Sawyer D.
Traveler
TravelerSacred White Shell Dispersed Camping
1 night at White Shell
Very open, at the base of the mountain, sunset+sunrise were amazing! Slightly windy, so if you’re in a tent make sure you tie it down tight.
Camping near Crestone, CO
226 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping options around Crestone, Colorado range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. North Crestone Creek Campground provides tent and RV sites along a mountain creek, while dispersed camping areas like Sand Area 1 offer free primitive sites with mountain views. The region includes several campgrounds within 30 minutes of town, including Zapata Falls Campground near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Valley View Hot Springs with its clothing-optional facilities and cabin rentals.
Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Crestone area. Many forest service roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially when accessing dispersed sites. "Great place to camp in Colorado to avoid weekend crowds. Wide open, off the beaten path as far as Colorado goes," noted one visitor about the Buffalo Pass area. Summer brings mosquitoes to creek-side locations, while higher elevation sites experience cooler temperatures even during warm months. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, though some dispersed areas remain accessible year-round depending on snow conditions. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with Verizon coverage described as "spotty" in reviews.
The San Luis Valley setting provides distinctive camping experiences with views of both the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the Great Sand Dunes. Campers frequently mention the exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Several visitors highlighted the wildlife viewing, with one noting "a large gathering of mountain goats hanging out along the road was a fun surprise" at a dispersed site. Campgrounds near water sources like North Crestone Creek tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. While some mixed-use campgrounds offer amenities like picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets, the dispersed sites typically provide more solitude but fewer facilities. The proximity to hot springs, hiking trails, and the unique landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park makes this area particularly appealing for campers seeking diverse outdoor experiences within a relatively compact geographic area.
Best Campgrounds near Crestone (226)
1. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
"Great campsite with great views of Crestone Peaks and the Sand Dunes. Nice sites tucked between piñon trees and fairly quiet."
"It's a biologically diverse area in Southern Colorado, where high winds that blow through the Rockies deposit sand at the Southernmost tip . We made camping reservations about six months in advance."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability2. Alvarado Campground
"I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste."
"There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability3. Sand Dunes Recreation
"Close by the Sand Dunes. The showers and laundromat are pretty clean. Very cool pools and greenhouse."
"We walked in and we were like oh geez because of the children, the greasy food, and the screams. We aren’t kid haters we just were kids 15 years ago so we still can’t stand them."
4. Great Sand Dunes Oasis
"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 is quiet but the camp spots can be close together. both times we have been here, we had deer walk thru our site. You also have great views of the dunes in most spots and the 14ers near Crestone."
from $25 - $169 / night
Check Availability5. Zapata Falls Campground
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability6. Dispersed Sand Area 1
"Gorgeous views of Crestone peak and other neighboring mountains. The only negative was the mosquitos. They are horrendous."
"Loved hearing the creek roaring in the background and feeling the sun on my skin surrounded by cactus - an I in Texas!?"
7. North Crestone Creek Campground
"We also had 3 dogs with us and there was still enough room for them so we weren’t stepping all over one another."
"Colorado sand dunes are a trip."
8. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
"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 hike in over the dune to a camp site with all your gear is frankly not easy, but it's short distance so it's manageable."
9. Cotton Creek Trailhead
"It's an almost off road situation. Depending on what side of the trail you come in from. Awd and a higher clearance vehicle are recommended. But the views and seclusion are totally worth it."
"If you're ok with driving a couple miles over exposed cobble or have a 4x4 this is the place for you."
10. Crestone Needle Trail
"Crestone is a tiny town with just about anything you might want within a walk from where I parked. Plenty of camping spots all the way up to the end of the road where there is a fairly busy trailhead."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 46 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 7 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 3 hrs 32 min from Denver, CO
- 3 hrs 42 min from Boulder, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Crestone, CO
378 Photos of 226 Crestone Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Sand Area 1
North Crestone Creek Campground
San Isabel Lake
Alvarado Campground
South Colony Basin
Cotton Creek TrailheadS
Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL
Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
Sand Dunes Recreation
Medano Pass
Recent Reviews near Crestone, CO
1262 Reviews of 226 Crestone Campgrounds
- DDaniel P.Traveler
BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
Pretty good!
