Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Antonito, CO has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Antonito. Find the best campgrounds near Antonito, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
A short drive up the gravel road that leads to the Bureau of Land Managements Zapata Falls Campground (CG) will let visitors to the area see the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve from a whole new perspective. The campground offers birds-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 14ers 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.
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
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 Valleys 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 earths 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. Dont 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.
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
Aspen Glade Campground sits on the Conejos River in southern Colorado, providing a premium setting for fly fishing and peaceful nature watching.
Forest Road 250 provides an unforgettable scenic drive, where visitors are met with sweeping views of the Conejos Canyon and River. Just upstream of the campground is a section of "Gold Medal" trout fishing, offering top-tier fishing for large quality trout. Just 168 miles of the 9,000 miles of trout streams in Colorado are designated with this title. The nearby Sheep Creek Trail is also highly recommended for avid hikers.
Within the campground, Loop A and B are lightly wooded with Ponderosa pines. Loop C is heavily wooded with tall, mature spruce, aspen and fir trees. It lies along the fast-flowing Conejos River. The understory for all campsites is grass topped with pine needles. Aspen Glade sits near the border of New Mexico at 8,500 feet. It is situated between the Carson and Rio Grande National Forests. Wildlife in the region includes bear, deer, elk and a variety of birds.
Visitors can ride a traditional steam engine at the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad on a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns.
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
$26 - $33 / night
Nestled between the breathtaking San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 7,550 feet, the San Luis Valley is your gateway to adventure. This KOA is near the golden ridges of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where you can hike dunes up to 750 feet tall. It's also at the base of Colorado's fourth tallest mountain, 14,345-foot Blanca Peak.
$25 - $169 / night
Ponderosa Campground is located at the northwest end of the Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. 28 tent and medium sized RV sites can be accommodated at Ponderosa. All sites are first-come first-served.
Note: During dry conditions, the first 7 miles of Soap Creek Road are passable to trailers and RVs. Rain can make the Soap Creek Road hazardous or impassable.
Elk Creek Campground is located in Conejos County, approximately 23 miles west of Antonito, Colorado. Located in the lower portion of the Conejos Canyon a short distance from Highway 17, it is an easily reached destination for visitors to the area. Elk Creek runs alongside the campground. The elevation of the campground is 8,500 ft.
Consider a day trip to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, about 23 miles from the campground. Fishing, hunting, hiking, scenic driving and wildlife watching are some of the popular activities in the area. Elk Creek and Duck Lake trailheads are a short distance away, both of which are access points to the South San Juan Wilderness Area.
The campground is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pine trees. The understory is grass with some campsites located next to Elk Creek. The campground is conveniently located within close proximity to the South San Juan Wilderness Area.
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
Nearby Elk Creek has fishing, including brown and rainbow trout. Two hiking trails are also nearby and lead into the south San Juan Wilderness. These trails access Dipping Lakes and Duck Lake and are an easy to intermediate hike.
$29 - $33 / night
Mogote Campground is located along the Conejos River, making it a perfect location for fishing and hiking. The pleasant campground is well shaded by groves of ponderosa pine and a mixture of cottonwood, spruce, willow and aspen. The campground is also in close proximity to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, home of America's highest and longest, coal fired, steam operated narrow-gauge railroad.
The Conejos River is a Gold Medal River, offering a high potential for trophy trout fishing. Rainbow and brown trout are the most common species in the river. Popular hikes include the 15-mile Elk Creek Trail and the 10.9-mile South Fork Conejos Trail.
The Conejos River is a Gold Medal River, offering a high potential for trophy trout fishing. Rainbow and brown trout are the most common species in the river. Popular hikes include the 15-mile Elk Creek Trail and the 10.9-mile South Fork Conejos Trail.
The campground sits at an elevation of 8,400 feet, and is separated into an upper and lower loop. The lower loop sits along the fast-flowing Conejos River and many sites face the water. The campground is perched in a wooded section along the river valley. Rio Grande National Forest stretches across 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The forest encompasses a myriad of ecosystems ranging from high elevation desert at 7,600 feet above sea level to rocky crags at over 14,300 feet in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad can be accessed from Antonito. The train makes a 640-mile journey through abandoned mining towns, creating great entertainment for young and old.
