Best Campgrounds near Center, CO

Center is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Center campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Center, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Center, Colorado (201)

    1. Sand Dunes Recreation

    27 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2807

    "This place used to be a tilapia farm and there's still some pools around the place with large fish."

    "Close by the Sand Dunes. The showers and laundromat are pretty clean. Very cool pools and greenhouse."

    2. UFO Watchtower

    11 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2296

    $15 / night

    "The area was very clean and although it's right off the highway the camping spots are tucked far enough away to where it's no bother."

    "This spot is surrounded by beautiful Colorado mountains! The wind was very strong in June, if you use a canopy, try to use some strap tiedowns so your canopy frame does not bend."

    3. Woods & River RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Del Norte, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-4530

    "Great place in an awesome location! Stayed for 3 months beginning of 2020 and had a great time! The host is always checking to make sure your stay is everything g you need!"

    "Beautiful grounds along the Rio Grande River with trail and gazebos for a very relaxing and restful stay!"

    4. Zapata Falls Campground

    70 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-7074

    $20 / night

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

    "This area in Colorado is one of the most unique places I've seen in a while."

    5. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    91 Reviews
    Gardner, CO
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $20 - $80 / night

    "Access to dunes trails, and off road track. Dump station nearby visitor center with free air station. T-Mobile available at most sites, but good by the visitor center and primitive road access."

    "There is a wash sink outside the bathroom. 

    Some sites are only tent-friendly with parking parallel to the sight and then walking up to a tent area."

    6. Mosca Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 587-6900

    "We stayed here for two weeks and every day there were new breathtaking views all around."

    "We woke up early and hiked along the wetlands nature trails, catching an amazing sunrise with panoramic views over the lake, Great Sand Dunes and surrounding mountains."

    7. Natural Arch Dispersed Site

    7 Reviews
    Del Norte, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "Great site 3 miles off the main highway. Never saw another person. Great views of the mountains, cool rock features, and lots of cactus."

    "Found a couple sites near the road headed into the arch. The area has many trails and other outdoor opportunities."

    8. Penitente Canyon Campground

    4 Reviews
    Center, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-7074

    $20 / night

    "There are composting toilets, no showers, and no access to River water."

    "This is a quiet campground very close to the mouth of the canyon. There are so many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and climbing."

    9. Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    53 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2222

    $25 - $169 / night

    "It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean."

    "It's slight hidden behind a bigger RV andodge campground. It was beautiful views from ANY tent site you got. It had bathroom n accessible showers if needed. Firewood. Friendly hosts and snacks."

    10. Sacred White Shell Mountain

    54 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    32 miles
    Website

    "The Dyrt map says Mt Blanco road but Apple Maps says lake Como road. They both branch off highway 150."

    "Campground Review:

    We chose this BLM campground because it is right outside of Great Sand Dunes National Park.  There are several sites along Lake Como Road. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 201 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Center, CO

819 Reviews of 201 Center Campgrounds



Guide to Center

Camping near Center, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking to hike, stargaze, or just relax by a campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking to the Dunes: Explore the trails leading to the Great Sand Dunes National Park from Pinon Flats Campground. One camper mentioned, "From the campground, you can easily hike up to the creek and the east face of the dunes within 15-30 minutes."
  • Visit Zapata Falls: Just a short drive from Zapata Falls Campground, you can hike to the falls and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A reviewer said, "The hike to the falls is short and worth it."
  • Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies. One visitor at Sacred White Shell Mountain said, "What a fantastic stop!! You don't get this at KOA!!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms at East Fork Campground. A reviewer noted, "The bathrooms were ridiculously clean pit toilets but so clean."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. One camper at Pagosa Riverside Campground shared, "The staff at the Pagosa Riverside Campground is very friendly and helpful."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Great Sand Dunes Oasis said, "The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A camper at Pinon Flats Campground warned, "In July, there were a ton of mosquitoes everywhere except over the sand."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Zapata Falls Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "There are no frills at Zapata Falls--no hook-ups, no hosts, and only vault toilets."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season. A camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis noted, "You do have to reserve online now in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Sand Dunes Recreation, which has pools and activities. One camper said, "You come here for the pool, especially the Greenhouse (adult only paradise)."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games for the kids. A family at Pagosa Riverside Campground enjoyed the "riverside benches to sit and enjoy the surroundings."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of nearby attractions. A camper at Mosca Campground mentioned, "There are several attractions including the Great Sand Dunes National Park."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at East Fork Campground said, "Almost every site is big and well spaced."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Alamosa KOA offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One camper noted, "This campground has everything you need."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially those near playgrounds. A visitor at Alamosa KOA advised, "If you want a quieter site, however, be sure to request something AWAY from the playground!"

Camping near Center, Colorado, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Center, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Center, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 201 campgrounds and RV parks near Center, CO and 56 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Center, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Center, CO is Sand Dunes Recreation with a 4.2-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Center, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 56 free dispersed camping spots near Center, CO.

What parks are near Center, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Center, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.