Not like this place needs another good review but I enjoyed my night there. The road starts off with some minor washboards where there’s access to some campsites. It turns into a pretty rocky incline that I would recommend 4WD for but I did see a sedan race up ahead of me, so just depends on how much you care about your vehicle I guess 🤷♂️ a decent amount of people camping but it’s dispersed enough and there is some foot traffic from people hiking the 14er there. Stars were great, which is why I was out there in the first place!
Casey D.
ScoutSalida RV Resort
Do NOT Recommend
Would give no stars if I could! We had booked a stay in advance for Labor Day weekend and as the time got closer, we needed to adjust our dates. I, with my husband listening in the background, called to see if they could shift our dates by 1 day. the lady on the phone told me that would be no problem and that it was taken care of. Fast forward a week, we arrive and everything seems fine until we get a text message on our second to last day that asked why we hadn't left yet. We were about to head out for the day, but walked over to the office to talk to them first. The lady at the front desk had an attitude from the moment we walked in the door and basically said it was our fault that they didn't change the reservations correctly and we needed to leave immediately. She was very rude and blamed it on us. Mind you, it's an extremely busy holiday weekend where everything is already booked and we were about to leave as we had plans for the day. I told her we may not be out in the time frame she gave us because we now had to figure out where to go, clean/pack up the camper, etc. She threated to have us towed instead of trying to be helpful. This was on top of this same employee being very rude when we first arrived about us having a package schedule to be delivered there(that we had ordered many days before). She told us it was not allowed since we weren't staying for long enough and they would send the package back once the delivery folks tried to deliver it. Once I explained it was food for my senior dog, she said fine they would allow it once. Insane policy! Lastly, we tried to sleep with our windows open at night to enjoy the cool nights, however, the smell of the sewage plant next door was overwhelming and smelled awful! We knew from the moment we arrived and were met with rudeness about us having a package delivered that we would never be back, but after how the stay ended, this place needs to learn about hospitality and customer service instead of blaming their guests for their mistakes! We ended up at the RV park next door and it was wonderful and the people were so welcoming and friendly!
Kim D.ScoutOhaver Lake Campground
Beautiful and Popular Locals Spot
The park is small and beautiful on the stocked lake. The vault toilets are clean…for a vault toilet. Plenty of tp…padlocked in. lol. True primitive camping. Designated Tent sites are by the lake. Beautiful spots. Several RV sites on the lake but not for anything larger than 30’. There are RV sites at the entrance that can accommodate a slightly larger rig. I saw a Momemtum in site 2. But driving a rig much bigger up the sometimes steep, dirt, bumpy and rocky road could be difficult. There are a couple of hairpin turns. Definitely need a 4 wheel drive if you’re pulling a 20’ plus length trailer or RV. But that’s my opinion. But I could be wrong. I think all the RV sites are back-in. I’m at a site that have two sites end to end. Be forewarned, it looks like a pull-through site. My neighbor pulled up and brought his trailer closer to my site so his view of the lake wasn’t obstructed from the picnic table and fire pit. Good idea at the moment until I backed my rig up. I’m essentially blocking him in the way he parked. He should have accessed his rigs resting spot by pulling through my spot first. Now I have to load my rig up and move it so he can load his up and leave. I don’t mind. He’s been a great neighbor. This campground, like other forestry campgrounds, somehow have FCFS sites reserved. I don’t understand how it’s done, but it’s frustrating. It isn’t a true FCFS location until September 22nd. After that reservations can’t be made. Good luck beating the locals. You’re not supposed to bring a rig and just park it and leave, although it’s done frequently per the campground hosts. They couldn’t get a tow truck up here to remove it. So essentially it’s a rule that can’t be enforced. But it’s an unethical, shameful and selfish thing to do if you’re considering doing that. I’m staying 2 weeks because I can reach a town for anything I need in 20 minutes. Ponca Springs and Salida.
Marion Z.
GuideTipi at el escondite, by the Rio Grande
Beautiful new Tipi
Slept like a baby in this lovely new tipi. Decorated so cute, with plenty of good vibes. Beautiful, spacious composting toilet, outdoor prep sink and milkbarn converted cookshack is awesome even for several nights stay. Del Norte is a quiet, charming little town with all the things I needed for a quick stopover!
