Best Camping near La Jara, CO

Searching for the best camping near La Jara, CO? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are La Jara campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near La Jara. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near La Jara, CO (192)

    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground

    2. Zapata Falls Campground

    69 Reviews
    291 Photos
    719 Saves
    Blanca, Colorado

    Overview

    A short drive up the gravel road that leads to the Bureau of Land Managements Zapata Falls Campground (CG) will let visitors to the area see the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve from a whole new perspective. The campground offers birds-eye views of the valley floor below, the San Juan Mountains to the west, the adjacent Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and several 14ers and many other towering peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range that Zapata Falls CG sits on not to mention spectacular sunrises, sunsets and night skies! Zapata Falls CG has 23 single campsites, 1 group site and 1 camp host site nestled among pi__on pines along two one-mile long loops. The sites on one loop are designed for tent campers. Parking spurs on the second loop vary a little in length but in general can handle RVs, towed campers, or other configurations of vehicles up to about 50 feet long. A new trailhead in the campground supplies a link to the South Zapata Creek Trail and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. A second trail, next door to the campground in the day-use area, leads visitors on a mildly steep half-mile hike to Zapata Falls, which gives the campground its name.

    Recreation

    Zapata Falls Recreation Area is a destination known for its waterfall viewing and sweeping vistas of the San Luis Valley, its soaring mountain ranges, and the adjacent Great Sand Dunes National Park. From the waterfall, the trail continues onto the Rio Grande National Forest, for those seeking a backcountry experience in the high country above and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Recreation Sites Standard Nonelectric Rv Nonelectric Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric Overnight

    Natural Features

    Zapata Falls Special Recreation Management Area The Zapata Falls Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) is rich in history and geology and offers opportunities to hike, camp, mountain bike and view spectacular scenery. Zapata Falls and the 628 acres surrounding them are State Trust Lands owned by the Colorado State Land Board and are also a designated Colorado Natural Area. They are cooperatively managed with the Bureau of Land Management. History The name _ Zapata _ is the Spanish word for shoe and is tied to the history of settlement in the San Luis Valley. In 1864, Mexican families established the community of Zapata at the western base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and raised sheep and other livestock. In the 1870s, cattleman consolidated land holdings and established one of the San Luis Valleys first and largest cattle ranches know as Zapata Ranch, which remains an active ranch today. Geology Zapata Falls SRMA perches on the edge of an active rift valley. The San Luis Valley was formed when geologic activity along the Rio Grande Rift, a giant crack in the earths top layers, caused the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains to rise and the flat plain of the San Luis Valley to sink. Bedrock lies 5,000 to 13,000 feet below the valley floor, beneath layers of gravel, soil, and water. Approximately two million years ago, alpine glaciers inched down the steep slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Water flowing from the glacier and snowfields in the valley above found a weak spot near the end of a moraine a huge rock pile deposited thousands of years ago by a glacier. For thousands of years, water has carved its path, forming Zapata Falls. Dont Take the Plunge at Zapata Falls The cold waters of South Zapata Creek drop more than 25 feet through a narrow, rocky canyon. Please use extreme caution when hiking or wading around the base of Zapata Falls. In spring and summer, the water is cold, the current may be strong, and the rocks are slippery. In winter, climbing to the base of the falls is a slick proposition. Zapata Creek freezes into a sheet of ice blanketed by snow. Beware, the ice may not be thick enough to support your weight. There is no view of the falls from above; trying to climb the rocky walls is dangerous to you and to people below you. The falls are home to the black swift, a rare and elusive bird that nests only in the misty reaches of waterfalls. Stay on the trails to keep from disturbing the birds nesting in the cliffs.

