Zapata Falls Campground
Quinn Z.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2020

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

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.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Zapata Falls Campground by Quinn Z., September 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Zapata Falls Campground by Quinn Z., September 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Zapata Falls Campground by Quinn Z., September 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Zapata Falls Campground by Quinn Z., September 29, 2020