## Overview

 A short drive up the gravel road that leads to the Bureau of Land Management\_\_\_s Zapata Falls Campground (CG) will let visitors to the area see the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes National Park &amp; Preserve from a whole new perspective. The campground offers bird\_\_\_s-eye views of the valley floor below, the San Juan Mountains to the west, the adjacent Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and several 14er\_\_\_s and many other towering peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range that Zapata Falls CG sits on \_\_\_ not to mention spectacular sunrises, sunsets and night skies!\_\_\_\_ Zapata Falls CG has 23 single campsites, 1 group site and 1 camp host site nestled among pi\_\_on pines along two one-mile long loops. The sites on one loop are designed for tent campers. Parking spurs on the second loop vary a little in length but in general can handle RVs, towed campers, or other configurations of vehicles up to about 50 feet long.\_\_\_\_ A new trailhead in the campground supplies a link to the South Zapata Creek Trail and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. A second trail, next door to the campground in the day-use area, leads visitors on a mildly steep half-mile hike to Zapata Falls, which gives the campground its name. 
## Recreation

 Zapata Falls Recreation Area is a destination known for its waterfall viewing and sweeping vistas of the San Luis Valley, its soaring mountain ranges, and the adjacent Great Sand Dunes National Park. From the waterfall, the trail continues onto the Rio Grande National Forest, for those seeking a backcountry experience in the high country above and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness.\_\_ Recreation Sites \_\_\_ Standard Nonelectric \_\_\_ Rv Nonelectric \_\_\_ Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric \_\_\_ Overnight 
## Facilities

 \_\_\_ Road signs from highway to Recreation Area. \_\_\_ Improved gravel roads in Recreation Area (no pavement). \_\_\_ No public drinking water system. \_\_\_ 6 vault (or pit-type) toilets. \_\_\_ Trash bins throughout campground and day-use areas. \_\_\_ 23 Individual sites (11 Tent, 12 RV, 1 Group Tent, 1 CG Host Site, 7 Picnic sites. \_\_\_ Standard campground amenities-table, tent pads, fire ring, food storage locker, parking. \_\_\_ Interpretive, informational, and directional signs. \_\_\_ Trailhead and overflow parking areas. \_\_\_ Foot and horse trails. \_\_\_ All facilities open year-round. \_\_\_ Cell phone service is good. 
## Natural Features

 Zapata Falls Special Recreation Management Area The Zapata Falls Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) is rich in history and geology and offers opportunities to hike, camp, mountain bike and view spectacular scenery. Zapata Falls and the 628 acres surrounding them are State Trust Lands owned by the Colorado State Land Board and are also a designated Colorado Natural Area. They are cooperatively managed with the Bureau of Land Management. History The name \_\_\_Zapata\_\_\_ is the Spanish word for shoe and is tied to the history of settlement in the San Luis Valley. In 1864, Mexican families established the community of Zapata at the western base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and raised sheep and other livestock. In the 1870s, cattleman consolidated land holdings and established one of the San Luis Valley\_\_\_s first and largest cattle ranches know as Zapata Ranch, which remains an active ranch today.\_\_ Geology Zapata Falls SRMA perches on the edge of an active rift valley. The San Luis Valley was formed when geologic activity along the Rio Grande Rift, a giant crack in the earth\_\_\_s top layers, caused the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains to rise and the flat plain of the San Luis Valley to sink. Bedrock lies 5,000 to 13,000 feet below the valley floor, beneath layers of gravel, soil, and water. Approximately two million years ago, alpine glaciers inched down the steep slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Water flowing from the glacier and snowfields in the valley above found a weak spot near the end of a moraine \_\_\_ a huge rock pile deposited thousands of years ago by a glacier. For thousands of years, water has carved its path, forming Zapata Falls. Don\_\_\_t Take the Plunge at Zapata Falls The cold waters of South Zapata Creek drop more than 25 feet through a narrow, rocky canyon. Please use extreme caution when hiking or wading around the base of Zapata Falls. In spring and summer, the water is cold, the current may be strong, and the rocks are slippery. In winter, climbing to the base of the falls is a slick proposition. Zapata Creek freezes into a sheet of ice blanketed by snow. Beware, the ice may not be thick enough to support your weight. There is no view of the falls from above; trying to climb the rocky walls is dangerous to you and to people below you. The falls are home to the black swift, a rare and elusive bird that nests only in the misty reaches of waterfalls. Stay on the trails to keep from disturbing the birds nesting in the cliffs.\_\_ 
## Nearby Attractions

