Best Tent Camping near La Jara, CO

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near La Jara? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near La Jara, CO (35)

    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

    1. 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 Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from The Chicken Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from The Chicken Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from The Chicken Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from The Chicken Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from The Chicken Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from The Chicken Ranch

    3. The Chicken Ranch

    1 Review
    38 Photos
    6 Saves
    Antonito, Colorado

    Located in Southern Colorado (not Nevada) in the beautiful San Luis Valley is a 40-acre homestead open for camping and glamping. We are a primitive campground. Flat RV and camper spots with 360 views. Just turn your lawn chair! All RV's and pull behinds must be self-contained. We are not offering hook-ups at this time.

    Do you love animals? Well, so do we! There are horses, goats, a cow, rescue dogs and of course chickens living on the ranch. All of our farm animals are friendly and we are happy to schedule time for the kids (includes adult children) to pet and give treats. Fresh eggs will be available to purchase as long as the girls are keeping up. Potluck cookouts every Friday night are sure to provide some great memories and you might even meet a new friend or two!

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Glamping
    • Showers
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    5. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    8 Reviews
    50 Photos
    338 Saves
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado

    Explore any part of the 30 square mile dunefield you wish; there are no designated trails in the sand. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for free loan at the Visitor Center. Summer air temperatures are pleasant at this high elevation, but during afternoon hours the sand surface can reach 150F degrees, and dangerous thunderstorms can develop. Plan to hike the dunes in early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion, burned feet, or fatal lightning strikes.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Market
    • Firewood Available
    • No image available

      6. Los Pinos

      1 Review
      10 Saves
      Antonito, Colorado

      4 developed campsites + dispersed camping at 8000' with superb river fishing access just west of NM Game & Fish Recreation Area

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
      • No image available

        8. Stunner

        2 Reviews
        16 Saves
        Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

        Stunner campground sits at 9700-foot in elevation beside the Alamosa River, two miles below the top of Stunner Pass. There are 5 campsites with tables, fire pits, a vault-type toilet, and adequate parking.

        There is no water supply, so plan to bring your own. Firewood is limited. Convenient trailer spaces available. The Alamosa River is nearby for fishing. Unfortunately, naturally acidic water severely limits fishing in the Alamosa River between Stunner Campground and Terrace Reservoir. Big game hunting is possible.

        The ghost town of Stunner is just east of the campground. This was a mining town that failed, due to nonproducing mines and transportation problems. Parts of the town are private property, so pack out all your trash and observe posted no-trespassing signs.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Toilets
        • Alcohol
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Lagunitas Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Lagunitas Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Lagunitas Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Lagunitas Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Lagunitas Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Lagunitas Campground

        9. Lower Lagunitas Campground

        2 Reviews
        15 Photos
        7 Saves
        Chama, New Mexico

        12 campsites at 10,400' in Upper and Lower Lagunitas areas are adjacent to breath-taking Cruces Basin.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        Camper-submitted photo from Cabresto Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Cabresto Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Cabresto Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Cabresto Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Cabresto Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Cabresto Lake Campground

        10. Cabresto Lake Campground

        5 Reviews
        17 Photos
        137 Saves
        Questa, New Mexico
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Tent Cabin
      Show More
      Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in La Jara

      662 Reviews of 35 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.

      • 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

      • 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.

      • 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.

      • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
        Aug. 31, 2024

        Great Sand Dunes Oasis

        Great Location

        We booked here last minute on a holiday weekend and we were thankful they had a spot for us! The campground parking area is just that. It’s a place to park for the night, with full hook ups. No wifi. The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible! The bath house was clean. There is a store and restaurant in property. They also have cabins to rent. . My only complaint…this is a dark sky area with expansive views of the sky and the opportunity to see the Milky Way. This is not something g I get to see at home! However, all the giant campers had their bright lights on at night and it really messed with viewing of the sky. I wish there was a rule of no outside lights at night. It’s unnecessary! If you are one of those people that leave your lights on when you go in for the night, please reconsider!

      • Lisa M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
        Aug. 29, 2024

        Great Sand Dunes Oasis

        Close to the park but basic campsites

        We spent one night here so we could go to the park. Nice enough campground with level spaces and full hook ups. We paid $54. Area also has cabins and a lodge as well as a store with a little restaurant. The showers were amazing at this place. Nice hot copious amounts of water and very clean. About 4 miles from the park entrance. Sandunes were pretty cool, but unless you want to hike to the very top of them, you could easily only spend two hours at the most here. 

      • Timothy N.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake
        Aug. 29, 2024

        Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake

        Plentiful dispersed options

        We spent a few nights in the dispersed area near Hopewell .  We rolled in at 5 and had plenty of sites to choose from.  We chose one of the lower areas, with one large open space surrounded by smaller sites.  There were many more up the road, and there was constant traffic headed uphill until about 9PM.   Once the traffic stopped it was very quiet, only the cattle calling through the trees.  It rained for several hours and our spot stayed solid.  Some offshoot roads were rutted out. The main road had minimal rocks and holes, didn't get very muddy.  TMobile\Google mobile service worked well enough.  Verizon did not work.

      • Allen The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
        Aug. 25, 2024

        Beaver Creek Site 4

        Cliff high exposure

        No water sources within walking distance. The lake is aways away. It's a pull off on the dirt road that's big enough to fit a small camper on the side of a cliff with high exposure. No cover for thunderstorms.

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
        Aug. 22, 2024

        Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

        Good spot if you get there early

        There’s plenty of spots off the main road, but seems like you need to get there early. We showed up around 6 pm. The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn’t trust our minivan going through the “unmaintained” section, we turned around and were able to find a connecting side road that had plenty of open space out there. When entering the road initially, the side road would be about half way up to your left. Pretty close to Great Sand Dunes National Park, so we were happy with this location! Nice mountain view.


      Drive Time


      Guide to La Jara

      Tent camping near La Jara, Colorado, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from private sites to well-reviewed public areas, there's something for every tent camper.

      Tent campers should check out The Chicken Ranch

      • At The Chicken Ranch, you can enjoy a peaceful riverside setting with amenities like showers and toilets, making it a comfortable choice for tent camping.
      • This campground allows campfires, so you can gather around the fire after a day of exploring the beautiful Colorado landscape.
      • With options for glamping and traditional tent camping, The Chicken Ranch caters to various camping preferences.

      Tips for tent camping near La Jara

      • If you're looking for a unique experience, consider Rabbit Hole Ranch, where you can camp with your pets and enjoy the stunning views close to the sand dunes.
      • Arrive early at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed to secure a good spot, as it can get busy, especially during peak seasons.
      • For a quieter experience, Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir offers beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing getaway.

      Tent campers appreciate these amenities

      • Laguna Larga provides picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient choice for those who want basic amenities while enjoying nature.
      • At Los Pinos, you can find picnic tables and toilets, ideal for a comfortable camping experience in the Carson National Forest.
      • Secluded Star Gazer Campsite Near Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a unique opportunity for stargazing, along with the option to have campfires, enhancing your outdoor adventure.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near La Jara, CO?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near La Jara, CO is Rabbit Hole Ranch with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near La Jara, CO?

        TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near La Jara, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.