Best Campgrounds near Saguache, CO

The San Luis Valley surrounding Saguache, Colorado provides a range of camping experiences from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. Buffalo Pass Campground, located in the Rio Grande National Forest, offers developed sites for both tent and RV camping, while Russell Lake Wildlife Refuge provides more primitive dispersed camping opportunities. The region includes several hot springs destinations with camping options, such as Joyful Journey Hot Springs and Valley View Hot Springs, where visitors can find cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Many campgrounds in the area serve as gateways to the surrounding mountains and wilderness areas.

Road conditions and seasonal access vary significantly throughout the camping areas near Saguache. Higher elevation sites like Buffalo Pass Campground typically open from May through November, with potential for early snowfall even in autumn months. "Great place to camp in Colorado to avoid weekend crowds. Wide open, off the beaten path as far as Colorado goes," noted one visitor about Buffalo Pass Campground. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at many sites, with spotty coverage even for major carriers. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, while dispersed camping areas require visitors to be self-sufficient with water and waste management. Some locations require permits or passes, particularly at state wildlife areas where State Wildlife Area permits are mandatory for camping.

Campers consistently highlight the scenic mountain views and night sky visibility as standout features of the Saguache area. The region's relatively remote location creates opportunities for solitude and stargazing away from urban light pollution. Several visitors mentioned the accessibility of outdoor recreation directly from campsites, with hiking trails, fishing spots, and off-road vehicle routes often within walking distance or a short drive. Water access varies significantly by location, with some campgrounds situated along creeks or near lakes, while others occupy drier, high-desert terrain. During summer months, higher elevation sites provide relief from heat, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting sightings of various bird species, deer, and occasional evidence of bear activity in the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Saguache, Colorado (223)

    1. Joyful Journey Hot Springs

    6 Reviews
    Villa Grove, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 256-4328

    $80 / night

    "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. "

    3. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    3 Reviews
    Moffat, CO
    12 miles
    Website

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    4. Sand Dunes Recreation

    28 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2807

    "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."

    5. Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL

    11 Reviews
    Villa Grove, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 256-4315

    "The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen."

    6. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    93 Reviews
    Gardner, CO
    42 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. Buffalo Pass Campground

    10 Reviews
    Sargents, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 655-2547

    "Great place to camp in Colorado to avoid weekend crowds. Wide open, off the beaten path as far as Colorado goes."

    "I absolutely loved this campground, it was a little closer than the listed 27 miles out of Saguache. There were multiple relatively clean bathrooms. There was a water spigot."

    8. Penitente Canyon Campground

    5 Reviews
    Center, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-7074

    $20 / night

    "Amazing proximity to Penitente Canyon rec area, perfect for climbers especially!"

    "There are composting toilets, no showers, and no access to River water."

    9. Ohaver Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    Poncha Springs, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $28 - $56 / night

    "This is one of my favorites from this summer trip to Colorado. O’Haver Campground is a high altitude lakeside campground outside of Salida Colorado."

    "Sweet campsites on a nice small lake up at around 9000 feet surrounded by mountains. Weekend summer use is heavy so plan to reserve in advance if possible. can be chilly at night."

    10. Saguache Camp and Lodge

    1 Review
    Saguache, CO
    1 mile
    +1 (719) 655-2264
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Recent Reviews near Saguache, CO

1118 Reviews of 223 Saguache Campgrounds


  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Dan's Land Free Camp

    Small circle cool spot

    This is just like a 20 yard circle right off a dirt road. Cool idea from Dan to offer this. Its a great off the highway spot. Only a mile down an easy dirt road. No amenities just a place to park and sleep. Dont be suprised if someone else pulls in close and parks. Not a ton of space but a great location with good views and 2 bars verizon cell

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Salida North BLM

    Cool location close to highway

    Right off the highway. Cool place with a little canyon. Reminds me of a state park campground. Very close and open sites with campfire rings and picnic tables. The road gets pretty bumpy going to the back half but I bet they fix that soon. Some easy family friendly hiking. Verizon cell is 1-2 bars. No bathrooms!