- JasonGuide
Haggards RV Campground
Gret people, Great park.
One of the best remote, clean, RV parks I've been to. While it was a little out of season, and we were one of two campers here, we loved it. The owners are incredibly nice. The views are great (Pikes Peak nearby). Close enough to Pueblo and 35 mins to Colorado Springs. A few horses, and dog park in this park are great.
- RRobert L.Guide
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Dunes and wildlife
Beautiful campground in an incredibly interesting setting. It was definitely crowded during my stay, but quieted down nicely at night. There’s a great walking trail directly from the campground down toward the dunes. Lots of mule deer wandering through the campground and they were definitely not afraid of people—one walked within about 10 feet of me while I was setting up my tent. Really unique place and I’d happily stay here again.
Julia C.TravelerSacred White Shell Mountain Campground
It is disbursed camping
It was OK. Finding trash and waste receptacles around here is difficult.
- CCobalt B.Guide
Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Camp Host at Hecla
I've was the Camp Host at Hecla Junction for the summer of 2026. Here is what you should know...
The 3 mile dirt road to get here is pretty well maintained but has some very sharp turns. If you are over 40ft in length it is doable but tough.
All sites are by reservation only. There are no first come first serve sites. Plan ahead because cell service is not great. You will get one bar if you are lucky.
There are pit toilets available but there is no water, electricity or sewer. You have to pack your trash out.
All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and a spacious place for tents.
The sites are a reasonable distance from each other. The sites on the side by the river are pretty flat but the sites 1108, 1113, 1116, 1117 have a pretty steep parking area so if you plan on putting your RV there be ready to spend some time leveling.
If you have a large RV (over 35ft) you might want to avoid sites 1110-1114 because the loop has a pretty tight corner. Site 1114 is a pull-through site.
My favorite sites are 1103 (nice tree for shade), 1102-1111 (river views) and 1112 (nice view, good shade from the hill and a trail that goes to the river), 1113 and 1114 back up against the hillside and get shade earlier. 1116 and 1117 are good for really large groups (extra tables)
There is a good hiking trail that runs along the river (1.5 miles out and back). It starts from the day use area.
Quiet hours are 10:00pm to 6:00am and most people are pretty good about following that.
Hecla Junction is also a Dark Skies designated park so the view of the stars is amazing!
Guide to Crestone
Dispersed camping options near Crestone, Colorado provide access to the unique San Luis Valley ecosystem at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 9,000 feet. This region sits at the eastern edge of the valley where the flat terrain dramatically meets the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Camping conditions typically feature dry soil with occasional rocky terrain, and temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common.
What to do
Hike to alpine lakes: From North Crestone Creek Campground, several trails lead into the mountains. "We hiked up the backpacking trail at the end to go fishing up at the lake and rivers along the trail. There was plenty to do but it was also quiet; perfect for down time," notes Jordan M.
Visit Zapata Falls: Just 3 miles up a rugged road from the Zapata Falls Campground, this natural wonder offers a refreshing break. "The road to Zapata Falls is super rough but passenger cars shouldn't have any problem as long as you keep it slow," explains Gina J. "The nearby hike to Zapata falls is worthwhile too, especially in winter for the giant ice sheets in the canyon."
Mountain wildlife viewing: The forest roads around Crestone provide opportunities to see high-altitude wildlife. "A large gathering of mountain goats hanging out along the road was a fun surprise," reports Phil G. about the dispersed camping areas. Expect to see various wildlife throughout morning and evening hours.
What campers like
Stargazing without light pollution: The remote camping spots near Crestone offer exceptional night sky viewing. At Great Sand Dunes Oasis, the distance from major cities creates perfect conditions. "Sunsets were captivating and colorful," mentions Dave V. about the region, with stars visible in incredible numbers after dark.
Natural hot springs access: For those seeking therapeutic relaxation, Valley View Hot Springs provides a unique experience. "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," shares Morgan Y. The hot springs maintain temperatures between 93-107°F year-round.
Solitude in dispersed areas: Campers appreciate the separation between sites in the less-developed areas. "The spots are spread out enough to where I did not see or hear a soul while camping 2 nights," writes Phil G. about Sand Area 1. Many dispersed camping areas remain accessible from May through October with proper vehicles.
