Tent camping near Mosca, Colorado offers easy access to Great Sand Dunes National Park at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 8,500 feet. Summer temperatures can fluctuate by 30°F between day and night, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms between July and September. Many dispersed sites provide camping options on public lands without reservation systems, requiring campers to arrive early during peak seasons.
What to do
Hike to Zapata Falls: Located about 50 minutes from most Mosca camping areas, this 0.5-mile uphill trail leads to a seasonal waterfall. At Rabbit Hole Ranch, one camper noted it was "about 30 mins to Sand Dunes National Park, 50 mins from Zapata Falls, 45 mins to Del Norte, and 30 mins from Alamosa."
Wildlife spotting: Morning and evening hours offer prime viewing opportunities. "We saw some swift foxes one morning as well. There is limited cell service at the site," reported a camper at Rabbit Hole Ranch. Another visitor at The Dunefield mentioned seeing "a large gathering of mountain goats hanging out along the road was a fun surprise!"
Star photography: The area's minimal light pollution creates exceptional conditions for astrophotography. "This is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way," shared a camper at The Dunefield. Bring a tripod and camera with manual settings to capture the night sky between midnight and 4 AM when stars are brightest.
What campers like
Natural solitude: Many sites offer isolation despite proximity to popular attractions. At Great Sand Dunes Dispersed, a camper mentioned "there are several pull-offs after you see the first one" where you can find privacy. Another noted, "The camping spots in this site all have fire pits, edible prickly pear cactuses, and some shrubbery and trees for privacy."
Accessible backcountry: Sites offer wilderness experiences without difficult access requirements. "The journey begins with a hike deep into the park's rugged terrain, where you're surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains," explained a visitor at The Dunefield.
Weather variation: The significant temperature changes provide diverse camping experiences. "The temperature almost went down to freezing at night in early June, so be prepared with layers for both hot and cold desert conditions," advised a camper at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed.
What you should know
Water planning: No potable water exists at most sites, requiring careful supply calculations. "In total we brought about a gallon of water each, and by the time we hiked out the next morning we were down to the last couple of ounces," shared a camper at Dispersed Sand Area 1.
Bug preparedness: Mosquitoes can be overwhelming during summer months. "The only negative was the mosquitos. They are horrendous. If you can't handle it or find a way to keep them away it could ruin someone's ability to enjoy the beauty," warned a camper at Dispersed Sand Area 1.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality and clearance requirements. "The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn't trust our minivan going through the 'unmaintained' section," reported a Great Sand Dunes Dispersed camper who found alternative access points.
Tips for camping with families
Tent site selection: Choose locations that balance views with wind protection. At Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp, families appreciate that it's "the quietest campsite I've ever been to. Literally zero sounds, not even bugs! Great for peaceful getaway."
Wildlife education: Create wildlife spotting cards for children to track sightings. "We saw all kinds of wildlife, including 2 bears. Be sure to hang your food a good distance away at night or when you aren't around! Woke up to deer, saw plenty of little marmots, the local beaver, and lots of trout in the lake!" explained a camper at Medano Lake.
Alternative sleeping arrangements: Consider sleeping bags without tents during clear weather. "Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!" suggested a camper at The Dunefield, where open-air sleeping offers unobstructed night sky views.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require significant leveling efforts. At Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge, one RVer mentioned they "were very difficult to level our smallish travel trailer and perhaps that is the problem. We were one of very few travel trailers on this road."
Arrival timing: Early afternoon arrival improves site selection options. "We showed up around 6 pm. The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn't trust our minivan going through the 'unmaintained' section," noted a visitor who recommended arriving earlier to secure better locations.
Clearance considerations: Vehicle ground clearance often determines which camping areas are accessible. "You will not make it without 4WD," warned a camper about accessing certain areas, while another mentioned, "Road a little rough but nothing an Outback can't handle" at Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp.