 Zapata Falls Trail\_\_ To reach Zapata Falls, you will need to take a short but arduous hike to Zapata Creek. The falls are upstream from where the trail meets the creek. The only way to view the falls is to get your feet wet by wading carefully upstream to the base of the falls. Length: 1/2 mile each way Elevation: 9,000 to 9,400 feet Connections: South Zapata Lake Trail (U.S. Forest Service Trail #852)\_\_\_\_ Other Nearby Attractions: \_\_\_ NPS-Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_ USFS-Rio Grande National Forest and Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. \_\_\_ BLM-Blanca Wetlands Recreation Area. \_\_\_ USFWS-Baca and Alamosa National Wildlife Refuges. \_\_\_ Great Sand Dunes Oasis-Restaurant, gift shop, and lodge (near GRSA Park entrance). \_\_\_ Ft. Garland Museum and Cultural Center. \_\_\_ Colorado Gators Reptile Park. \_\_\_ UFO Watchtower. \_\_\_ Sand Dunes Hot Springs Pool. Other Nearby Campgrounds: Pinyon Flats CG, Great Sand Dunes NPP

Zapata Falls Campground

Great location with easy access to The Great Sand Dunes. The views of the San Luis Valley are stunning, and a very short walk to one end of the grounds provides gorgeous views of the dunes and San de Cristo peaks. Very busy area with the Zapata Falls trailhead at the entrance of the campgrounds. The sites are well spaced from one another and the hosts seemed to take good care of this heavily used place. We will definitely consider returning to ZFC if in need of a campsite in this part of the valley again.

Zapata

Zapata Falls Campground is a must do!  If Pinon Flats campground is booked, head up here and find a spot.  You get better long views of the Sangre de Cristo  mountain range and dunes from this elevation.

The campground is just a tad over 9,000 ft elevation. There are 23 sites to choose from...one loop is pretty much just tent sites, the second loop RV's can fit.  This is fairly primitive. While there are pit latrines, each site has a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring.  There is no water.  Pack it in...or hike up to Zapata Falls and collect your water (be sure to filter it).

The view really are splendid!  And you are super close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park (about 7 miles away).  Plenty of high altitude hiking to be done!  It is windy, so stake out that tent!  Use bear awareness with food items.

The Falls are pretty cool...but you have to navigate your way up the creek, through what feels almost cave-like and then shinny up a ledge to actually see the 30' falls.  Even in the middle of summer...the water is cold...like ice cold (refreshing...but will numb your feet). I recommend you bring water shoes or sandals of some sort...along with hiking shoes.  The hike there is over some baseball sized rocks on the trail.  I foolishly chose not to bring my water sandals...and my feet were instantly numb.  The creek rocks do not offer sure footing and I wedged my feet between rocks too many times to recount.  It would have been much more enjoyable to have some hard soled water sandals.

The spray from the falls was still cold in mid July, so you didn't want to spend too much time inside the cave-like crevasse.

Important note:  The 3 or so miles up from the paved road is rough...really rough.  SUV's have no problem...but we drove a Honda Civic...and it was getting beat up. The rocks and ruts in the road are super abusive.  We scraped bottom on more than one occasion. I was concerned of breaking a steel belt on my tires.  We made it okay...just take your time.

Splendid Views!

