Best Campgrounds near La Jara, CO

Searching for the best camping near La Jara, CO? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are La Jara campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near La Jara. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near La Jara, Colorado (200)

    1. Alamosa KOA

    18 Reviews
    Alamosa, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 589-9757

    "We showed up on a Saturday and there was rock painting and $2 ice cream for the kids right next to the playground."

    "All wood burning fires are currently prohibited in Colorado, but there are fire pits for when they're not. I met a couple with an RV that make this camp a part of any trip this direction."

    2. Sacred White Shell Mountain

    54 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    26 miles
    Website

    "The Dyrt map says Mt Blanco road but Apple Maps says lake Como road. They both branch off highway 150."

    "Campground Review:

    We chose this BLM campground because it is right outside of Great Sand Dunes National Park.  There are several sites along Lake Como Road. "

    3. Cool Sunshine RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Alamosa, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 992-9105

    $40 - $52 / night

    "Back in spaces are close to each other. Pull throughs have more room between spaces. There is a train track right next to park that a train blew horn startled me at 1:00 am on the second night."

    "Great RV park in east walking distance to DT Alamosa. We walked to coffee place in the mornings and farmers market Saturday."

    4. Zapata Falls Campground

    70 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-7074

    $20 / night

    "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."

    5. Base Camp Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Alamosa, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 589-2938

    "This is a well maintained no thrills RV park in the desert region of Colorado. Flat and level spaces that can accommodate any size RV. Large clean laundry facility and clean restroom and showers."

    "Close to sand dunes and near by attractions. Alamosa has a Walmart and lots of restaurants."

    6. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    93 Reviews
    Gardner, CO
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $20 - $80 / night

    "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."

    7. Aspen Glade (rio Grande National Forest, Co)

    9 Reviews
    Antonito, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $29 - $62 / night

    "It’s a hidden gem of this part of Colorado. This campground has a loop by the Coñejos River and that is where we stayed. Campsite was big and they are nicely spread out."

    "Nice little day use area right next to the river."

    8. The Chicken Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Antonito, CO
    16 miles
    +1 (719) 201-1085

    $20 - $65 / night

    "Red Lake hike was awesome and easy."

    9. Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    54 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2222

    $25 - $169 / night

    "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."

    10. The Chicken Ranch

    1 Review
    Antonito, CO
    15 miles
    +1 (719) 201-1085

    "Set up your tent close to the rive, or pull your RV (Must be fully self contained. NO hookups! No size limit on rig) or sleep at the huge River Front site with furnished 13 x 13 bell tent."

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Showing results 1-10 of 200 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near La Jara, CO

868 Reviews of 200 La Jara Campgrounds


  • Brittany M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    North Fork Purgatiore River

    Well Maintained

    Beautiful area and site. There are multiple sites, and all seem to have been recently cleared and maintained. There is a sign right where the sites start. The specific site that is the coordinates on Dyrt is right next to the creek and a great spot. The road is somewhat busy for being so far back. Don't go too far or you will hit the campsite that you have to pay for.

  • Kara C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Carson national forest

    Great Views, Right on the Rio

    We drove around Forest Trail 9 (FT9) until we found a great spot on the edge overlooking the Rio. Nestled in some trees, it was flat for our tent, awesome views, fires were allowed and already had an established rock ring.

  • Christopher P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Del Norte City Park

    Nice city park

    City allows one overnight parking. Dump and water for RVs.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp

    What a spot!

    Was going to stop at the dispersed camping which is before this one. Decided to continue on and take my chances. So glad I did. Beautiful scenery, so quiet. It’s a mental escape. There are flies here now so have kept the Tune closed up.

  • Julissa M.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    North Fork Purgatiore River

    I wish I had more time to stay

    Words can't begin to describe this place. Simply beautiful, peaceful, and one with nature. We stayed right next to the river. We sat by the fire and just enjoyed the sounds of the river.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Pass Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot, quick and easy to get to off the main road.

    Traveling through the area and needed an easy location, this fit the bill. Wide open area with fire pit and some wood gathered. Sufficiently distant from neighboring sites. A little local road traffic with dust from ATV haulers. Across the valley from the highway so some road noise but nothing terribly annoying.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Sacred White Shell Dispersed Camping

    Great spots, amazing views

    Camping here now, be prepared there is no anything. Wonderful views of multiple 14ers, and the sand dunes very close by.

  • C
    Aug. 18, 2025

    South Fork Lodge & RV Park

    Great Place to stay

    We love South Fork Lodge and RV. Not fancy but run by great people who aim to please!

