Best Camping 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, CO (199)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    1. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    89 Reviews
    385 Photos
    694 Saves
    Gardner, Colorado

    Overview

    Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The dunes lie on the eastern edge of the valley at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The dunefield is part of the nearly 150,000 total acres of the park and preserve that also protects alpine lakes, tundra, six peaks over 13,000 feet, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is part of a fragile, dynamic system that influences and sustains the tallest dunes in North America. President Herbert Hoover established the park unit as a national monument by presidential proclamation on March 17, 1932 through the Antiquities Act. The Works Progress Administration constructed the Superintendents Residence, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But otherwise, GRSA did not see a great deal of development during the New Deal. Park development did not occur in earnest until Mission 66. During this period, the NPS was able to construct a Visitor Center, the Pinon Flat Campground (88 sites), a picnic area, five comfort stations, six single family residences and a triplex, while also building or improving roads and trails through the park. The Visitor Center shows the motivation of the Western Office of Design and Construction to configure designs to corresponding regions using principles of regional modernism. Built in the Pueblo Revival style, the Visitor Center mimics adobe construction through modern materials and forms blended with traditional materials and forms seen during the CCC-era in Cecil Dotys work. Following Mission 66, Congress designated nearly 91% of the monument as wilderness in 1976, which certainly limited the parks ability to further develop visitor and administrative facilities. GRSA became a national park and preserve in 2000, which also included a transfer of land from the Rio Grande National Forest.The dunes have long stood as a landmark for travelers from ancient North Americans to Southern Ute, Jicarilla Apaches, Navajos, early explorers, gold miners, homesteaders, ranchers, farmers and migrant field workers, to you - today's park visitor.

    Recreation

    Great Sand Dunes' wide range of natural features provides endless outdoor recreational activities. The park is perfect for kids, who love exploring the dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a popular place in the summertime. Kids and adults alike love to splash in the cool water. Many kid-friendly, ranger-led activities and a junior ranger program are available. Many miles of hiking and backpacking trails lead through the park's forests and alpine terrain, including the Mosca Pass Trail, Dunes Overlook/Sand Ramp Trail and Indian Grove Trail.

    Natural Features

    Great Sand Dunes are the magnificent centerpiece of a natural system that includes high mountain peaks, sparkling streams, vast grasslands and lush forests. The campground is situated among pinon pines and sagebrush beneath the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most sites have beautiful views of the snow-covered peaks. A wide variety of grasses and wildflowers can be found throughout the area, and mule deer are commonly seen in and around the campground.

    Nearby Attractions

    Zapata Falls is just south of the national park off Highway 150. A short but slippery 1/2-mile hike leads to a 25-foot high cascade. Simply driving to the trailhead provides an excellent view of the entire dunefield and San Luis Valley, especially at sunrise or sunset. San Luis State Wildlife Area is located at the western edge of Great Sand Dunes National Park. It features a large natural lake popular for boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.

    Charges & Cancellations

    This is not a staffed facility. Campground hosts may be available for assistance. Visitors are responsible for knowing their site number and proceeding to the correct site after 2:00 PM. Early check in is not available. A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at the campground during their reservation, and does not cancel their reservation. Because this is an unstaffed location, the site will be held for the duration of the reservation and the visitor will not receive a refund for time not spent in the site. Due to the limited number of sites in Pinon Flats Campground, please cancel or change your reservation if you can not use it, so other campers have an opportunity to stay. Rules and Reservation Policies

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground

    2. Zapata Falls Campground

    69 Reviews
    291 Photos
    719 Saves
    Blanca, Colorado

    Overview

    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.

    Recreation

    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

    Natural Features

    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.

    Nearby Attractions

    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

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation

    3. Sand Dunes Recreation

    26 Reviews
    66 Photos
    162 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado

    Sand Dunes offers RV spots, tent sites and cabins. Located 25 minutes away from the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Olympic size hot spring pool, 25 person hot tub, gift shop, 2 restaurants, 21+ Adults only area, The Greenhouse featuring The Steel Box Bar and small plates menu.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    4. Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    53 Reviews
    157 Photos
    417 Saves
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $169 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground

    6. Mosca Campground

    23 Reviews
    79 Photos
    147 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado

    CPW is no longer accepting reservations as the rules for camping have changed. Camping sites in the campground are now walk-in only (first come, first served). ​ Campers will need to plan to bring their own potable water, ice, and firewood. CPW provides free electrical hook-ups at some sites and will continue to do so until costs become prohibitive. Please be judicious in your use of electricity so that we can continue to provide this service for no additional cost.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from UFO Watchtower
    Camper-submitted photo from UFO Watchtower
    Camper-submitted photo from UFO Watchtower
    Camper-submitted photo from UFO Watchtower
    Camper-submitted photo from UFO Watchtower
    Camper-submitted photo from UFO Watchtower

