Best Campgrounds near La Jara, CO

The gate is not locked, just open it and you've got some great campsites in BLM land!

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. About 100m from a railroad line (not sure how active it is). Behind the spots is a residential road then houses. Park is small but well maintained. Nearby River Walking Trail that is beautiful. I saw a cop car patrolling while we were filling up which is always reassuring.

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

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!

Picnic table, running water in spigots, fire ring and a view. We drove our van right to the spot. Clean pit toilets. $7/night

Gated off. Not accessible

Close proximity to the dunes, allows you to access at night and throughout the day to experience the range of landscapes the park provides.

The camp site has flushing toilets and drinking water.

Would highly recommend if you can snag a site.

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.

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

Locked gate at indicated entry point.

Beautiful views of the dunes and the mountains! Bathrooms were super clean and convenient. Highly recommend!

Quick stop while traveling. Several established dispersed camp sites nearby. Rock fire pit at this site doesn't appear to been used in awhile

The weather is perfect in the summer! The Cumbres & Toltec steam train goes by the campground twice a day at the trestle. The Rio Chama flows along the edge of the campground. The staff was friendly and helpful. The town of Chama is within walking distance. Definitely worth staying.