Dispersed camping opportunities near Crestone spread across the San Luis Valley at elevations between 7,500 and 8,000 feet, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night. The region sits east of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains where camping conditions vary seasonally with summer thunderstorms common in July and August. Winter brings significant snowfall that may limit access to remote sites until late spring.
What to do
Stargazing at UFO Watchtower: Located in Hooper, about 30 minutes from Crestone, the UFO Watchtower campground offers exceptional night sky viewing. "Star gazing is amazing as well! Will come back again," notes one visitor. The site combines camping with celestial observation opportunities.
Hot springs access: The clothing-optional Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust features multiple natural pools for soaking. "The gem here is the wonderful landscape and the soaking pools throughout. I can't speak highly enough about the pools, the overall vibe and the expansive views," reports a camper. Hiking to the hot springs cave provides additional adventure.
Sand dunes exploration: From the Great Sand Dunes Oasis campground, visitors can easily access the nearby national park. "Super close to the dunes - you get a great view of them from the campground. There's also a small playground for kids," mentions a reviewer. The campground rents sand boards and sleds for dune recreation.
What campers like
Mountain views: Campers consistently highlight the panoramic mountain scenery. "We had our door facing another camper's door and our picnic tables were next to each other, so we didn't spend much time hanging out outside," notes a visitor at Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA, demonstrating the importance of site selection for optimal views.
Natural hot springs: Multiple hot spring facilities offer therapeutic soaking opportunities. "Camping spots with electric hook ups are limited. Bathrooms and showers are clean," reports a visitor about Valley View Hot Springs, highlighting practical considerations beyond just the springs themselves.
Astronomical experiences: The dark skies make stargazing exceptional. "Still early in the day but the place is pretty cool. Reasonable prices at $15 to camp or $5 per car for entry. Hoping to see some aliens tonight," mentions a UFO Watchtower visitor, noting the affordable access to prime night sky viewing locations.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Joyful Journey Hot Springs, a camper notes: "We were charged $170 for a site in the middle of a gravel parking lot. It included dinner, breakfast and use of the hot springs." Pricing varies significantly between basic sites and glamping options.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme. "Cold at night!" warns a UFO Watchtower visitor, emphasizing the need for adequate insulation even during summer stays.
Facility limitations: Many campgrounds have basic amenities. "There is no shade, or water available and no trash service so you have to pack it all out," explains a camper at Five Points Campground, highlighting the need for self-sufficiency at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. "We had a great time. Our family and another reserved two sites next to each other. The pools on site were perfect for the kids. On site mini golf was a blast," shares a visitor at Cutty's Resort.
Bathroom access: Families should prioritize sites with clean facilities. "Bathrooms were fantastic. Showers were some of the best I've seen with a private dressing area and hooks/shelves to put your dry clothes on," notes a Great Sand Dunes Oasis reviewer.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences. "There is a tunnel from the campground to the river and lots of great information for kids and adults about the history of the area and the plants and animals," mentions a Five Points visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variability: Electric and water availability differs between sites. "RV sites are with electric and water and sewer hookup, also a dump station," explains a Great Sand Dunes Oasis camper, noting the practical amenities for longer stays.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. "The roads are really rocky. The views are really pretty," warns a visitor about Great Sand Dunes Oasis, suggesting careful driving especially with larger rigs.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling. "Sites are a mix of dirt and gravel and as with much of the desert, you should expect it to be very dusty," advises a Royal Gorge KOA camper, highlighting terrain considerations for RV positioning.
