J
James A.
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GuideMonarch Spur RV Park & Campground
We arrived to an office that was closed at 2pm. They did have an after hours check in which worked. Spot RV 11 was not very level. This was bare bones. All the services did work.
Camping near Moffat, CO
16 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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The San Luis Valley surrounds Moffat, Colorado with a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping options spanning from hot springs to mountain settings. Valley View Hot Springs offers both cabins and tent sites within a clothing-optional resort, while Joyful Journey Hot Springs provides tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and glamping accommodations including yurts. The region features several public lands where dispersed camping is permitted, with established campgrounds like Cotton Creek Trailhead providing basic amenities. Many sites combine hot springs access with camping, creating a unique experience in this high-desert valley bordered by mountain ranges.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough dirt roads. "The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow," noted one visitor about accessing Cotton Creek Trailhead. Several campgrounds operate seasonally, with higher elevations becoming inaccessible during winter months. Extreme temperature fluctuations are common in this high-altitude valley, where summer days can be hot while nights remain cool. Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months near water sources. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with some spots offering 1-3 bars of LTE depending on line of sight to towers. Many developed campgrounds require reservations, especially those with hot springs access.
Campers frequently mention the exceptional stargazing opportunities throughout the San Luis Valley. "Once the wind settled, there were more stars than I've ever seen in my life. Endless views and endless stars - can't beat it!" remarked one reviewer about Cotton Creek Trailhead. The mineral hot springs represent a significant draw for many visitors, with multiple campgrounds integrating hot springs access with their camping fees. Some developed sites like Joyful Journey include meals with their camping packages. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper reporting mountain goats along access roads. Several primitive camping areas provide creek-side sites with natural sound barriers from flowing water. The region's remote character appeals to those seeking solitude, with many dispersed sites spaced far enough apart that campers report not seeing or hearing others during their stays.
Best Campgrounds near Moffat (244)
1. Sand Dunes Recreation
"Close by the Sand Dunes. The showers and laundromat are pretty clean. Very cool pools and greenhouse."
"We walked in and we were like oh geez because of the children, the greasy food, and the screams. We aren’t kid haters we just were kids 15 years ago so we still can’t stand them."
2. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
"It's a biologically diverse area in Southern Colorado, where high winds that blow through the Rockies deposit sand at the Southernmost tip . We made camping reservations about six months in advance."
"Access to dunes trails, and off road track. Dump station nearby visitor center with free air station. T-Mobile available at most sites, but good by the visitor center and primitive road access."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $80 / night
3. Joyful Journey Hot Springs
"The Sangre de Christo Mountains tower in the distance and on a moonlit night, they positively glow from the farthest pool."
"The RV spots are on one side of the large parking lot, with the hook up spaces in the middle, with non-electric spots running around two of the outside sides. "
Check Availabilityfrom $80 / night
4. UFO Watchtower
"The area was very clean and although it's right off the highway the camping spots are tucked far enough away to where it's no bother."
"This spot is surrounded by beautiful Colorado mountains! The wind was very strong in June, if you use a canopy, try to use some strap tiedowns so your canopy frame does not bend."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
5. Alvarado Campground
"I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste."
"There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $60 / night
6. Zapata Falls Campground
"This was our last night camping in Colorado and it was beautiful!"
"This area in Colorado is one of the most unique places I've seen in a while."
30 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 / night
7. Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL
"The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen."
8. Cotton Creek Trailhead
"It's an almost off road situation. Depending on what side of the trail you come in from. Awd and a higher clearance vehicle are recommended. But the views and seclusion are totally worth it."
"If you're ok with driving a couple miles over exposed cobble or have a 4x4 this is the place for you."
9. Great Sand Dunes Oasis
"It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean."
"It's slight hidden behind a bigger RV andodge campground. It was beautiful views from ANY tent site you got. It had bathroom n accessible showers if needed. Firewood. Friendly hosts and snacks."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $169 / night
10. North Crestone Creek Campground
"We also had 3 dogs with us and there was still enough room for them so we weren’t stepping all over one another."
"Colorado sand dunes are a trip."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 20 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 41 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 3 hrs 6 min from Denver, CO
- 3 hrs 16 min from Boulder, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Moffat, CO
377 Photos of 244 Moffat Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Moffat, CO
1234 Reviews of 244 Moffat Campgrounds
- nnicole T.
ScoutHecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Signs are posted that say a reservation is required.
N. Cole P.
TravelerStarlite Vintage Resort
Super cute campground, well kept, beautiful views, very close to the Royal Gorge. Camp hosts were very responsive, we got in a little late and they were quick to help us out. A few things that are important to know: they have a lot of stickers, the super sharp prickly ones and the super sticky ones. They have a decent size dog run(dog park) area that is great because of the stickers. It’s a good spot to take your dogs let them run off some energy. I would suggest a small cover down there due to all the weather. We really thought the sauna and hot tub should be available to the patrons staying here at the facility and so we went to go check it out and it cost $29 for an hour. Which was a bummer.
- JJames G.Traveler
Ridgeview Four Mile Creek
Extremely Windy, 4-5x the wind in the cities. But the view is amazing and you can drive right up to a round of campfire rocks. Some traffic as this spot is off the main trail. 10/10
- ddez F.Guide
Zapata Falls Campground
Road is paved but can see some wear and will get more bumpy. Be prepared for the incline to get to camp sites. Road rough in spots in campground. We are 50’ with our tow. We stayed in 22 and see this view…
Jeff S.ScoutBlack Sheep Retreat
Beautiful and quiet, miles from any traffic or noise. We used it as a base camp for hiking the local ranges.
- VVirginia E.Traveler
Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
The road getting in is a bit rough, but there were lots of available campsites, all clearly marked. Beautiful views.