The drive up from the main road is a little rough, but manageable in just about any car I imagine (we were in a VW beetle). We got there at about 2 pm on a Saturday and the campground was half full. This was mid-March; I'm sure in the summer this place fills up VERY quickly. Very clean and gorgeous views any direction you look. It's a 30 minute or so drive to the parking lot of the dunes. 

Perfect for early season camping!

On a whim we decided to go spend the weekend at Great Sand Dunes National Park.  The campgrounds at the park were full so we started looking for campgrounds near by.  We happened upon Zapata Falls Campground and it was even more beautiful than the campground in the national park.  We really enjoyed our stay here.  The drive up the mountain is rough but once you reach the camping area it gets better.  The campsites have picnic tables and fire pits.  There are also toilets available. 

Beautiful Views 

This area in Colorado is one of the most unique places I've seen in a while. There are waterfalls, 750ft sand dunes, a river next to the sand dunes and a cosmic highway where UFO sightings are sought after.

The campground itself is in really good condition and the facilities are very clean compared to facilities seen in the past. The prevailing winds don't stop, but doesn't take long to get used to. There is a beautiful waterfall that is only a 1/4mi from the campground and a 4mi hike that will take you to the lake that feeds the falls.

The dunes are about 30 minutes from the campground, mostly due to the bumpy road.

We really enjoyed our time here and can't wait to come back!

What is this place?

Pros- clean bathroom, friendly camp host, only $11 per night as of May ‘18, right by trail heads for zapata falls and zapata lake, quick to get to the sand dunes views were incredible

cons-no water on site, road up rough for sedans.

Beautiful site close to sand dunes 

Zapata Falls Campground is a Bureau of Land Management no reservations campground with 23 single sites and 1 group site. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table and bear-proof storage box. There are vault toilets but no hookups and no potable water. There are 6 overflow sites; it looks like the day use area near the hike to the falls is used for overflow even though there is a no camping sign. There were several campers there on a Friday night.

This review is 4 stars instead of 5 because of the road to the campground. The road to the campground is 3.5 miles off the road to Great Sand Dunes NP and is advertised as a bumpy dirt road. No kidding! There are lots of rather large rocks and dips as you make a 1,000 foot climb to get to 9,000 feet. We towed a teardrop trailer with a Honda Pilot and hated every minute of it, but people were bringing in larger campers.

If you make it up the road and get a site, it's totally worth the effort. Why? 1) Zapata Falls: the hike is very short but you have to walk through water to get to the falls. It's a very picturesque waterfall. There is also a 6 mile hike to South Zapata Lake. 2) The views of the dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains are spectacular...sunrise, all day and sunset. You can get a decent view from the campground, but it's better at the falls trailhead. And it's even better if you start up the South Zapata Lake trail.

This is a good location if you don't mind the trip up and back down the terrible road. I think the trip to the falls and the views almost offset the road experience.

Tip: get there early. We arrived at 10:30 am on a Thursday. There were lots of sites available even though the "full" sign was up. By late afternoon, almost all sites were full. All sites were occupied before 7 pm. If you come in on a Friday, be there before noon. Always check the permit clipped to the site signpost. People often leave their permit on the post when they leave.

It's worth it if the road doesn't scare you away

No reservations needed but the road up the mountain is not for the faint of heart. Primitive camping and out toilets are worth the sights and hikes. Zapata Falls is cool and inviting and everyone can get there if you are willing to drive to the campground.

Primitive but gorgeous!

One of my favorite campgrounds. Stayed on a weeknight (but during busy season of late July), and it was only half full. Views are amazing, including of the dunes. Sites are far apart for lots of privacy. 10-minute walk to the creek and falls, which are phenomenal. I loved being right there so we could go to them twice without conquering the road up more than once. Yes, the road sucks, but our rented Toyota Corolla made it. Just bring your patience and go SLOW. No water, pit toilets only. Fine by me, because I prefer the quiet and less-crowded conditions that primitive campgrounds tend to foster.