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Mountain Goat Lodge

    Cute private area with great views

    Right off the highway but has an amazing backdrop. The property is fun to explore with hiking trails and alot of character. Really a gem highly recommend. Good cell service

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Salida BLM Land

    Close to town good cell

    This place ia close to salida which is nice. Your Google maps may not get you here . Instead put in race track trail trailhead and it will take you right to to main parking lot. The road to the dispersed sites goes up from there. Its not great but 2wd van is fine if careful. Good cellphone signal. But the spots are small, close together, and super uneven. It makes no sense why some of them are so slanted, but its fine for a 1 night stay. I wouldnt recommend this as a destination

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Browns Canyon Dispersed

    Great

    Some nice campsites not too far from civilization, but far enough away that you don’t see many people besides a few other campers. The spots are spaced out well, some larger than others. The road coming in is very rough, I drive a subaru impreza hatchback and felt very nervous because I don’t have high clearance. Beautiful view.

  • Cole L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Panocha Spring

    Rough road great views

    Road is pretty rough 4wd required. Views are great, close to trails and river

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Lake Como Road Dispersed Colorado

    White Shell sacred mountain

    The spots below were plenty big enough. Easy to find about a quarter mile up a dirt road. The view was spectacular. Got a little cold.

  • Katharina J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Lost Mountain Site-3

    Remote spot

    A gem indeed. 1 star loss for the semi rough road. The steep parts are bad, but doable with 2WD (snd some clearance). I csn see it being bad with rain.

    There is a private prop early in the road. Google tried to send me through that - make sure you stay on the Forest Road.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Fooses Creek Dispersed Camping

    Great overnight for leaf peeping

    Very serene and beautiful stop. The road has alot of uneven terrain with some boulders. I would recommend 4WD & higher clearance - not for your standard sedan. Sites are spread apart and along the creek & somewhat level. The road in is a single lane so be kind & patient. Really beautiful place to boondock. No problems getting there in my 4x4 sprinter van.


Guide to Saguache

Dispersed camping sites near Saguache, Colorado sit at high elevations between 7,800-9,000 feet in the San Luis Valley. This region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer daytime highs in the 80s dropping to the 40s at night. Campsites in the area typically remain accessible from late spring through mid-autumn, though higher elevation locations may close earlier due to snowfall.

What to do

Fishing at Ohaver Lake: Located about 45 minutes east of Saguache near Salida, this 9,000-foot alpine lake offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. "Healthy fish population," notes one visitor to Ohaver Lake Campground, while another camper mentioned, "Great little lake to fish and camp. Atv's aren't allowed in the camp ground, but there's a parking lot right at the entrance for atv's."

Soak in hot springs: Several hot springs facilities provide relaxing options for visitors to the Saguache area. "The Sangre de Christo Mountains tower in the distance and on a moonlit night, they positively glow from the farthest pool. The water in these springs have trace amounts of lithium which makes them even more relaxing than others I've tried," wrote one visitor to Joyful Journey Hot Springs.

Rock climbing: The volcanic formations at Penitente Canyon Recreation Area offer technical climbing routes. "Penitente Canyon is known for world class rock climbing. Even if you're not a climber it is fun to go and watch sport," explains a camper at Penitente Canyon Campground.

What campers like

Quieter alternatives to popular parks: Many campers appreciate the relative solitude compared to other Colorado destinations. A visitor to Buffalo Pass Campground remarked, "I absolutely loved this campground, it was a little closer than the listed 27 miles out of Saguache. There were multiple relatively clean bathrooms. There was a water spigot."

Access to natural hot springs: The therapeutic mineral waters draw many to the area's hot springs destinations. "Joyful Journey is a lovely little hot springs in the middle of the San Luis Valley... The springs is popular and can be a bit crowded, so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time," advises one camper at Joyful Journey Hot Springs.