    7. UFO Watchtower

    11 Reviews
    18 Photos
    92 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Woods & River RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woods & River RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woods & River RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woods & River RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woods & River RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woods & River RV Park

    8. Woods & River RV Park

    10 Reviews
    37 Photos
    36 Saves
    Del Norte, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA

    9. Alamosa KOA

    17 Reviews
    62 Photos
    66 Saves
    Alamosa, Colorado

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch

    10. Rabbit Hole Ranch

    12 Reviews
    71 Photos
    146 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado

    Camp in the San Luis Valley below snow-capped mountains and surrounded by sage brush and cacti in this high alpine desert. Nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains at 7500’ in elevation, this dispersed campsite gives you magnificent views and a feeling of peaceful privacy.

    Easy access to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mt. Blanca, Zapata Falls, and Hooper Hot Springs.

    This area is great for photography, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and solitude.

    This place gets busy on holidays but we’ll find a place for you!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    $30 - $44 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 199 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Center

Recent Reviews in Center

796 Reviews of 199 Center Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Sand Dunes Recreation

    Great stop otw to Great Sand Dunes

    Everything was as described. They are open during the winter. The showers were hot and clean! Lovely views to wake up too!

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Dec. 15, 2024

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Wild and Untamed

    Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky.

    The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.

    Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.

    The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.

    Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!

  • jsjsjdn I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Fork Dispersed
    Oct. 28, 2024

    West Fork Dispersed

    Nice spot by the river

    There were about 4 spots clustered together right after the second bridge (a little over 2 miles from the main road). i took the right fork after that towards the rainbow springs trailhead and didn’t find anything else, but there might be more spots if you take the left fork after the second bridge instead. at the end of october the paid campground you pass by is closed for the season, no water and vault toilets are locked

  • sportzfytv A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/

  • sportzfytv A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/

  • Rick T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Beaver Creek Site 4

    Nice

    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
    Oct. 13, 2024

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    Great Spot

    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!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Creek Trail
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Elk Creek Trail

    spacious creekside hiking area

    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.

  • Angela E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Cotton Creek Trailhead

    Beautiful and peaceful 💚

    The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!

  • DL M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountainside 4WD High-Clearance Dispersed Campsites
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Mountainside 4WD High-Clearance Dispersed Campsites

    Tree sheltered sites along

    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.

  • Mark B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Pass Creek

    Over night sleep stop.

    Stop here just for and sleep stop overnight. Road is well maintained. Several places to pull off the side of the road or actual sites too. We have a 35' 5th wheel and had no problems menivering the area. Nice lake with a parking lot at the end the turn around at if you wish to take the road all the way to the end.

  • Levi S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Easy free camping

    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.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joyful Journey Hot Springs
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Joyful Journey Hot Springs

    Costs a lot more than listed

    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. The WiFi didn’t reach us, but worked in the buffet style cafeteria-like dining area. Way overpriced for the experience!

  • Richard M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (south Central Co)
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (south Central Co)

    Place where THOUGHTS gets its peace

    I recently had the pleasure of staying at Big Meadows Campground, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the stunning natural beauty surrounding the campground. The sites are spacious and well-maintained, providing a perfect blend of privacy and community. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, making check-in a breeze. Other then this you can find me here!
    https://www.carmatec.com

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Cutty’s Resort - Hayden Creek
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Cutty’s Resort - Hayden Creek

    Great All Around

    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. The views in the campground were awesome. Aside from the aforementioned, there was a small store on site with ice and wood (can't bring your own wood) and the food they served at the mess hall was fire.

  • Brittany R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust

    Came for the daily soak - stayed for the camping

    This place was great! We originally planned just to do a daily soak before heading to our next campsite but ended up just staying here because we enjoyed it so much. The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen. We participated in the clothing optional experience but didn’t feel like we had to. Great people all around from guests to staff. Highly recommend!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Wide Open Spaces

    Not 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

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Fork Campground
    Sep. 6, 2024

    East Fork Campground

    Quiet in the Tall Timbers

    We had site 22 which is away from the stream. Quite steep front to back. Level side to side. We were at our limit of ability to level the TT. Almost every site is big and well spaced. The whole area is treed with TALL lodgepoll pines with a few TALL ponderosa pines as well. Absolutely stunning. If you need solar, this is not the place. Otherwise it’s lovely.



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