Ridgway State Park, Colorado

[CajunCamper]

In June, my wife, my son and I will be traveling to Colorado for a week of fun and adventure. Unfortunately because of tow vehicle issues we will not be bringing the pop-up. We are actually flying from New Orleans to Albuquerque and then renting an SUV to drive the rest of the way. Because we will be flying, we will be packing very lite when it comes to camping gear. We are going to be experimenting over the next several weeks with our packing techniques and strategies to make sure we have all the necessities while complying with airline regulations. Once we land and pick up the SUV, our next stop will be for two nights at Mesa Verde National Park. From there we drive up to Ridgway State Park where we will stay for the remaining 5 nights. I have to tell you a secret, it's been a long time since we did a lot of tent camping and our bones are getting a little stiffer so don't tell anyone, but we will be staying in the lodge at Mesa Verde for two nights and then our first three nights at Ridgway State Park will be spent in what they call a yurt. A yurt has a wooden floor with canvas sides and a canvas roof, it has a screened sunroof for stargazing and comes equiped with a couple of beds and a futon. It also has electricity with a refridgerator and a microwave and the bathhouse is within walking distance. Sound a lot like my pop-up. The last two nights we will actually be sleeping in a tent in the primitive area of the campground, I hear the views from this area are breathtaking. Anyway, I was wondering if any of you have stayed at either Mesa Verde or Ridgway and if so do you have any tips. Also this will be the first time that we have packed for a camping trip in which we had to catch a flight, so if you have done this before and have tips, please let us know. By the way, our tow vehicle is out of commision while I make some much needed repairs and upgrades.

CajunCamper

[Bear]

We were in Mesa Verde and Ridgeway both last summer.  You will enjoy MV in thelodge--we had the PUP and campsites were typical for NPS.  I really enjoyed Ridgeway and saw the Yerts there.  I like all the campsites up on the ridge much better than the area down next to the lake.  My DIL would tell you to be sure and take in the hot springs/baths/pools at Ouray.  The drive from Durango-Silverton-Ouray-Ridgeway is worth doing more than once.  My grandkids are still talking about the trip.  Ridgeway was clean and well managed with pay showers and laundry available.
Bear