Mountain views: Campers consistently mention the dramatic mountain scenery. "The views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and sand dunes are fabulous. This is a quiet campground very close to the mouth of the canyon. There are so many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and climbing," notes a visitor at Penitente Canyon Campground.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Connectivity is often minimal or nonexistent in camping areas around Saguache. "No AT&T cell service in the campground proper but the hill just beyond the cattleguard in the entrance gets full bars," reports one camper at Buffalo Pass Campground.

Weather variability: The high desert climate means significant temperature changes. At Ohaver Lake Campground, a visitor noted, "We enjoyed nice daytime temperatures in the mid 60's and nighttime temperatures right around 50. And NO humidity!"

Reservation requirements: Many established campgrounds require advance planning. "We missed the reservation window for this popular spot so spent the first night camped down the hill in a Forest Service road pull-off," shared a camper at Ohaver Lake Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with amenities: When camping with children, access to restrooms and water can make the experience more manageable. At Sand Dunes Recreation, one visitor mentioned, "Everything was as described. They are open during the winter. The showers were hot and clean! Lovely views to wake up too!"

Bring insect protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic in 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," warned a camper at Pinon Flats Campground.

Look for water features: Campgrounds with lakes or streams provide built-in entertainment. "This 9000foot high lake is a gem for kayaking, fishing and overall zen-ing. The lake was busy with folks doing all of these things, it never felt too crowded or overused," shares a visitor to Ohaver Lake Campground.

Tips for RVers

Check road conditions: Many campground access roads are unpaved and can be challenging for larger rigs. A visitor to Penitente Canyon noted, "The road to get to it is unpaved and bumpy, so I would recommend all wheel drive/ high clearance, but it is absolutely worth it."

Be aware of hookup limitations: Full hookups are rare at campgrounds near Saguache. At Russell Lake Wildlife Refuge, one camper clarified, "And signage says you can camp here so long as you're 'self contained'. I take this to mean, in your vehicle or a rooftop tent. No fire pits or anything like that, but there are pit toilets!"

Consider water access: Hot springs facilities often have unique water considerations. "Since the campground as its just an extension of the parking lot there is room for large rigs. It features all the all the basics with a clean and close shower house, electrical hookups and grills," notes a visitor to Joyful Journey Hot Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go camping in Saguache, Colorado?

The best time to camp in Saguache, Colorado is generally late spring through early fall (mid-May through mid-October). Summer brings pleasant temperatures at this elevation, while spring offers wildflowers and fall delivers colorful foliage. The San Luis Valley experiences minimal rainfall compared to other parts of Colorado, with many clear days even during summer. At Mosca Campground, campers enjoy breathtaking views of the San Luis Valley throughout the season. Zapata Falls Campground is particularly beautiful during late summer when the nearby waterfall is accessible. Be prepared for significant temperature swings between day and night, particularly in spring and fall.

Where can I find campgrounds near Saguache, Colorado?

Several excellent campgrounds surround Saguache, Colorado. Buffalo Pass Campground is relatively close to Saguache and offers clean facilities with water spigots and well-spaced campsites in a beautiful setting. For dispersed camping options, Road 240 - Dispersed provides numerous wooded spots offering shade, with some sites situated along a river. Other nearby options include Penitente Canyon Campground, Joyful Journey Hot Springs, and Valley View Hot Springs. The San Luis Valley area surrounding Saguache offers numerous camping possibilities within a reasonable driving distance, making it an excellent base for exploring this less-crowded region of Colorado.

What amenities does Saguache Camp & Lodge offer for campers?

Saguache Camp & Lodge offers drive-in access with reservable campsites, water facilities, and toilet amenities. The campground is conveniently located near the town of Saguache, providing a good base for exploring the San Luis Valley. For comparison, other accommodations in the region like Great Sand Dunes Oasis offer spacious tent sites with fire pits and clean bathrooms. Riverside RV Park near Salida provides riverside sites with the soothing sounds of flowing water. While Saguache Camp & Lodge is less remote than wilderness camping options, it offers the convenience of basic amenities while maintaining accessibility to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the surrounding area.