Lauren P.TravelerFive Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Very close to the highway
Basic amenities, but clean and easy to find. The campsite is very close to the highway, so if you're looking for something more off the beaten path, keep looking. However, if you just need a place to sleep with great views, this is a solid spot. We saw bighorn sheep and even heard what sounded like a bobcat possibly mountain lion at night.
Keith P.ScoutWillow Creek Trail
Small pullouts along road
Easy access with a Honda. Chilly nights
Guide to Moffat
Camping near Moffat, Colorado places visitors in the high desert valley where elevations range from 7,000-8,000 feet and temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night. The region sits at the crossroads of diverse ecosystems where mountain forests meet desert terrain, creating unique camping conditions. Many campsites in the area have minimal shade and require preparation for both hot days and cold nights.
What to do
Visit the UFO Watchtower: Located in Hooper, this unique attraction combines camping with stargazing and UFO watching. "The star gazing is amazing. Neighbor horses came out to join me, too," reports one visitor to UFO Watchtower. Camping costs $15 per night with access to the watchtower included.
Hike to mountain lakes: The region offers extensive hiking options outside the dunes area. "We hiked the dune overlook trail and it was really nice-1 mile long and gave a different perspective of the dunes. There are a few hikes we wanted to try there but the mosquitos were just so thick we stuck to the dunes mainly this time," notes a visitor to Pinon Flats Campground.
Explore forest trails: Alvarado Campground provides direct access to mountain trails. "The campground was beautiful and had access to several wonderful trails. The night sky was amazing after the rain passed through and the clouds cleared," writes a camper at Alvarado Campground. Most trails start directly from campground loops.
Rent sand equipment: For dune experiences, equipment rentals are available at multiple locations. "You can rent sand boards and sleds here if the weather is right," explains a camper from Great Sand Dunes Oasis. Rental prices average $20 per day for boards.
What campers like
Hot springs access: Several campgrounds integrate hot springs with camping. "Camping is 20 bucks a night and you get half off camping when you camp here. The pools are artesian hot springs. The pools are extremely kid friendly, and there are greenhouses with 21+ soaking and bar," reports a visitor to Sand Dunes Recreation.
Clothing-optional resorts: For those seeking a naturist experience. "Valley View is a large swath of land with about 12 beautiful pools and about 20+ camping spots. You need to reserve well in advance as the demand is much higher than the capacity," notes a visitor to Valley View Hot Springs. Reservations often open several months in advance.
Dishwashing stations: Some campgrounds offer practical amenities beyond basic toilets. "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," describes a camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis.
Unique dining options: Many hot springs campgrounds include meals. "A small hippy facility with rv spots, yurts, and lodge rooms. Includes breakfast and dinner, and access to several hot spring fed tubs, at several temps. People were very nice, food was not half bad," writes a visitor to Joyful Journey Hot Springs.
What you should know
Bears are active: Wildlife precautions are essential in this region. "We did have an incident with some bears coming into the camp 2 nights in a row because the people next to us left their food out. That is however their fault not the bear's as we are in their domain," warns a camper at North Crestone Creek Campground.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense during certain seasons. "July was mosquito madness. Honestly I am from the country and can deal with bugs, but being dived bombed by 30 mosquitos (not exaggerating) is intense. Be ready for battle," cautions a camper at Pinon Flats Campground.
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigation of rough roads. "The road to Zapata Falls is super rough but passenger cars shouldn't have any problem as long as you keep it slow," advises a visitor to Zapata Falls Campground. Plan for 20-30 minutes to travel the final 3 miles.
Water sources: Many sites lack drinking water. "No water on site, not a ton of sites, outhouses, friendly to RVs and tents (but the road up can be a little bumpy if it's raining)," explains a camper at Zapata Falls Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Hot water awareness: Some campgrounds have unusual water systems. "One funny thing is if you have an rv and hook up to the water, it is fed from the hot springs so the water is always very warm. Didn't get to test out our hot water heater at this location! Haha!" shares a visitor at Sand Dunes Recreation.
Kid-friendly pools: Several locations offer family swimming options. "The main attraction of this place for families has to be the pool, which also has a basic restaurant with grill food that's reasonably priced. There's also a separate adult only area within the pool rec center," explains a camper at Sand Dunes Recreation.
Evening activities: The area offers excellent night sky viewing. "We loved staying here, we heard coyotes howling close by, owls hooting, dust devils out in the valley, infinite stars," notes a visitor at Zapata Falls Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check campsite layouts carefully before booking. "Really look at the picture of your site before you book it. I brought a teardrop and it felt like I was kind of camping in the road (site 80). This site would have been great for either tent campers or someone with a very large RV but I had hoped for a site I could back into," advises an RVer at Pinon Flats.
Campsite sizing: Many campgrounds have limitations on RV sizes. "Some sites are only tent-friendly with parking parallel to the sight and then walking up to a tent area. Other spots work for smaller vans, trailers, etc. and most are short in depth but double-wide drives to position the vehicle beside the trailer," explains a camper at Pinon Flats Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric and water services vary widely between campgrounds. "There are berms around the regular tent camping that limit your views. All the water on site comes out hot which was great for our chilly visit yet may not be as nice in the hotter months," notes a visitor regarding overflow camping at Sand Dunes Recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Moffat, CO?
What camping is available near Moffat, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Moffat, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 244 campgrounds and RV parks near Moffat, CO and 75 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Moffat, CO?
Which is the most popular campground near Moffat, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Moffat, CO is Sand Dunes Recreation with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Moffat, CO?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Moffat, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 75 free dispersed camping spots near Moffat, CO.
What parks are near Moffat, CO?
What parks are near Moffat, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Moffat, CO that allow camping, notably Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve.
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