Incredible views and right at the falls

it’s windy up there but if you can get it if it’s not reserved grab the handicapped site by the campsite host, the view is amazing and it’s very accessible 

view was awesome 

This was our last night camping in Colorado and it was beautiful!

Beautiful Views!! 

We stayed here to be close to Great Sand Dunes. We got in late at night and the road was very rough and harder to follow after dark. The campsites are set up on the hillside and offer very little flat space. They do have tent pads so you don't have to worry about sleeping on too much of a pitch. They also include picnic tables, fire rings, and bear lockers. They are serviced by pit toilets. We were not able to find running water, but it may have just been because we were there in the winter.

It was a very cold night on the mountain side and got down to 14 degrees, so be ready for that if you are going in the winter.

We hiked to the waterfall in the morning and it was well worth it. The view from the trail head was very pretty and we were glad we saw it.

The payment machine was broken while we were there and it ended up being by donation. We gladly paid to stay.

Pretty but Small

The road to Zapata Falls is super rough but passenger cars shouldn't have any problem as long as you keep it slow. The campground itself is zigzagged along the hillside. There are big firepits, picnic tables and bearsafe lockers for your food at every site. Some sites have tarps laid out where ideal tent sites are. There are multiple RV sites as well. The camp host is super friendly and does a good job upkeeping the grounds. The is no water access and pit-toilets. There is hand sanitizer in every bathroom though. Just a heads up, the country store down the road towards Great Sand Dunes was closed for the season when we visited, so make sure you have plenty of ice and gas.

Amazing Views, Clean Facilities

Bumpy drive up, but my Honda Accord made it fine. There were a few spots left when we arrived in March on a Saturday. It was a very windy, but sunny. I would stay here again!

Beautiful Views, but Windy

We had a large group come out to camp with 3 dogs. It was a HUGE space and we had it all to ourselves! We were less than 1 hour from Great Sands but we could see the dunes and Mt. Blanca. Sunrise and sunset were amazing from this view.

Directions to get here were complicated at first because it is so far off the road and we came in at night but once we found it, it was easy to find again and the directions made complete sense!

It was perfect weather for this time of year because it wasn't super hot but if you are here in the Summer then be prepared for no shade.

Fantastic Quiet Space 

We camped here during the winter while the car camping in Great Sand Dunes national park was closed. It's about 10 miles from the park and the view of the dunes and the valley is gorgeous. The road in is a little bumpy, but sedans were definitely able to make it.

  

The campground doesn't have a whole lot of trees and some of the sites are close together, but in the quieter winter season we had plenty of privacy. Campground has pit toilets, fire rings, tent pad, picnic table, but no running water. 

  

The nearby hike to Zapata falls is worthwhile too, especially in winter for the giant ice sheets in the canyon.

Great Access to Sand Dunes!

Beautiful camp sites that are perfect for visiting Great Sand Dunes NP. The views are incredible, there are restrooms, fire pits, and all sites are well marked. The road up is long and bumpy but well worth it once you’re there. The only downside about this campground for me was that the sites were a little close together and we could always see our neighbors. That being said, I would absolutely stay here again and recommend it to anyone heading out to the park.

Great sunset views

Nice being so close to Sandunes and there’s 1/2 price camp spots for those with access passes to the national parks

Difficult road VERY bumpy

I just really enjoy the layout of this campground, the nice big bear boxes, and the park ranger who has a cat in his truck sometimes when he cruises around. 

Happy place

The road up is rough. We knew that based on reviews, however, based on the reviews I expected a payout of an awesome campground at the top with great views of the Sand Dunes. The campground did have views but it’s of the farming valley below not the Sand Dunes. The sites were not very level and while some what spaced out not in any way private. Most were along the road that comes in. 

We ended up going back down disappointed. The National Park was full so we stayed at the Oasis. Not much in the way of level campsites again, but hot showers and a bit more private.

Not worth it.

What more do you want from a camp ground? Its great! The proximity to Zapata Falls and the sand dunes offers for beautiful hikes and diverse landscapes. Been wanting to go back here for a few years now.