    Nearby Attractions

    Zapata Falls Trail To reach Zapata Falls, you will need to take a short but arduous hike to Zapata Creek. The falls are upstream from where the trail meets the creek. The only way to view the falls is to get your feet wet by wading carefully upstream to the base of the falls. Length: 1/2 mile each way Elevation: 9,000 to 9,400 feet Connections: South Zapata Lake Trail (U.S. Forest Service Trail #852) Other Nearby Attractions: NPS-Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. USFS-Rio Grande National Forest and Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. BLM-Blanca Wetlands Recreation Area. USFWS-Baca and Alamosa National Wildlife Refuges. Great Sand Dunes Oasis-Restaurant, gift shop, and lodge (near GRSA Park entrance). Ft. Garland Museum and Cultural Center. Colorado Gators Reptile Park. UFO Watchtower. Sand Dunes Hot Springs Pool. Other Nearby Campgrounds: Pinyon Flats CG, Great Sand Dunes NPP

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    3. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    89 Reviews
    385 Photos
    694 Saves
    Gardner, Colorado

    Overview

    Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The dunes lie on the eastern edge of the valley at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The dunefield is part of the nearly 150,000 total acres of the park and preserve that also protects alpine lakes, tundra, six peaks over 13,000 feet, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is part of a fragile, dynamic system that influences and sustains the tallest dunes in North America. President Herbert Hoover established the park unit as a national monument by presidential proclamation on March 17, 1932 through the Antiquities Act. The Works Progress Administration constructed the Superintendents Residence, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But otherwise, GRSA did not see a great deal of development during the New Deal. Park development did not occur in earnest until Mission 66. During this period, the NPS was able to construct a Visitor Center, the Pinon Flat Campground (88 sites), a picnic area, five comfort stations, six single family residences and a triplex, while also building or improving roads and trails through the park. The Visitor Center shows the motivation of the Western Office of Design and Construction to configure designs to corresponding regions using principles of regional modernism. Built in the Pueblo Revival style, the Visitor Center mimics adobe construction through modern materials and forms blended with traditional materials and forms seen during the CCC-era in Cecil Dotys work. Following Mission 66, Congress designated nearly 91% of the monument as wilderness in 1976, which certainly limited the parks ability to further develop visitor and administrative facilities. GRSA became a national park and preserve in 2000, which also included a transfer of land from the Rio Grande National Forest.The dunes have long stood as a landmark for travelers from ancient North Americans to Southern Ute, Jicarilla Apaches, Navajos, early explorers, gold miners, homesteaders, ranchers, farmers and migrant field workers, to you - today's park visitor.

    Recreation

    Great Sand Dunes' wide range of natural features provides endless outdoor recreational activities. The park is perfect for kids, who love exploring the dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a popular place in the summertime. Kids and adults alike love to splash in the cool water. Many kid-friendly, ranger-led activities and a junior ranger program are available. Many miles of hiking and backpacking trails lead through the park's forests and alpine terrain, including the Mosca Pass Trail, Dunes Overlook/Sand Ramp Trail and Indian Grove Trail.

    Natural Features

    Great Sand Dunes are the magnificent centerpiece of a natural system that includes high mountain peaks, sparkling streams, vast grasslands and lush forests. The campground is situated among pinon pines and sagebrush beneath the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most sites have beautiful views of the snow-covered peaks. A wide variety of grasses and wildflowers can be found throughout the area, and mule deer are commonly seen in and around the campground.

    Nearby Attractions

    Zapata Falls is just south of the national park off Highway 150. A short but slippery 1/2-mile hike leads to a 25-foot high cascade. Simply driving to the trailhead provides an excellent view of the entire dunefield and San Luis Valley, especially at sunrise or sunset. San Luis State Wildlife Area is located at the western edge of Great Sand Dunes National Park. It features a large natural lake popular for boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.

    Charges & Cancellations

    This is not a staffed facility. Campground hosts may be available for assistance. Visitors are responsible for knowing their site number and proceeding to the correct site after 2:00 PM. Early check in is not available. A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at the campground during their reservation, and does not cancel their reservation. Because this is an unstaffed location, the site will be held for the duration of the reservation and the visitor will not receive a refund for time not spent in the site. Due to the limited number of sites in Pinon Flats Campground, please cancel or change your reservation if you can not use it, so other campers have an opportunity to stay. Rules and Reservation Policies

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    4. Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    53 Reviews
    157 Photos
    417 Saves
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $169 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA

    5. Alamosa KOA

    17 Reviews
    62 Photos
    66 Saves
    Alamosa, Colorado

    Nestled between the breathtaking San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 7,550 feet, the San Luis Valley is your gateway to adventure. This KOA is near the golden ridges of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where you can hike dunes up to 750 feet tall. It's also at the base of Colorado's fourth tallest mountain, 14,345-foot Blanca Peak.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground

