242 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen."
"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."
"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."
from $25 - $169 / night
Check Availability"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."
RangerWow, I really love this place. And also certain spots have a great view of the San Luis valley along with the Western side of the sangria de cristos It is quiet but I did see 1 or 2 motorcycles. But not many, the road was very decent. We have a twenty five foot mercedes sprinter camper and made it no problem.
ScoutWater fill is extremely slow!
Otherwise fine.
TravelerFree, clean, pit toilet quite, greate view all around.
TravelerI came in on a Friday morning for a one night stay in my AWD camper van. There are several flat spots at the bottom that are perfect for bigger rigs or tow behinds. The dirt road turns into a rocky ascent as you go up the hill but my sprinter handled it fine. The spots up here are less flat but manageable. There were a lot less people up the hill and the views are great. If you have the vehicle to drive up the rocky road a ways, I would recommend it.
TravelerVery open, at the base of the mountain, sunset+sunrise were amazing! Slightly windy, so if you’re in a tent make sure you tie it down tight.
TravelerNot like this place needs another good review but I enjoyed my night there. The road starts off with some minor washboards where there’s access to some campsites. It turns into a pretty rocky incline that I would recommend 4WD for but I did see a sedan race up ahead of me, so just depends on how much you care about your vehicle I guess 🤷♂️ a decent amount of people camping but it’s dispersed enough and there is some foot traffic from people hiking the 14er there. Stars were great, which is why I was out there in the first place!
ScoutWould give no stars if I could! We had booked a stay in advance for Labor Day weekend and as the time got closer, we needed to adjust our dates. I, with my husband listening in the background, called to see if they could shift our dates by 1 day. the lady on the phone told me that would be no problem and that it was taken care of. Fast forward a week, we arrive and everything seems fine until we get a text message on our second to last day that asked why we hadn't left yet. We were about to head out for the day, but walked over to the office to talk to them first. The lady at the front desk had an attitude from the moment we walked in the door and basically said it was our fault that they didn't change the reservations correctly and we needed to leave immediately. She was very rude and blamed it on us. Mind you, it's an extremely busy holiday weekend where everything is already booked and we were about to leave as we had plans for the day. I told her we may not be out in the time frame she gave us because we now had to figure out where to go, clean/pack up the camper, etc. She threated to have us towed instead of trying to be helpful. This was on top of this same employee being very rude when we first arrived about us having a package schedule to be delivered there(that we had ordered many days before). She told us it was not allowed since we weren't staying for long enough and they would send the package back once the delivery folks tried to deliver it. Once I explained it was food for my senior dog, she said fine they would allow it once. Insane policy! Lastly, we tried to sleep with our windows open at night to enjoy the cool nights, however, the smell of the sewage plant next door was overwhelming and smelled awful! We knew from the moment we arrived and were met with rudeness about us having a package delivered that we would never be back, but after how the stay ended, this place needs to learn about hospitality and customer service instead of blaming their guests for their mistakes! We ended up at the RV park next door and it was wonderful and the people were so welcoming and friendly!
ScoutThe park is small and beautiful on the stocked lake. The vault toilets are clean…for a vault toilet. Plenty of tp…padlocked in. lol. True primitive camping. Designated Tent sites are by the lake. Beautiful spots. Several RV sites on the lake but not for anything larger than 30’. There are RV sites at the entrance that can accommodate a slightly larger rig. I saw a Momemtum in site 2. But driving a rig much bigger up the sometimes steep, dirt, bumpy and rocky road could be difficult. There are a couple of hairpin turns. Definitely need a 4 wheel drive if you’re pulling a 20’ plus length trailer or RV. But that’s my opinion. But I could be wrong. I think all the RV sites are back-in. I’m at a site that have two sites end to end. Be forewarned, it looks like a pull-through site. My neighbor pulled up and brought his trailer closer to my site so his view of the lake wasn’t obstructed from the picnic table and fire pit. Good idea at the moment until I backed my rig up. I’m essentially blocking him in the way he parked. He should have accessed his rigs resting spot by pulling through my spot first. Now I have to load my rig up and move it so he can load his up and leave. I don’t mind. He’s been a great neighbor. This campground, like other forestry campgrounds, somehow have FCFS sites reserved. I don’t understand how it’s done, but it’s frustrating. It isn’t a true FCFS location until September 22nd. After that reservations can’t be made. Good luck beating the locals. You’re not supposed to bring a rig and just park it and leave, although it’s done frequently per the campground hosts. They couldn’t get a tow truck up here to remove it. So essentially it’s a rule that can’t be enforced. But it’s an unethical, shameful and selfish thing to do if you’re considering doing that. I’m staying 2 weeks because I can reach a town for anything I need in 20 minutes. Ponca Springs and Salida.
GuideSlept like a baby in this lovely new tipi. Decorated so cute, with plenty of good vibes. Beautiful, spacious composting toilet, outdoor prep sink and milkbarn converted cookshack is awesome even for several nights stay. Del Norte is a quiet, charming little town with all the things I needed for a quick stopover!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Moffat, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 242 campgrounds and RV parks near Moffat, CO and 74 free dispersed camping spots.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 74 free dispersed camping spots 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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