  • N
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Twin Rivers RV Park & Campground

    Great time , nice hosts, excellent facilities and quiet.

    We found this RV park in our travels from Cortez thru Pagosa Springs and would return when in this area. Especially near the Toltec train station.


Guide to La Jara

Camping near La Jara, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking to waterfalls: Check out the short hike to the falls at Zapata Falls Campground. One camper said, "You can also hike further up to the lake," making it a great spot for both short and longer hikes.
  • Exploring the Great Sand Dunes: The Great Sand Dunes Oasis is just a short drive away. A visitor mentioned, "The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible!" Perfect for a day trip.
  • Stargazing: The UFO Watchtower is known for its dark skies. One camper noted, "The star gazing is amazing," making it a unique spot for those interested in the cosmos.

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review from Zapata Falls Campground highlights, "My site was great, so clean with a breathtaking view."
  • Friendly atmosphere: Many visitors appreciate the welcoming vibe. A camper at Rabbit Hole Ranch said, "Everyone was super friendly!" This makes for a pleasant camping experience.
  • Clean facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A review for Great Sand Dunes Oasis mentions, "The bath house was clean," which is always a relief when camping.

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sacred White Shell Mountain, have no drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "There are no frills at Zapata Falls," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Zapata Falls Campground mentioned, "You do have to reserve online now in advance."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. One camper at Zapata Falls Campground appreciated the "bear locker" at their site, which is essential for keeping food safe.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby attractions. A review for Woods & River RV Park mentions, "Fun kids area with playground and treehouse with zip line."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have restaurants nearby, like Great Sand Dunes Oasis, which can make meal planning easier. A camper said, "There is a store and restaurant on property."
  • Bring entertainment: If you're camping at places like Mosca Campground, where activities might be limited, pack games or outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A review for Alamosa KOA mentions, "The sites are typical KOA- fairly close but well kept and level."
  • Full hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups if you need them. A visitor at Woods & River RV Park noted, "Had full hookups, paid $55/night."
  • Be mindful of noise: Campers at places like UFO Watchtower mentioned that sites are close together, so keeping noise down is important. One camper said, "The campsites are extremely close, so be very considerate with noise!"

Camping near La Jara, Colorado, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best fishing spots in La Jara Creek?

La Jara Creek offers excellent trout fishing opportunities in the San Luis Valley region. Bear Lake Campground (CO) provides access to pristine waters where you can see trout clearly in the crystal-clear lake. For stream fishing, the Rio Grande watershed near Park Creek Campground offers productive spots along creek banks. The best fishing spots feature deeper pools below small falls and runs where the water flows over rocky beds. Early morning and evening hours typically yield the best results, particularly during summer months. Bring light tackle and flies that mimic local insects for the best chance of success.

What camping permits are required for La Jara Canyon?

Camping permits for La Jara Canyon vary by specific location and campground. In most Rio Grande National Forest areas, including Mosca Campground, you'll need to pay a standard camping fee (typically $10-20 per night) at self-service pay stations. For backcountry camping, no special permits are generally required beyond standard forest use regulations, though group size limits may apply. If camping at Great Sand Dunes Oasis near the eastern side of the valley, reservations are recommended. Always check for fire restrictions, which are common during summer months. For extended stays in national forest areas, a 14-day limit typically applies within a 30-day period.

How do I get to La Jara Canyon in Colorado?

To reach La Jara Canyon in southern Colorado, you'll need to navigate through the San Luis Valley. From South Fork, Colorado, at the intersection of State Highway 149 and US 160, take US 160 west for approximately 8 miles and look for marked turnoffs. Highway Springs Campground is located along this route and can serve as a reference point. For areas near La Jara from the south, consider using Rio Costilla Park as a starting point. Most access roads are gravel or dirt with possible switchbacks, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended. Four-wheel drive may be necessary during wet conditions or winter months.

When is the best time of year to camp in La Jara?

The optimal camping season in La Jara runs from late May through September, with July and August offering the most reliable weather conditions. Zapata Falls Campground provides comfortable camping during summer months with stunning views. Fall camping in September and early October can be particularly rewarding at Blue Lake Campground when aspen trees display vibrant gold colors. Due to the elevation (approximately 8,000-11,500 feet), nights remain cool even in summer, and snow is possible into June at higher elevations. Spring camping (April-May) often encounters muddy conditions from snowmelt, while winter camping is only recommended for experienced cold-weather campers with appropriate gear.