Camping sites near San Luis, Colorado range in elevation from 7,500 feet in the valley to over 11,000 feet at higher locations like Bear Lake Campground. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this high-altitude region, with temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night common during camping season. Road access varies significantly, with some dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles while others remain accessible to standard passenger cars.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Mountain Home Reservoir SWA offers productive trout fishing in a scenic setting. "We camped at our property a few miles from here but came here to fish and it was amazing great trout fishing and beautiful views," reports Jacob K. The reservoir attracts day fishers but remains relatively uncrowded on weekdays.
Waterfall exploration: Visit Zapata Falls Campground for access to the nearby waterfall. "The nearby hike to Zapata falls is worthwhile too, especially in winter for the giant ice sheets in the canyon," notes Marissa K. The road to the falls is rough but typically manageable for most vehicles when driven slowly.
Wildlife viewing: Look for wild horses at Wild Horse Mountain View campground. "We woke up to wild horses close to us. Great spot," shares Tom T. Another camper reported, "My kids get so excited when they see the horses come down to drink water. We even spotted a foal."
What campers like
High-altitude stargazing: The clear mountain air at Sacred White Shell Mountain provides exceptional night sky viewing. "Dark skies there. You can see the Milky Way with the naked eye," observes Meandering Life. The lack of light pollution makes this area particularly valuable for astronomy enthusiasts.
Mountain lakes: The alpine lakes in the region provide scenic camping backdrops. "Bear lake is a beautiful mountain fishing lake at about 11,000 feet altitude. The site is very popular for families in the summer looking for great camping and even better fishing," notes Steve & Ashley G. Many campers report catching their limit of trout.
Weather variability: The rapidly changing conditions create unique experiences. "Weather moves very fast through this valley. We had snow and sunshine within a couple of hours," reports Ursula at Zapata Falls. The dynamic weather patterns contribute to dramatic landscape photography opportunities.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some wildlife areas require permits. For Home Mountain Reservoir SWA, "After doing some research, I found an article saying a state fishing or hunting license was interchangeable for a SWA permit. Still not confirmed, but we didn't have any problems," shares Mikaela S.
Wind conditions: Many campsites experience significant wind. "It was windy and tree coverage was limited but we found an awesome spot for the weekend towards the end of the road," notes Maggie M. about Home Mountain Reservoir. Prepare by securing tents properly and using wind screens for cooking.
Elevation effects: The high altitude affects camping comfort and physical exertion. "It took me a day to acclimate to the 11,000+ altitude," mentions Leigh-Ann G. Drink extra water and plan less strenuous activities for the first 24 hours after arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Insect protection: Mosquitoes can be abundant in summer months. "July was mosquito madness. Honestly I am from the country and can deal with bugs, but being dived bombed by 30 mosquitos is intense," warns Sarah B. about Pinon Flats Campground. Bring multiple types of repellent and consider head nets for severe periods.
Animal encounters: Kids enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw a huge herd of elk which was awesome," shares Christina S. about Mountain Home Reservoir. Review proper wildlife safety practices with children before arrival.
Water activities: Seasonal creek flows provide natural play areas. "We did not see the moose but caught glimpses of the goats, weasels and a beaver in the water," notes Nick C. about Blue Lake Campground. Water levels vary significantly by season and recent precipitation.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds require caution. "The road to get to the site is very rough and rocky. It takes an easy 20-30 minutes of driving just to go 3ish miles," cautions J. Tom S. about Zapata Falls. Check recent road reports before attempting access with larger rigs.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at North Fork Purgatiore River. "The worst we can say about it was that we visited in the height of mud season and it made leveling our rig a little tricky as the levelling blocks kept sinking in the soft Dyrt under the weight of our wheels," shares Jeff T. about nearby Purgatoire Campground. Bring extra leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Limited hookups: Most campsites offer minimal or no services. "This is a very basic and primitive campground so don't expect too much," advises Bryan P. Pack in sufficient water, particularly for longer stays, as most campgrounds lack potable water sources.
