Sawyer D.
Traveler
TravelerSacred White Shell Dispersed Camping
1 night at White Shell
Very 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.
Camping near Saguache, CO
243 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 Campgrounds near Saguache (243)
1. Joyful Journey Hot Springs
"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 Availability2. Russell Lake Wildlife Refuge
"Large parking lot with vault toilets and a walking trail."
3. Sand Dunes Recreation
"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."
4. Close to Adventure Camping
from $65 / night
Check Availability5. Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL
"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. Saguache Camp and Lodge
7. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
"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 Availability8. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
9. Buffalo Pass Campground
"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."
10. Ohaver Lake Campground
"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."
from $28 - $56 / night
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Drive Time
- 2 hrs 21 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 42 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 3 hrs 7 min from Denver, CO
- 3 hrs 17 min from Boulder, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Saguache, CO
410 Photos of 243 Saguache Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Close to Adventure CampingL
Rio Grande National Forest Penitente Canyon Campground
Cotton Creek TrailheadS
Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL
Buffalo Pass Campground
Natural Arch Dispersed Siteh
Marshall Pass Dispersed
Marshall Pass
Ohaver Lake Campground
Hayden Creek RoadD
Hayden Creek Roadside CampK
North Crestone Creek Campground
Recent Reviews near Saguache, CO
1281 Reviews of 243 Saguache Campgrounds
- DDaniel P.Traveler
BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
Pretty good!
Not 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!
Casey D.
ScoutSalida RV Resort
Do NOT Recommend
Would 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!
Gerard E.
LegendChalk Lake Campground
9-7-2026
Site 10
Chalk Creek Campground, 9-7-26, Arrived around 4:15 and found a site for one night. We talked to the host Linda who was very helpful and we received some great intel on local hikes.
Elevation was 8750’ Site 10 was large enough for our truck camper and there is a bear locker, metal table and fire pit. The table, tent and fire pit steps down about 8 steps and the site is right next to the creek.
Site 11 is totally visible from the site and would work great for larger groups. Fire was allowed but we opted not too as the winds were gusty through the area.$25 for the night, water pump and the clarity of the water was great.
Vault toilets throughout were clean.
Two trash dumpsters located at the end and middle.
Cellar via T-Mobile sucked, 1 bar lte roaming.
Kim D.ScoutOhaver Lake Campground
Beautiful and Popular Locals Spot
The 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.
Marion Z.
GuideTipi at el escondite, by the Rio Grande
Beautiful new Tipi
Slept 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!
- RRobert L.Guide
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Dunes and wildlife
Beautiful campground in an incredibly interesting setting. It was definitely crowded during my stay, but quieted down nicely at night. There’s a great walking trail directly from the campground down toward the dunes. Lots of mule deer wandering through the campground and they were definitely not afraid of people—one walked within about 10 feet of me while I was setting up my tent. Really unique place and I’d happily stay here again.
- RRuby M.Guide
Lower Beaver Creek Campground
Clean sites good views
Came a few days before the ground closes for winter so it was nice and mostly empty. Some sites are very close to a road, country road so not tons of traffic but not super private.
Julia C.TravelerSacred White Shell Mountain Campground
It is disbursed camping
It was OK. Finding trash and waste receptacles around here is difficult.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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