What you should know
Weather changes rapidly: Mountain conditions can shift quickly in the Crestone area. "Weather moves very fast through this valley. We had snow and sunshine within a couple of hours," reports Ursula at Zapata Falls Campground. Always pack for both warm and cold conditions, even in summer.
Mosquito preparation essential: Creek-side locations often have significant insect activity during summer months. "July was mosquito madness. Honestly I am from the country and can deal with bugs, but being dived bombed by 30 mosquitos (not exaggerating) is intense," warns Sarah B. Bring strong repellent if camping before September.
High clearance vehicles recommended: Many camping areas require driving on rough forest roads. "The road up to camp is long and rocky," notes Madeline H. Two-wheel drive vehicles can access some areas, but many dispersed sites require 4WD and higher clearance, especially after rain.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities for kids: Sand Dunes Recreation offers swimming options for families tired of roughing it. "The pools are extremely kid friendly, and there are greenhouses with 21+ soaking and bar," writes Elizabeth H. The facility provides a break from tent camping with hot spring-fed pools for $15 per person (half price for campers).
Wildlife education opportunities: Forest camping provides natural learning experiences. "We heard coyotes howling close by, owls hooting, dust devils out in the valley, infinite stars," shares Irene L. Pack field guides for identifying tracks, plants and constellations for interactive activities.
Choose campsites with shade: Summer temperatures can reach 85°F or higher. "Choose wisely not every site has a view of the dunes. I did my research and was rewarded with a site on the outer portion of the camp ground. Our site had decent shade but many are exposed, bring a tarp or canopy," advises Sarah B.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Few campgrounds in the immediate Crestone area offer full hookups. "Campsites are w/ electric and water and sewer hookup. Also a dump station. Picnic table and firepit. Lots of room for big rigs," says Donald S. about the Great Sand Dunes Oasis, one of the few developed options within 30 minutes of Crestone.
RV size restrictions: Many forest service roads have tight turns and limited space. "The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so," explains Diane S. about Alvarado Campground. Most dispersed camping areas cannot accommodate large rigs safely.
Level sites are limited: Finding flat parking can be challenging in mountain terrain. "We easily got our 40' coach into a very level site," notes DaveAdele C. about Alvarado Campground, though this is uncommon. Bring leveling blocks as many campsites have slight to moderate slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need reservations for camping in Crestone during summer months?
Do I need reservations for camping in Crestone during summer months?
Reservations are highly recommended for established campgrounds near Crestone during summer months, especially on weekends and holidays. Pinon Flats Campground at Great Sand Dunes National Park fills quickly due to its popularity and stunning views of the Crestone Peaks. For a less crowded alternative that may not require advance booking, consider Buffalo Pass Campground, which tends to be less busy even on summer weekends. Dispersed camping areas provide more flexibility without reservations, but arrive early to secure a spot, particularly during peak season (June-August). For specialized accommodations like Joyful Journey Hot Springs, advance reservations are essential as they have limited camping spots.
Where are the best camping areas near Crestone, Colorado?
Where are the best camping areas near Crestone, Colorado?
The Crestone area offers diverse camping options for all preferences. Crestone Needle Trail provides dispersed camping along Forest Service Road 949 with stunning views and easy access to the small town of Crestone. For a developed experience, North Crestone Creek Campground is located just a few miles uphill from Crestone. If you're willing to venture a bit further, the Great Sand Dunes area offers exceptional camping with spectacular mountain views. The region also features several dispersed camping areas on public lands that provide more secluded experiences. Many sites in the area offer magnificent views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the vast San Luis Valley.
What amenities are available at North Crestone Creek Campground?
What amenities are available at North Crestone Creek Campground?
North Crestone Creek Campground offers basic amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water (typically available during the main camping season), and designated fire rings at each site. Picnic tables are available at individual campsites, making meal preparation and dining convenient. Each site has parking for vehicles, though space may be limited for larger RVs. The campground's proximity to Crestone Creek means easy access to water, though it should be filtered or treated before drinking. There are no electrical hookups or shower facilities available. For campers seeking more amenities, Zapata Falls Campground and Great Sand Dunes Oasis in the broader region offer additional facilities, including more developed bathroom facilities.
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