    6. Mosca Campground

    23 Reviews
    79 Photos
    147 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado

    CPW is no longer accepting reservations as the rules for camping have changed. Camping sites in the campground are now walk-in only (first come, first served). ​ Campers will need to plan to bring their own potable water, ice, and firewood. CPW provides free electrical hook-ups at some sites and will continue to do so until costs become prohibitive. Please be judicious in your use of electricity so that we can continue to provide this service for no additional cost.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation

    7. Sand Dunes Recreation

    26 Reviews
    66 Photos
    162 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado

    Sand Dunes offers RV spots, tent sites and cabins. Located 25 minutes away from the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Olympic size hot spring pool, 25 person hot tub, gift shop, 2 restaurants, 21+ Adults only area, The Greenhouse featuring The Steel Box Bar and small plates menu.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park

    8. Cool Sunshine RV Park

    7 Reviews
    23 Photos
    13 Saves
    Alamosa, Colorado

    We’re a pet-friendly RV park with 41 camp sites (full hookup back-in sites and pull through sites) and 6 tent sites. From the moment you pull in, you’re greeted with stunning views of Blanca Peak, surrounded by great neighbors, and have 24/7 access to clean, modern facilities. Cool Sunshine RV Park rests just a few blocks from Alamosa’s downtown, making it the perfect base for your Colorado adventure. There are over 30 restaurants within a 15 minute walk and a wide variety of galleries, museums, coffee shops and sports bars within a 10 minute walk. We’re dedicated to helping you enjoy the most of your break – from recommending the best places to eat to making sure you get a peaceful night’s sleep. Enjoy the comforts of home at Alamosa’s newest RV park – Book Today or give us a call on 719-992-9105.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $40 - $52 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch

    9. Rabbit Hole Ranch

    12 Reviews
    71 Photos
    146 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado

    Camp in the San Luis Valley below snow-capped mountains and surrounded by sage brush and cacti in this high alpine desert. Nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains at 7500’ in elevation, this dispersed campsite gives you magnificent views and a feeling of peaceful privacy.

    Easy access to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mt. Blanca, Zapata Falls, and Hooper Hot Springs.

    This area is great for photography, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and solitude.

    This place gets busy on holidays but we’ll find a place for you!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    $30 - $44 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground

    10. Base Camp Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    16 Photos
    62 Saves
    Alamosa, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
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Showing results 1-10 of 192 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near La Jara

Recent Reviews in La Jara

777 Reviews of 192 La Jara Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Sand Dunes Recreation

    Great stop otw to Great Sand Dunes

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

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Dec. 15, 2024

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Wild and Untamed

    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!

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Montoso Campground
    Oct. 26, 2024

    Montoso Campground

    Great view, quiet, well appointed

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

  • Rick T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Beaver Creek Site 4

    Nice

    This spot is pretty open with room for a small rv or tent camping. Area Code It's a short drive up to Poage Lake at the top of the mountain and also a short drive to Beaver Creek Reservoir down the mountain.

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Questa Lodge & RV Resort
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Questa Lodge & RV Resort

    Beautiful grounds

    Stayed in spot R1 which is pretty small/crowded in, but near river and trees. Lovely duck and geese ponds and river walk, also dog park. Clean restrooms and showers but no changing stalls in either mens/womens shower. Very quiet and affordable. Near to grocery. Grounds are well-kept and healthy & green (lots of trees, shrubs, beautiful walk by river). Sorry pics are a bit washed out, doesn't do it justice.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
    Oct. 13, 2024

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    Great Spot

    Was able to find a really nice open spot with amazing views of the mountains. Was big and spacious enough for me and my friend to camp in our vans. No one around for miles!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Creek Trail
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Elk Creek Trail

    spacious creekside hiking area

    Parked on edge of flat in trees close to creek. Nice ambient noise. Fire rings, metal and stone. Plenty of room. Two vault toilets were clean plenty if TP. Lots of trails, bridge over creek, lakes are near by foot.

  • DL M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountainside 4WD High-Clearance Dispersed Campsites
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Mountainside 4WD High-Clearance Dispersed Campsites

    Tree sheltered sites along

    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.

  • Mark B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Pass Creek

    Over night sleep stop.