$160 - $164 / night
$20 - $65 / night
$32 / night
A short drive up the gravel road that leads to the Bureau of Land Managements Zapata Falls Campground (CG) will let visitors to the area see the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve from a whole new perspective. The campground offers birds-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 14ers 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.
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
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 Valleys 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 earths 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. Dont 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.
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
Aspen Glade Campground sits on the Conejos River in southern Colorado, providing a premium setting for fly fishing and peaceful nature watching.
Forest Road 250 provides an unforgettable scenic drive, where visitors are met with sweeping views of the Conejos Canyon and River. Just upstream of the campground is a section of "Gold Medal" trout fishing, offering top-tier fishing for large quality trout. Just 168 miles of the 9,000 miles of trout streams in Colorado are designated with this title. The nearby Sheep Creek Trail is also highly recommended for avid hikers.
Within the campground, Loop A and B are lightly wooded with Ponderosa pines. Loop C is heavily wooded with tall, mature spruce, aspen and fir trees. It lies along the fast-flowing Conejos River. The understory for all campsites is grass topped with pine needles. Aspen Glade sits near the border of New Mexico at 8,500 feet. It is situated between the Carson and Rio Grande National Forests. Wildlife in the region includes bear, deer, elk and a variety of birds.
Visitors can ride a traditional steam engine at the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad on a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns.
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
$26 - $33 / night
Nestled between the breathtaking San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 7,550 feet, the San Luis Valley is your gateway to adventure. This KOA is near the golden ridges of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where you can hike dunes up to 750 feet tall. It's also at the base of Colorado's fourth tallest mountain, 14,345-foot Blanca Peak.
$25 - $169 / night
Ponderosa Campground is located at the northwest end of the Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. 28 tent and medium sized RV sites can be accommodated at Ponderosa. All sites are first-come first-served.
Note: During dry conditions, the first 7 miles of Soap Creek Road are passable to trailers and RVs. Rain can make the Soap Creek Road hazardous or impassable.
Scout
Everything was as described. They are open during the winter. The showers were hot and clean! Lovely views to wake up too!
Guide
Picnic table, running water in spigots, fire ring and a view. We drove our van right to the spot. Clean pit toilets. $7/night
Traveler
This spot is pretty open with room for a small rv or tent camping. Area Code It's a short drive up to Poage Lake at the top of the mountain and also a short drive to Beaver Creek Reservoir down the mountain.
Ranger
Stayed in spot R1 which is pretty small/crowded in, but near river and trees. Lovely duck and geese ponds and river walk, also dog park. Clean restrooms and showers but no changing stalls in either mens/womens shower. Very quiet and affordable. Near to grocery. Grounds are well-kept and healthy & green (lots of trees, shrubs, beautiful walk by river). Sorry pics are a bit washed out, doesn't do it justice.
Traveler
Was able to find a really nice open spot with amazing views of the mountains. Was big and spacious enough for me and my friend to camp in our vans. No one around for miles!
Scout
Gated off. Not accessible
Guide
Parked on edge of flat in trees close to creek. Nice ambient noise. Fire rings, metal and stone. Plenty of room. Two vault toilets were clean plenty if TP. Lots of trails, bridge over creek, lakes are near by foot.
Legend
I walked up the road about three miles on the way to the lake because the beginning of the road was way to rough for my van with large rocks about 6 inch diameter. There were lots of people disperse camping on the hilside above Como Road.
Ranger
We camped right to. The Red River, the site was fairly clean but we cleaned up what the campground host failed to pick up.
Picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilet was clean.
This is a great place to stay and it allows for day trips into Taos and Valle Vidal which is a spectacular trip. We saw large herds of bison roaming and had to wait for 20 minutes while they crossed the dirt road.
Traveler
Got here on a Saturday night in September and found a spot right away. It had been raining for awhile too. No issue on the road with a kia sorento.
Traveler
20 gravel sites in the desert about 6 miles NW of Taos. Only issue is there was only 1 men's room and 1 woman's room. But since we were smallest rig in our Sprinter van it wasn't an issue as I think others in Class A and C rigs had their own showers.
