Glamping options close to San Luis, Colorado, vary from tent-friendly sites to full-service cabin rentals, depending on the season. The San Luis Valley sits at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 8,000 feet, creating cool summer nights even when days reach the 80s. Winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing temperatures, with snowfall possible from October through April.
What to do
Fishing at mountain lakes: Bear Lake Campground, located about 45 minutes from San Luis, offers excellent trout fishing. "The lake is full of trout and many campers were hitting their 4 fish limit. The site has better views of the mountain peaks than blue lake," notes Steve & Ashley G., who camped at Bear Lake Campground.
Hiking to Cebolla Mesa: The Rio Grande confluence offers stunning canyon views with a moderate hike. "There's a 1.25 mile hike down to the river to cool down. Plenty of shade and lots of off road trails for driving/running/biking," according to Toni K. at Cebolla Mesa Campground.
Stargazing: The dark skies near San Luis make for excellent stargazing. "At night there is zero light pollution and you can see so many stars," mentions Kayla M. about camping at South Shore Campground. The higher elevation and minimal development create ideal conditions for viewing the Milky Way.
What campers like
Streamside camping: Many campers appreciate sites near running water. "Each site has more than expected space and offset to adjacent sites. All sites sit on a beautifully shaded Creek (Columbine Creek) that feeds the Red River," writes Patrick M. about Columbine Campground.
Clean facilities: "Bathrooms were fantastic. Showers were some of the best I've seen with a private dressing area and hooks/shelves to put your dry clothes on. There is a dishwashing station also," reports Myndi C. who stayed at Great Sand Dunes Oasis.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Deer walking thru the campground at dusk was a neat site," notes James P. who stayed at Stonewall Lodge. Many campgrounds in the region have resident mule deer, elk, and various bird species.
What you should know
Weather variations: The high elevation means rapid temperature changes. "Even if your pad does not have shade, each site has ample shade to the back of the site along the Creek," mentions Patrick M. about Columbine Campground, highlighting the importance of shade during summer camping.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. "The road is not tricky but just too many sharp rocks/pebbles. We were able to find a dispersed campsite by the cliff and had an amazing view of valley," reports Lila L. about Cabresto Lake.
Reservation requirements: "This place is very popular and reservations are a must in the summer months," advises Steve & Ashley G. about Bear Lake Campground. Most glamping sites near San Luis fill quickly from June through August.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: "They have a great playground with updated equipment, including an elevated tunnel system that ends with safety slides. When you have a small child who loves to play, especially a special needs child, this is a big deal!" shares Kari T. about Alamosa KOA.
Consider noise levels: Family campgrounds can get busy. "It wouldn't bother us so much if there weren't STATE mandated orders about groups and wearing masks, but majority of these people do not follow these New Mexico rules," notes Robin T. about popular campgrounds during peak season.
Check for kid-friendly activities: "We showed up on a Saturday and there was rock painting and $2 ice cream for the kids right next to the playground," explains Eric B. about family programming at Alamosa KOA. These structured activities can help keep children engaged.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: "Not all spots are shaded. Very few are level, some have a steep slope. The loop to the left side near the host is more level and can handle bigger RVs but overall this is not a big rig campground," advises Robert E. about Columbine Campground.
Utility availability: "Campsites are w electric and water and sewer hookup. Also a dump station. Picnic table and firepit. Lots of room for big rigs," reports Donald S. about Red River RV, which offers full hookups for those seeking glamping near San Luis with all amenities.
Cell service considerations: "1-2 bars LTE AT&T service available near bathroom but gets worse the further you go away from it," notes Abby M. about Cebolla Mesa Campground. Working remotely or staying connected may require specific site selection at most campgrounds in the region.
