parks that are right outside the entrance to Mesa Verde are both nice, but I prefer the one that is called A & A Mesa Verde RV Park, Phone 970 565-3517. It is the RV park closest to the entrance to Mesa Verde. The owners seem friendlier than the other one. I have stayed there a few times. They have a small clean pool, as well as clean bathrooms. When I was there last, they also had a community campfire/marshmallow roast which I thought was a nice way to meet other campers.

The other RV park is just another 1/4 mile toward Mancos from the entrance and it is called Mesa Verde RV park, Phone 970 533-7421.

The KOA is actually in Cortez, which is approximately 8 miles from the entrance, and it has very little, if any shade. The prices are also higher at the KOA than the A & A Mesa Verde RV Park.

I hope you will look me up when you are in the area. I tried to p.m. you my info but I couldn't get it to work...

Debbie

[kelpie]

Debbie, the A & A is the one I was planning on. I will definitely contact you once I get close. At this time, my ETA is around July 31.

[cookiemom]

Kelli,

That sounds great. As far as I know I should be in town around then. Hopefully we will have a chance to get together before you head on to your next destination.

Feel free to PM me with any questions you have on the area that I may be able to answer or find out the information for you.

Debbie

[kelpie]

Thanks. I plan to be there 3 nights.