Great!

Beautiful spot at about 9100 ft. There were plenty of sites available on a Saturday, but we got there around 4pm or so. Fire rings, a host, plenty of trees to tie up your hammocks, and a trailhead with a 5 mile hike up zapata falls and beyond.

Such a beautiful spot!

This site is great. You just need to get there. 

The views are incredible. The sites are spread out enough that you don’t feel like campers are stacked on top of each other. The camp host is friendly and attentive. The bathrooms are as clean as can be. Your proximity to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Zapata Falls can’t be beat. 

The only drawback is the road to get to the site is very rough and rocky. It takes an easy 20-30 minutes of driving just to go 3ish miles. Along with the road, the sites themselves are also rocky under the soil so it can be difficult to drive your tent stakes at times. 

Great site with a few drawbacks 

We visited the falls just a few days ago and it is so worth the trip. Use caution on the road up to the falls as it is extremely rough 

Amazing

Yeah... the road is bumpy. My Subaru made it fine. Most cars will make it up the hill just fine. Drive slow and be smart. The campsite was straightforward. I was at site #7 for tents. Good amount of shade, nice views, and a flat padded area for the tent. My only complaints would be people showing up late and being noisy and some guy who was yelling on his cell phone literally all day from the back of his camper, but these are situational and you can’t beat that view. Close to the dunes, clean bathrooms and sites, and safe. Good for everyone including kids and pups.

Bumpy Road, Great View

This was my most primitive campsite up to the point of staying here! I was surprised to find there was a camp host, but Tim was great. The vault toilets were the cleanest and freshest I’ve ever experienced.
I was in campsite 24, which is technically a site for campers/RVs, but luckily there was a clearing for a tent just below the car pull in and there was also a path already worn from that tent clearing to the bathroom, so it almost felt like I had a private entrance. lol

The sites are first come, first serve, but I def saw people camping along the route up when I drove back up late at night one night. Also, most people are pretty much “one and done” with this campsite, so if you’re determined to stay here, but don’t find something on your first try, just come back in the morning.

Great views of the valley below on a clear day!

The road up is 3.5 miles from the highway and it is ROUGH. It is manageable with a 2wd drive car (I have a Camry), but my hands were sweating the whole way. This road stays fairly busy with visitors to see the falls. There is also a trail to Zapata Lake, which few seem to take advantage of.

Rough road, great views

I spent a night here earlier this summer, back in May. Amazing find. The road up to it is long and can be pretty rough (gravel, but with big rocks and dips) so if you're in a low-clearance car might want to take it slow.

  
The campground overlooks a huge expanse and the views are really stunning. Sunset and sunrise are perfect, and you can see Great Sand Dunes National Park off to the right. Maybe the campsite with the best views of all those I've ever stayed at. Really kind of mind-boggling if the weather is clear and the visibility is good.

  

Waylan, the camp host when I was there, is a total character but a really nice guy. We made friends with him and he decided to take us up for a midnight hike to the water fall. So cool. Headlamps and rock-jumping trying not to get wet as we made our way up the creek. Definitely give this man a beer if you see him. He even hooked us up with some camp wood when we realized we forgot to buy some.

  

On that note, it does take a while to get up here and to get back, and when you get back to the main road it's still in the middle of nowhere so you might want to stock up on ice and food and wood and whatever else you might want if you're planning on hunkering down for a while. 

  

All in all, a truly special spot. Next time I'm in southern Colorado I'm definitely heading back. Hopefully Waylan will still be there.

Incredible views, waterfall hike, friendly host, good stuff.

These sites were pretty large and very private. There was plenty of space in the surrounding trees to explore a little. Each site was very unique in its space and set up, which is really cool.  

  

Clean vault/pit toilets were available with toilet paper provided, but you need your own sanitizer.  

  

The proximity to an amazing trail to the Falls is of course an obvious bonus.  

