The San Luis Valley sits at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet, creating a high desert environment around Blanca, Colorado. Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common, with summer daytime highs typically reaching 75-85°F and nighttime lows dropping to 40-50°F. Seasonal camping patterns vary dramatically, with late spring through early fall offering the most temperate conditions for exploring some of the best places to camp near Blanca, Colorado.
What to do
Wildlife watching: Morning hours at Zapata Falls Campground provide opportunities to spot various bird species. The camp host maintains bird feeders that attract mountain bluebirds and other local species. According to one camper, "The wildlife was abundant, and stargazing is, well... stellar! In mid-summer the mosquito's were thick but with topical agents, we were fine at dusk."
Reptile spotting: The Great Sand Dunes Dispersed area features diverse high desert wildlife including lizards and snakes. "In our camp spot we saw mountain blue birds, tiger beetles, circus beetles, hover flies, common flies, plateau fence lizards, snake holes, pocket mice, deer droppings, prickly pear cactus (we prepared grilled nopales), and pinyon pine trees," one visitor reported after staying in early June.
Night sky photography: The dark skies near Sacred White Shell Mountain provide exceptional conditions for astrophotography. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens to capture the Milky Way, which is visible to the naked eye during moonless nights. "We stayed a week and half in late June 2019... Dark skies there. You can see the Milky Way with the naked eye," mentioned one camper.
What campers like
Proximity to multiple attractions: The Great Sand Dunes Oasis serves as an excellent base camp for exploring both the dunes and nearby attractions. One visitor noted, "Make sure to visit the Dunes and Pagosa Falls (2 miles away)," highlighting the convenience of this location for accessing multiple points of interest in a single trip.
Foraging opportunities: Several dispersed camping areas contain edible plants including prickly pear cactus. A camper at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed mentioned preparing "grilled nopales" from prickly pears gathered near their campsite, adding a unique culinary aspect to the camping experience.
Lakeside camping: Home Mountain Reservoir SWA offers fishing and water access when the reservoir has water. "Beautiful great fishing... we came here to fish and it was amazing great trout fishing and beautiful views," reported one visitor, though water levels vary significantly by season and recent precipitation.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Several State Wildlife Areas like Mosca Campground require specific permits. "We came here thinking it was a converted BLM land on the off season but were corrected by a knock on the door in the morning to inform us that we need a hunting or fishing permit to stay here," reported one camper. The Colorado State Wildlife Area pass costs approximately $10 for seniors/juniors and $43 for adults aged 18-64 annually.
High-elevation temperature swings: Nighttime temperatures can drop to near freezing even in summer months. At Great Sand Dunes Dispersed, a camper reported: "The temperature almost went down to freezing at night in early June, so be prepared with layers for both hot and cold desert conditions."
Insects vary by location and season: Flying insects can be intense, especially near water sources. According to visitors at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed: "Bugs are insane so don't come without spray." Another camper added more detail: "There are A TON of flies! Lots of bug spray and loose clothing to avoid those pesky biting flies."
Tips for camping with families
Reserve early for established campgrounds: Pinon Flats Campground at Great Sand Dunes National Park fills quickly, especially on weekends. One visitor advised, "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."
Pack proper footwear: Children need closed-toe shoes for protection from cacti and hot sand. At BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed, a camper warned: "Cactuses everywhere too so wear your shoes."
Plan activities during cooler hours: Morning and evening provide more comfortable temperatures for exploring with children. A visitor to Great Sand Dunes Oasis mentioned, "Super close to the dunes - you get a great view of them from the campground. There's also a small playground for kids."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions limit larger vehicles: Many dispersed camping roads deteriorate significantly as elevation increases. At BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed, a camper observed: "Several large sites at lower elevation, flat and large enough for an RV or two. Road is graded through the lower portion. As you get higher, the road gets rockier and narrower with some washouts."
Site selection based on rig size: Larger RVs should stick to sites closer to main roads. As one visitor to Sacred White Shell Mountain noted, "Smooth dirt road with large spots and smaller spots right off the road... it looked like it gets steeper and rocky."
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require significant leveling. An RVer at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed stated: "We selected this location because it got so many great reviews. I don't expect perfection in dispersed locations but, I was pretty disappointed in the quality of the established areas. They were very difficult to level our smallish travel trailer."
