Cabin camping near Mosca, Colorado offers rustic getaways within view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at elevations around 7,500-8,000 feet. The San Luis Valley features dramatic temperature swings with summer highs reaching 80°F during the day and dropping to 40°F at night. Water for cabin rentals comes from natural hot springs in several locations, emerging at temperatures between 98-110°F year-round.
What to do
Soak in hot springs pools: Sand Dunes Recreation features multiple natural hot spring pools with varied temperatures. According to a visitor, "The pools are artesian hot springs. The pools are extremely kid friendly, and there are greenhouses with 21+ soaking and bar." Another camper mentioned, "The Greenhouse is lush with plants and not as crowded as the main pool."
Rent sand equipment: Great Sand Dunes Oasis provides sand board and sled rentals for dune exploration. As one reviewer noted, "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."
Explore hiking trails: Many cabin options provide access to mountain trails. A guest at Valley View Hot Springs shared, "Property features several natural hot springs and you can hike to a cave. Facility was clean but a little crowded for me." Hiking options range from easy walking paths to challenging mountain ascents.
Fish in mountain waters: South Fork Campground offers direct access to the Rio Grande River. A visitor explained, "The campground itself sits on the Rio Grande River which is a world class fly fishing river. When we were visiting the river was flowing fast and deep, so it was not a very productive time."
What campers like
Private cabins with natural settings: Schofield Homestead offers an intimate cabin experience in the Sangre De Cristo mountains. A reviewer described it as having "an awesome location near the Sangre De Cristo Mountains & tons of cool spots around their property."
Hot spring access included with stay: Many cabin properties offer free or discounted hot spring access with overnight stays. One camper at Sand Dunes Recreation explained, "Camping is 20 bucks a night and you get half off camping when you camp here... We get a weekend away for about 80 bucks for two nights and swimming, and we can bring our kids and dog."
Varied accommodation options: Joyful Journey Hot Springs provides multiple lodging types beyond standard cabins. A visitor noted, "There is also an adobe bathroom/shower house with full access. And a restaurant cafe in the main lodge." Another mentioned, "There are also yurts, teepees and motel rooms available to rent."
Stunning mountain views: The cabin locations provide panoramic vistas. One camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis shared, "Incredible views and close proximity to Great Sand Dunes National Park make this campground a must stay. Site 33 was close to the extremely clean bathrooms and perfect for our group!"
What you should know
Hot water systems: Some properties deliver naturally heated water to campsites and cabins. A camper at Sand Dunes Recreation reported, "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!"
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access vary widely by location. A visitor at St Charles Campground mentioned, "Amenities are as expected with a secluded campground, we had no phone or internet service at all with AT&T or Verizon. That made it even better, got the chance to disconnect from the world for a few days."
Clothing optional policies: Some hot spring cabins operate as clothing-optional facilities. A reviewer at Valley View Hot Springs plainly stated, "First thing is first, this is a place where clothing is optional" while another simply noted, "Clothing optional hot springs and camping."
Seasonal operation: Most cabin rentals close during winter months. The South Fork Campground operates from "May 1st to October 1st" while Joyful Journey stays open year-round. One winter visitor commented, "Everything was as described. They are open during the winter. The showers were hot and clean! Lovely views to wake up too!"
Tips for camping with families
Pool activities: Alamosa KOA provides family-friendly amenities including a heated pool. A visitor shared, "This KOA has a nice sized heated, outdoor pool with reasonable hours, closing around 8:00 PM. The pool temperature was warm enough for even the adults to slip right into it."
Children's programming: Some locations offer structured activities for kids. A reviewer at Cutty's Resort noted, "They had young staff that organized hands on crafts and science experiment classes for all the kids to participate in who were staying that weekend. One class was the kids making alka seltzer rockets."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several cabin locations feature small wildlife that children enjoy observing. A camper at St Charles Campground wrote, "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."
Tiny house options: For families seeking unique accommodations, Sand Dunes Recreation offers unconventional cabin styles. A visitor explained, "We booked this cabin for the cheap price and didn't even know about the on-site hot spring until we got there. It's a bit quirky but we loved it...more of a unique glamping experience."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for mountain views: RV sites with views of the dunes or mountains book quickly. One camper at Cutty's Resort advised, "Spots right on the river are pure bliss. Full hookups and the sound of the Rio Grande to lull you to sleep. How great is that?"
Arrive early: Most popular cabin and RV sites fill quickly during peak season. A reviewer at Great Sand Dunes Oasis suggested, "Plenty of spaces when we arrived. Few RV sites that had full hookups and then gravel road to a lot more primitive spots rocky but nice."
Bathroom facilities: RV travelers note the quality of shower and restroom facilities varies widely. A visitor to Great Sand Dunes Oasis praised, "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."
Level pads available: Several properties maintain properly leveled sites for RVs. A Joyful Journey visitor explained, "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."
