The La Veta area sits at elevations ranging from 7,000 to over 11,000 feet in southern Colorado's Spanish Peaks region, creating dramatic temperature variations even in summer months. Most camping spots near La Veta, Colorado operate seasonally between May and October due to winter conditions, though some lower-elevation options remain accessible year-round. Mountain campgrounds typically close after the first significant snowfall.
What to do
Hiking at high elevations: From Cordova Pass, visitors can access several trails with significant elevation gain. "This campground has 3 walk in tent campsites, a pit toilet, picnic tables, fire pits and great access to West Spanish Peaks trailhead," notes one camper.
Stargazing without light pollution: Many camping areas offer exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. A visitor at Bear Lake Campground reported: "We drove in about 5:00 pm and they had 2 vacancies! Camp host was great! Friendly neighbors!" The high elevation and distance from urban areas creates ideal stargazing conditions.
Explore mountain lakes: The region features several fishing lakes at high elevations with relatively consistent water levels. "The lake is pristine and clear and you can see every trout in the lake. The fishing was fantastic and the campsites were well situated and quiet," writes a reviewer about Bear Lake.
What campers like
Lakeside camping spots: The region's mountain lakes provide popular camping options. At Blue Lake Campground, one visitor reports: "This is a known area to take day hikes around the lake, to the waterfall and see some mountain goats if you're lucky. We camped down by the lake for a couple nights."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The camping areas near La Veta offer excellent wildlife spotting. "We did not see the moose but caught glimpses of the goats, weasels and a beaver in the water," notes a Blue Lake camper. Bears are also common in the area, requiring proper food storage.
Elevation-based temperature relief: Summer visitors appreciate the cooler temperatures at higher-elevation sites. "It was definitely cold and windy at night. Unfortunately there was a ton of trash there and it was quite busy. Our friends showed up at 11 am Friday and got one of the only sites available," reports a Blue Lake Campground visitor.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most mountain campgrounds have no cellular connectivity. A camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis observed: "This RV site was quaint with a fantastic location, but the store and the bathrooms were closed and we never could find the dumpster! Our view was incredible!"
Seasonal insect activity: Summer months bring mosquitoes to many camping areas. "This is the stuff postcards are made of!! Limited sites available and most are right off the road/trail to the waterfall so privacy is out," writes a Blue Lake camper who stayed for four nights.
Rapid weather changes: Mountain weather conditions can shift quickly throughout the day. "We had snow and sunshine within a couple of hours. Love this campground!" notes a visitor to Zapata Falls Campground.
Access road challenges: Many camping areas require driving on rough, unpaved roads. "The road up is rough but once you reach the camping area it gets better," reports a Zapata Falls visitor. Higher elevation sites often have steeper access roads with multiple switchbacks.
Tips for camping with families
Choose lower elevation campgrounds: Families with young children may prefer camping at lower elevations like Pinon Campground at Lathrop State Park. "Great spot for our first RV stay. Good views of Spanish peaks and site was very quiet. Bathrooms with showers and toilets were close by," writes one visitor.
Prepare for temperature swings: Even summer camping requires warm clothing for nights. "Nice sites with loads of amenities. We stayed at the pinon campground and was very pleased with all what it had to offer. Nice clean restrooms and showers!! Can get hot and windy during the summer," notes a Pinon Campground visitor.
Reserve early for popular weekends: Holiday periods fill quickly at established campgrounds. "Spots are first come, first serve tent spaces so the earlier you get there, the better. We arrived at 8:30am and found a spot but the rest filled up shortly after," reports a Blue Lake camper.
Tips from RVers
Check campground access limitations: Many higher-elevation campgrounds have road constraints. At Yucca Campground, a visitor notes: "Clean campground and restrooms. Great views of Spanish peaks." The campground provides more accessible RV options than mountain sites.
Expect higher fees at state parks: State park campgrounds charge entrance fees plus camping fees. "Colorado State Parks are expensive. We had a VERY basic site with communal water & vault toilets for $28 + $9 day fee. Nice picnic tables & fire rings though," reports a Yucca Campground visitor.
Consider wind exposure: RV sites often have less wind protection than forested areas. "Way too close to the highway — noisy! Plus helicopter overhead made sleep difficult," mentions a Yucca Campground reviewer, highlighting the importance of checking site placement when making reservations.