Guide
There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy. The dogs love the river and to run through it. No one really bothers anyone. There are toilets at some of the sites. Very clean. We had storms while camping. At least six rock/mud slides on the road. I don't know who, but someone managed to clean it all up in record time. We've had a great time, even with the rain and hail. We will definitely come back.
Scout
Mostly RV sites, some tent sites. Some with no hookups, partial hookand full hookups. Awesome staff. Full bathroom & laundry facilities.
ScoutLocked gate at indicated entry point.
GuideNot much tree cover at a lot of these spots. Great location to be close enough to the dunes.
Was pretty windy and sandy while we were there
GuideThe weather is perfect in the summer! The Cumbres & Toltec steam train goes by the campground twice a day at the trestle. The Rio Chama flows along the edge of the campground. The staff was friendly and helpful. The town of Chama is within walking distance. Definitely worth staying.
Guide
So close to Sand Dunes and just beautiful with a waterfall. Loved it
LegendNice campsite. Bathrooms were locked and no host on site today maybe due to holiday. Plenty of hiking nearby. Hike to the falls is short and worth it. You can also hike further up to the lake.
TravelerDispersed sites start about 1 mile east of Hwy 150. Very quiet! T-Mobile 5G at 4 bars.
Legend
Very easy access to several spots in the area. Can hike up the mountain.
Legend
We booked here last minute on a holiday weekend and we were thankful they had a spot for us! The campground parking area is just that. It’s a place to park for the night, with full hook ups. No wifi. The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible! The bath house was clean. There is a store and restaurant in property. They also have cabins to rent. . My only complaint…this is a dark sky area with expansive views of the sky and the opportunity to see the Milky Way. This is not something g I get to see at home! However, all the giant campers had their bright lights on at night and it really messed with viewing of the sky. I wish there was a rule of no outside lights at night. It’s unnecessary! If you are one of those people that leave your lights on when you go in for the night, please reconsider!
RangerWe spent one night here so we could go to the park. Nice enough campground with level spaces and full hook ups. We paid $54. Area also has cabins and a lodge as well as a store with a little restaurant. The showers were amazing at this place. Nice hot copious amounts of water and very clean. About 4 miles from the park entrance. Sandunes were pretty cool, but unless you want to hike to the very top of them, you could easily only spend two hours at the most here. 
Guide
We spent a few nights in the dispersed area near Hopewell . We rolled in at 5 and had plenty of sites to choose from. We chose one of the lower areas, with one large open space surrounded by smaller sites. There were many more up the road, and there was constant traffic headed uphill until about 9PM. Once the traffic stopped it was very quiet, only the cattle calling through the trees. It rained for several hours and our spot stayed solid. Some offshoot roads were rutted out. The main road had minimal rocks and holes, didn't get very muddy. TMobile\Google mobile service worked well enough. Verizon did not work.
ScoutNo water sources within walking distance. The lake is aways away. It's a pull off on the dirt road that's big enough to fit a small camper on the side of a cliff with high exposure. No cover for thunderstorms.
Traveler
There’s plenty of spots off the main road, but seems like you need to get there early. We showed up around 6 pm. The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn’t trust our minivan going through the “unmaintained” section, we turned around and were able to find a connecting side road that had plenty of open space out there. When entering the road initially, the side road would be about half way up to your left. Pretty close to Great Sand Dunes National Park, so we were happy with this location! Nice mountain view.
Guidei had an amazing time here. my site was great, so clean with a breathtaking view, clean bathrooms close by, and a bear locker! there is so much to do and the falls were insane. if you go past the trail and into the water to the cave, you can see the falls and feel the mist on your face. i am coming back next year FOR SURE. oh, and the camp host was very kind and friendly, truly a big help!!
ScoutIt's a nice spot with a spectacular view but it's very windy and there's a lot of sand.
Camping near Antonito, Colorado, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking to hike, stargaze, or just relax by a campfire, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Camping near Antonito, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique aspects of each campground!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Antonito, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Antonito, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 186 campgrounds and RV parks near Antonito, CO and 43 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Antonito, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Antonito, CO is Sacred White Shell Mountain with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Antonito, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 43 free dispersed camping spots near Antonito, CO.
What parks are near Antonito, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Antonito, CO that allow camping, notably Carson National Forest and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.
