The San Isabel National Forest region near La Veta offers glamping and camping experiences at elevations between 7,000-11,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during days, dropping to 40-50°F at night. Forest Service roads leading to several campsites require high-clearance vehicles, and cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations.
What to do
Fishing at mountain lakes: Bear Lake Campground provides trout fishing opportunities at 11,000 feet elevation. "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," notes one visitor at Bear Lake Campground.
Sand dune recreation: Rent equipment for sand adventures 30 minutes from Alamosa. "You can rent sand boards and sleds here if the weather is right. There is also a restaurant with food that was better than we expected it to be and a gas station," explains a camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis.
Wildlife viewing: Several campsites offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "Deer walking thru the campground at dusk was a neat site," reports a camper. Another mentions, "We were visited by several mule deer and very friendly chipmunks. Bears are in the area, but a bear-proof locker is on the site."
What campers like
Stargazing conditions: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "At night there is zero light pollution and you can see so many stars," notes a visitor at South Shore Campground. The high elevation and clear mountain air enhance celestial visibility.
Quiet mountain atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings. "Nice campground above San Isabel lake. Good fishing in the lake, we rented a paddle boat while staying there," shares a visitor at Lake Isabel St. Charles Campground.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "Bathrooms were fantastic. Showers were some of the best I've seen with a private dressing area and hooks/shelves to put your dry clothes on. There is a dishwashing station also," reports a camper.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most forest service campgrounds operate from May to October, with limited or no services in winter months. "The site is very popular for families in the summer looking for great camping and even better fishing," notes one camper.
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "Campers frequently run into bears. So you need to prepare and take the necessary precautions," advises a visitor at Bear Lake Campground.
Water access challenges: Some locations have limited water sources. "No water at the sight, you need to fill your holding tank before you park. Electric only and dump site provided," explains an RVer at South Shore Campground.
Elevation considerations: The high altitude affects weather patterns and comfort. "Bear lake is a beautiful mountain fishing lake at about 11,000 feet altitude," notes a camper, indicating visitors should prepare for altitude effects.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Aspen Acres Campground offers child-friendly facilities. "This was a campground that had RV spots, cabins and tent spots. Staff was very friendly and they had a lot things to do for the kids in the camp store/facility," shares a visitor.
Hiking difficulty levels: Some locations offer beginner trails suitable for children. "Hiking, playground, geocaching. We will definitely be back!" reports a family at South Shore Campground.
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions change rapidly, requiring extra clothing layers. "We spent the first day in our tent due to weather. The road was a bit washed out but the camp host was great. We didn't let the rain keep us down, and the day we were leaving the sun made a visit!"
Kid-friendly activities: Several locations offer organized activities. "We showed up on a Saturday and there was rock painting and $2 ice cream for the kids right next to the playground," notes a visitor at Alamosa KOA.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Water and electric services differ between sites. "The sites are close together. Should have privacy fence from the place next door. Also have cabins to rent. Nice play area for children and a kitchen and a campfire area in the middle of campground," explains an RVer at Stonewall Lodge & RV Park.
Site spacing: Many RV areas position vehicles close together. "The sites are really close together. We had no issues with our neighbors. Everyone was quiet and kept to themselves, but I can see if you had noisier neighbors or wanted more privacy it could be an issue."
Leveling considerations: Most campgrounds have graded sites requiring minimal adjustment. "The RV sites were leveled very well, and they have both 30-amp and 50-amp sites available," reports a visitor.
Road conditions: Access roads to glamping sites near La Veta often require careful navigation. "It is a very rocky climb after the sand and you could easily pop a tire," warns one camper about mountain access routes.