  

Group camp sites are available (although not during COVID)

Tent sites have amazing privacy

Not far from Great Sand Dunes NP, this state park has some very nice spots and a easy hike to the falls. We were there the last ski day of the year in April and we had the entire campground to ourselves. Maybe that's why I liked it so much. :)

  

Leave no trace.

We were by ourselves that night

Beautiful views, easily the best place to camp in the area. Overlooks all of the San Luis valley

Great views

Stayed here 4/30/21. The location itself is beautiful, with sweeping views, waterfall, and excellent night sky. However, it was crowded and overrun with people. There was no host at this site which made things even more hectic as folks were camping all over the place. Additionally, cars kept driving through the full campground all night looking for open spots. Although it’s a majestic location, I would only consider revisiting in the off season since I am a camper who likes to get away from people.

Loud and Busy

I wouldn't make a point to come back but wouldn't avoid it. We camped here for proximity to the sand dunes, obviously, which I'm sure is the goal of those of you reading this review.

The road driving up is about 20-30 mins and pretty rough/bumpy. All sorts of cars made it, just know your abilities. They are doing work on the road so hopefully it will improve. No paving, just leveling it out.

The campground is a bit exposed although has lots of  shorter juniper trees. 

The sites are pretty small, not spacious, and RIGHT next to the gravel campground road so lots of dust constantly as people circle the campground. Tent pads dont really exist/aren't clearly marked and sort of a "make it yourself" thing. 

We tried to rig a sun shade due to the exposure and intense sun, but it was a joke because the wind was SERIOUS. Calm in the morning and evenings but during the day the wind seriously is very gusty and honestly gets pretty annoying.

We arrived around 10:30 am on a Friday to 3 spots remaining. They were gone within 20minutes. Check out time I believe is 11 am so that's around the time to show up. After finding a spot and then wandering the campground, there is actually a little overflow loop of maybe 5 or 6 sites for tents only. I don't believe you can leave your car. They seemed much more private and enjoyable, better shaded. I think the cars have to be left at the trailhead parking.

The host was a very pleasant older man frequently walking around, chatting with campers and patrolling. He helped to resolve a dispute about site reservation with the people next to us and everyone seemed pleased.

Bathrooms very clean.

Zapata Falls trail is right at the campground and an easy and pretty little hike. Did it with 3 dogs. 1 mile total- out and back.

\*Tip for visiting the dunes. Go early morning or later/evening. Sand gets super hots, esp for dogs paws. Even the cool sand aggravated my dogs paws after about 20 minutes.

Very WINDY! BYO water

Rough road coming in but still doable for low clearance and 2WD. Sites and pretty cramped for those in groups but still doable for the one we stayed in. Bathrooms and trash receptacles were nice and clean.

Good spot outside of Great Sand Dunes

Great campground, a lot of room between camp sites, bathrooms are clean, the only downfall is the road up. Very bumping, we took our 15ft pop-up and it was fine. They are working on the road so hopefully it’ll be done by end of summer. Great place to camp if you are looking to go to the Dunes for a day. 

Dog friendly, drink friendly, great views! 

Great campground!

The sites were nicely spread out and had amazing views. It was a short hike to the waterfall &amp; only about 30 minutes from the Dunes!

Beautiful 

A long drive up the road to get to this one but the views are worth it. $11 dollars a night. The camp host is rude, when asked simple questions about the area was met with hostility, he also keeps his generator on all night even though the camp rules say they are to be shut off at Ten pm. The other campers where friendly and most helpful. 

Breath taking

Very sketchy and uncomfortable. Camp host is disrespectful and unhelpful. He runs his generator all night. There’s a guy who apparently does a radio show from a site on the RV loop and he is constantly intoxicated and loud throughout the night. Worst camping experience i’ve ever had. Did not feel safe. 


Don’t camp here 

I liked it a lot! It was my dogs first ever camping experience and he loved it. There was an insane amount of dogs there at the time which kinda sucked but it was cool! The roads a little rough but nothing super crazy! The falls are gorgeous. I tried to take my dog here who’s kind of old and is just getting into camping since we moved here but he slipped into the creek and had enough of it lol. Some of the people are incredibly rude too seeing as how it’s a one way to the falls and they might as well push you out of the way to see it. Other than that it was great though! 