    Stop here just for and sleep stop overnight. Road is well maintained. Several places to pull off the side of the road or actual sites too. We have a 35' 5th wheel and had no problems menivering the area. Nice lake with a parking lot at the end the turn around at if you wish to take the road all the way to the end.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Junebug Campground
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Junebug Campground

    Red River access

    We camped right to. The Red River, the site was fairly clean but we cleaned up what the campground host failed to pick up.

    Picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilet was clean.

    This is a great place to stay and it allows for day trips into Taos and Valle Vidal which is a spectacular trip. We saw large herds of bison roaming and had to wait for 20 minutes while they crossed the dirt road.

  • Levi S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Easy free camping

    Got here on a Saturday night in September and found a spot right away. It had been raining for awhile too. No issue on the road with a kia sorento.

  • Richard M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (south Central Co)
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (south Central Co)

    Place where THOUGHTS gets its peace

    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

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Fork Purgatiore River
    Sep. 19, 2024

    North Fork Purgatiore River

    Great campground!

    Beautiful river and lots of wildlife. Drive past the wildlife area sign that says no camping. That sign is only for the entranced area. On down the road you will see the entrance and pay station for the campgrounds. Gorgeous! Nice trail to hike as well.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Chama RV Park
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Rio Chama RV Park

    Beautiful campground

    Mostly RV sites, some tent sites. Some with no hookups, partial hookand full hookups. Awesome staff. Full bathroom & laundry facilities.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Wide Open Spaces

    Not much tree cover at a lot of these spots. Great location to be close enough to the dunes.

    Was pretty windy and sandy while we were there

  • Tom W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Chama RV Park
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Rio Chama RV Park

    Shaded Next To River + Steam Train

    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Zapata Falls Campground

    Labor day mountain camping

    Nice campsite. Bathrooms were locked and no host on site today maybe due to holiday. Plenty of hiking nearby. Hike to the falls is short and worth it. You can also hike further up to the lake.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 1, 2024

    East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

    Fun location

    There are 20+ campsites along FR667. Some can accommodate RVs, some only tents. We parked a popup at the 1st campsite past the bridge near the trailhead. 2 waterfalls are close, Pagosa Springs is 30ish mins away. Our kids tubed down the creek. Lots of ATV traffic, some bikes, but overall quiet.



Guide to La Jara

Camping near La Jara, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking to waterfalls: Check out the short hike to the falls at Zapata Falls Campground. One camper said, "You can also hike further up to the lake," making it a great spot for both short and longer hikes.
  • Exploring the Great Sand Dunes: The Great Sand Dunes Oasis is just a short drive away. A visitor mentioned, "The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible!" Perfect for a day trip.
  • Stargazing: The UFO Watchtower is known for its dark skies. One camper noted, "The star gazing is amazing," making it a unique spot for those interested in the cosmos.

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review from Zapata Falls Campground highlights, "My site was great, so clean with a breathtaking view."
  • Friendly atmosphere: Many visitors appreciate the welcoming vibe. A camper at Rabbit Hole Ranch said, "Everyone was super friendly!" This makes for a pleasant camping experience.
  • Clean facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A review for Great Sand Dunes Oasis mentions, "The bath house was clean," which is always a relief when camping.

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sacred White Shell Mountain, have no drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "There are no frills at Zapata Falls," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Zapata Falls Campground mentioned, "You do have to reserve online now in advance."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. One camper at Zapata Falls Campground appreciated the "bear locker" at their site, which is essential for keeping food safe.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby attractions. A review for Woods & River RV Park mentions, "Fun kids area with playground and treehouse with zip line."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have restaurants nearby, like Great Sand Dunes Oasis, which can make meal planning easier. A camper said, "There is a store and restaurant on property."
  • Bring entertainment: If you're camping at places like Mosca Campground, where activities might be limited, pack games or outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A review for Alamosa KOA mentions, "The sites are typical KOA- fairly close but well kept and level."
  • Full hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups if you need them. A visitor at Woods & River RV Park noted, "Had full hookups, paid $55/night."
  • Be mindful of noise: Campers at places like UFO Watchtower mentioned that sites are close together, so keeping noise down is important. One camper said, "The campsites are extremely close, so be very considerate with noise!"

Camping near La Jara, Colorado, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions