Best Campgrounds near Center, CO

Cabins near Center, Colorado provide an alternative to traditional tent and RV camping, with several developed options available throughout the San Luis Valley region. The Great Sand Dunes Oasis, located approximately 25 miles east of Center, offers cabin accommodations with proximity to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Sand Dunes Recreation in Hooper, about 12 miles west of the park, also provides cabin rentals alongside tent and RV sites. These established cabin options typically include basic amenities and serve as convenient basecamps for exploring nearby attractions.

Road conditions in the San Luis Valley vary significantly, with many cabin sites accessible via paved highways while more remote options may require navigation of unpaved forest roads. Most cabin facilities remain open seasonally, typically operating from April through October due to harsh winter conditions and limited winter maintenance on access roads. The region experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations, with summer days reaching the 80s but dropping significantly at night even during peak season. Elevation plays a key role in weather patterns, with most cabin sites positioned between 7,500-8,500 feet. "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. Very dusty and dry air, but very peaceful," noted one visitor describing conditions at a nearby site.

The San Luis Valley cabins provide strategic access to outdoor recreation opportunities. Campers frequently mention the spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a highlight of cabin stays in this area. Many sites position cabins to maximize scenic vistas while providing shelter from strong valley winds. The UFO Watchtower property offers a unique experience combining lodging with stargazing opportunities. According to a visitor, "Beautiful view. Not to mention, such a fun little attraction. Fantastic view of the mountains." Public lands surrounding the developed cabin areas also provide opportunities for day hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Many cabins serve as practical basecamps for visitors planning to explore Great Sand Dunes National Park, with proximity to sand boarding, hiking, and creek recreation during seasonal runoff periods.

Best Camping Sites Near Center, Colorado (205)

    1. Sand Dunes Recreation

    28 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

    11 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

    93 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

    25 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

    8 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

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

    $20 / night

    "Amazing proximity to Penitente Canyon rec area, perfect for climbers especially!"

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

    9. Del Norte City Park

    5 Reviews
    Del Norte, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3400

    "Short drive off the 160. Signs at this park indicate this as a FREE dump station and water fill station for RVs. 5 spots to park overnight, 1 night stay authorized."

    10. Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    54 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."

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Recent Reviews near Center, CO

888 Reviews of 205 Center Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Lake Como Road Dispersed Colorado

    White Shell sacred mountain

    The spots below were plenty big enough. Easy to find about a quarter mile up a dirt road. The view was spectacular. Got a little cold.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Palisade

    On the Rio Grande

    I’ve stayed a couple of times both in and out of season. Love this CG, only downside is road noise but if you can nab a site on the river that’ll drown it out and at night there are few cars.

  • Mike V.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Alamosa KOA

    Great for stargazing!

    Camp host met us at the entrance and led us to our site.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Palisade

    River drowns the road noise!

    Great spot #4. Two big shade trees awesome river and Mountain View’s. Good cell service.

  • Jaz C.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    great spot by the sand dunes

    we arrived after dark and there were still plenty of spots. it was easy to find and the roads were in good conditions. this place had a lot of campers but the sites were very spread out. most sites had a fire pit and there was plenty of tumbleweeds to help start fires. we stayed here 2 nights when we were exploring the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and it was around 15 minutes away.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lake Deweese state wildlife area

    Incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo range

    This is posted as a free dispersed camping area. However I think a fishing license or other wildlife passes are required. Plenty of areas to choose from. We decided on a non wooded area on the north side of the lake for a great view of the mountain range. The views of the aspens turning were spectacular.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lake Creek Campground

    Tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo range

    This is a small and well laid out campground. The small Creek runs through it and it's right next to many of the camping sites. There is a downside though. Don't camp here if you want to have it the magnificent view of the sangra de Cristo range.

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Alvarado Campground

    Peaceful & quiet

    We've stayed here 3 times now and absolutely love it! We've stayed at campsite 36 and 41. 41 is our favorite. It has plenty of space and a nice creek running near it. We felt secluded. Hiking trail was not far from us.

  • Nathaniel F.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Crestone Needle Trail

    Good Sandy Camp Spot

    This place was a nice spot for dispersed camping! Lots of spots, and super easy to find just off the road. A bit sandy, but the soil underneath worked for stakes. The temp was cool, but not cold—great for early September!


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 205 campgrounds and RV parks near Center, CO and 58 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 4.3-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 58 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 Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve.