Cabins near Crestone, Colorado dot the San Luis Valley at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 8,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer days typically reach 75-85°F with cool nights in the 40s. Most cabin facilities maintain spring-to-fall operating seasons due to heavy snowfall that can make winter access challenging.
What to do
Visit Bishop Castle: 90 minutes away from Aspen Acres Campground, this unique stone structure offers self-guided tours. "We used this campground to explore the surrounding area and Bishop Castle. Staff was very friendly and they had a lot things to do for the kids in the camp store/facility," notes Quentin C.
Soak in natural hot springs: 30-minute drive from Crestone to Joyful Journey Hot Springs where multiple mineral pools at different temperatures await. "A small hippy facility with rv spots, yurts, and lodge rooms. Includes breakfast and dinner, and access to several hot spring fed tubs, at several temps. The soaks were wonderful," shares Ray C.
Fish the Arkansas River: just steps from some cabins, particularly at Bighorn Park. "Nice place. Staff is very friendly. Pull though and back ins. Tent spots and cabins... Spot by the river for fishing and or sitting. A bench to have a cup of coffee and watch the river," explains Chad H.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The San Luis Valley offers exceptional night sky viewing. "Great star gazing. The campground is fairly easy to find. I arrived after hours and found the signs very helpful. If you plan on visiting the great sand dunes this location is very close to the entrance of the park," reports Cody from Great Sand Dunes Oasis.
Clothing-optional options: Some cabin locations permit naturist recreation. "Valley View is a large swath of land with about 12 beautiful pools and about 20+ camping spots. You need to reserve well in advance as the demand is much higher than the capacity," explains Morgan Y. of Valley View Hot Springs.
Wildlife viewing: Many cabins offer opportunities to spot local fauna. "We spotted big horn sheep on the cliff behind us! The park also had a live singer entertain one night!" shares Melody M. about her experience at Bighorn Park.
What you should know
Advance reservations required: Many hot springs cabins book months ahead, particularly Valley View. "You need to reserve well in advance as the demand is much higher than the capacity. The camp spots themselves are not all that great, though perfectly suitable," notes Morgan Y.
Water quality varies: Some cabin locations have mineral-rich water systems. "All fine for a night except we filled our tank with the most disgusting undrinkable water imaginable. I'd not come back for that reason," warns Richard R. about Aspen Acres Campground.
Meal inclusions: Several hot springs accommodations include food service. "Includes breakfast and dinner, and access to several hot spring fed tubs, at several temps. People were very nice, food was not half bad, and the soaks were wonderful," explains Ray C. about Joyful Journey Hot Springs.
No cell service: Many cabin areas have limited connectivity. "No cell service for Verizon. Personally, I was happy to be unplugged for a couple of days!" reports Michelle G. from Aspen Acres Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Some locations offer organized programs. "We have been here twice and had a blast both times! Quiet, clean, and plenty of things to explore," reports Alana J. about Cutty's Resort, where "they had young staff that organized hands on crafts and science experiment classes for all the kids to participate in who were staying that weekend."
Seek out swimming options: Pools provide welcome relief after outdoor adventures. "The main attraction of this place for families has to be the pool, which also has a basic restaurant with grill food that's reasonably priced," shares a camper at Sand Dunes Recreation.
Check if cabins include bedding: Most require you bring your own linens. "The cabins looked pretty nice. One funny thing is if you have an rv and hook up to the water, it is fed from the hot springs so the water is always very warm," notes Heidi S. about Sand Dunes Recreation.
Tips from RVers
Site placement affects services: Consider utilities when selecting spots. "We have a 26' trailer and stayed in site 18. It was near the end of the row and relatively quiet. We only wish we had a longer power cable. Our port is at the back and the outlet was way up front," advises Michelle G. from Aspen Acres Campground.
Check for multiple hookup types: Some cabin campgrounds offer varying levels of service. "Pull though and back ins. Tent spots and cabins. 30 50 amp. Water and some spots with sewers. Nice office some supplies, showers, laundry," notes Chad H. about Bighorn Park.
Highway proximity considerations: Road noise can affect cabin stays. "By hwy 50, busy in the day time, but not much traffic at night. This a great spot to refresh supplies before boonkocking in the mountains," suggests Chad H. about locations near main routes.
