Camping spots near Alamosa, Colorado sit at an elevation of 7,500 feet in the San Luis Valley, the largest alpine valley in the world. The region's high desert climate creates dramatic temperature swings between day and night, often dropping 30-40 degrees after sunset. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can plunge below zero, while summer brings hot days with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September.
What to do
Hike to Zapata Falls: Located 3 miles from the Zapata Falls Campground, this short but rewarding trail leads to an impressive waterfall. "The nearby hike to Zapata falls is worthwhile too, especially in winter for the giant ice sheets in the canyon," reports one visitor who appreciated the seasonal variation.
Sandboarding: Rent equipment before entering the park for better rates. "I would recommend renting a sand board before you enter the park (it was $20 at the oasis just before the park entrance) so you only have to wait in the line once," advises a camper who stayed at Pinon Flats Campground.
Stargazing: The San Luis Valley offers exceptional night sky viewing at Sacred White Shell Mountain. One camper noted, "We stayed a week and half in late June 2019. Dark skies there. You can see the Milky Way with the naked eye."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings are best for spotting desert wildlife. "We saw some swift foxes one morning as well," mentions a visitor at Rabbit Hole Ranch, highlighting the unexpected wildlife encounters possible in this arid landscape.
What campers like
Private bathrooms: At Base Camp Family Campground, the facilities receive consistent praise. "The shower house was fairly new and wonderful," notes one visitor, while another mentions "Super clean showers and bathrooms! WiFi speed was amazing actually."
Hot springs access: The mineral-rich waters provide welcome relief after hiking. "The hot springs consist of a large outdoor pool and a couple of smaller pools. It's $15 to soak or half price if you camp there," explains a visitor at Sand Dunes Recreation.
Helpful hosts: Campground staff throughout the area provide excellent service. At Cool Sunshine RV Park, "They were very helpful and accepted me on short notice. It was a quiet and peaceful night with a lovely mountain view in the morning," reports one thankful camper.
Dispersed camping privacy: For those seeking solitude, many appreciate the spacing between sites. "The sites were decently spaced apart and each offered electrical hookups, sheltered picnic tables and fire pits with grills," notes a camper who stayed at Mosca Campground.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some campgrounds require specific passes. "You will need and I was personally asked by the camp host to show my seasonal SWA pass. These are very easy to get for as little as 10 bucks if you are a senior or a junior," explains a camper at Mosca Campground about the required State Wildlife Area permits.
Weather extremes: Strong winds can impact camping experience. "It can be windy at night but the sunsets and sunrises are guaranteed to wow you!" shares a visitor at Base Camp Family Campground, while another camper warns, "We were in a brief windstorm with sand all in our trailer."
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating rough roads. "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," cautions a visitor to Zapata Falls Campground.
Tent site variations: Check site details before booking. "Some sites are only tent-friendly with parking parallel to the sight and then walking up to a tent area. Other spots work for smaller vans, trailers, etc.," advises a Pinon Flats camper.
Tips for camping with families
Camp activities: Some sites offer entertainment beyond hiking. At Sand Dunes Recreation, "There is also a basketball court, coin operated showers and laundry, water hook ups, and electric hookups," notes a visitor appreciating the family-friendly amenities.
Seasonal planning: Visit in spring for flowing water. "Medano creek was shallow but refreshing by mid-July...but is a wild playground in May and June with snowmelt runoff from what we heard," shares a Pinon Flats visitor.
Bug protection: Mosquitoes are prevalent in summer months. A camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis recommends, "There is a dishwashing station also. Lots are close together. Super close to the dunes - you get a great view of them from the campground."
Shade considerations: Many sites offer limited natural shade. "Landscape is natural with great views of the mountains, only downfall is no trees, so no shade," observes a Base Camp Family Campground visitor, suggesting bringing canopies or shelters.
Tips from RVers
Hookup quality: Full-service sites available at several campgrounds. "Water, 30amp, and sewer are right next to each other which I prefer. Dirt pad wasn't too bad to level our rig. Took a couple blocks to level it out," notes a camper at Base Camp Family Campground.
Site selection: Research site dimensions before booking. "When you pull in drive about a mile down the road past the helicopter pad and you will start seeing sites on the left and right with fire pits," advises a visitor to Sacred White Shell Mountain about finding the best spots for larger rigs.
Dump stations: Plan your water management carefully. "The area is about 20-25 minutes to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. We were able to get potable water there (at the dump station) and dump as we were leaving," explains a camper who stayed at Sacred White Shell Mountain.
Temperature management: Unique features affect camping comfort. At Sand Dunes Recreation, "One funny thing is if you have an rv and hook up to the water, it is fed from the hot springs so the water is always very warm. Didn't get to test out our hot water heater at this location!"