Super cool campground with a trail 

Each campsite has a bear box, a picnic table and a fire ring. Cell service for t-mobile is awesome. There is road work happening on the way up so it will be rough and bumpy. No camp host in October and the fee tube was taped off, however reservations came be made on recreation.gov. Bathrooms were clean, well stocked and had hand sanitizer. Water pumps were shut off for winter. 

Windy but beautiful

Giving Zapata Falls a 4/5 because when we went and camped the California wildfires had obscured the views of the surrounding area. It was cool to see the sand dunes from the look out on the north side of the camp ground. We were camped at an overlook and the park host was an absolute charm, we talked to him often and he rode around and checked the camp grounds often. 

Zapata Falls

The road up is long but has a beautiful view of the mountains and nearby trails you can walk to. Tent spots are nice and usually tucked into the trees, also lots of places to hang a hammock. Little windy but not bad. Amazing view of the stars


Great spot 

Great spot. Easy access to dunes. But the hike to the waterfall was amazing! We went from hot sand to a frozen waterfall on the same day!

Quick drive to the dunes 

Stayed here two nights while visiting Great Sand Dunes, because the Pinon Flats campground at the park had already booked up basically six months to the day in advance - but very glad we stayed here instead.  The views of the San Luis valley were insanely beautiful.  Star gazing was spectacular.  The hike to the frozen waterfall was one of the highlights of our two-week trip.  And during our stay, a grass fire broke out at Sand Dunes forcing them to close the park for half a day, but since we were at Zapata Falls it didn't affect us and we were able to still spend the day hiking on the mountain.  The drive up is lengthy but the road is in pretty good shape, there was a crew working on it while we were there.

THIS is the place to stay if you're visiting Great Sand Dunes

We loved this place. Plenty of privacy between campsites, and the view was unbelievable. Very close to the sand dunes, great sunsets. 

This is a very cool place. It is high above the San Luis valley, with a great view of the dunes in the distance, and amazing sunsets. If you go, reserve online before you get there or the moment that you get there. It was a little confusing that you couldn’t just pay with cash as we used to be able to do, and you had to find a decent cell signal and go onto recreation.gov, and look at availability, and enter your credit card in, etc. Anyhow, the location is awesome, and would be just perfect if you could just pay cash for those of us that role of the old school way.

Cool campground, no cash pay option annoying. 

There are no frills at Zapata Falls--no hook-ups, no hosts, and only vault toilets. But you don't plan a trip to this campground for the amenities: you plan a trip for the views (and proximity to Great Sand Dunes National Park). On these points, Zapata Falls doesn't disappoint. The drive up to the campground is long and steep, but once you arrive, it's worth it. We could see for miles from our campsite. 

  

The sites were mostly pretty private. We really couldn't see anyone from our site but like most of the sites at this campground, it was situated tight against the road, so you do see folks when they walk or drive by. I wouldn't plan another trip just to come back to this campsite but would definitely consider it if we were in the area again.

Great views, away from it all 

This was a great spot. Yea it is a steep climb but the road is paved so no big deal. We pulled in around 9:30pm in the dark in a Prius and we were fine. 

Campsites are pretty and come with a table, bear box and fire ring. 

Some spots like #13 had views that were incredible. Lots of privacy between most spots. Easy to get to, easy to walk around, easy to camp in - pretty much a can’t miss! 

You do have to reserve online now in advance (I got one same day) and be away that in addition to the $11 camping fee there is an $8 fee to book online. Kind of a bummer for one night but if you stayed here a few nights it wouldn’t matter much. 

They have trash and toilets too. No running water. 

When we were there the weather was perfect. Bit chilly but felt good on the skin and I wore shorts. It was perfect. Skies were a beautiful pink in the morning. 
