Best Camping near Alamosa, CO

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Alamosa, CO has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Alamosa is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Alamosa, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Alamosa, CO (173)

    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground

    1. Zapata Falls Campground

    69 Reviews
    291 Photos
    717 Saves
    Blanca, Colorado

    Overview

    A short drive up the gravel road that leads to the Bureau of Land Managements Zapata Falls Campground (CG) will let visitors to the area see the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve from a whole new perspective. The campground offers birds-eye views of the valley floor below, the San Juan Mountains to the west, the adjacent Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and several 14ers and many other towering peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range that Zapata Falls CG sits on not to mention spectacular sunrises, sunsets and night skies! Zapata Falls CG has 23 single campsites, 1 group site and 1 camp host site nestled among pi__on pines along two one-mile long loops. The sites on one loop are designed for tent campers. Parking spurs on the second loop vary a little in length but in general can handle RVs, towed campers, or other configurations of vehicles up to about 50 feet long. A new trailhead in the campground supplies a link to the South Zapata Creek Trail and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. A second trail, next door to the campground in the day-use area, leads visitors on a mildly steep half-mile hike to Zapata Falls, which gives the campground its name.

    Recreation

    Zapata Falls Recreation Area is a destination known for its waterfall viewing and sweeping vistas of the San Luis Valley, its soaring mountain ranges, and the adjacent Great Sand Dunes National Park. From the waterfall, the trail continues onto the Rio Grande National Forest, for those seeking a backcountry experience in the high country above and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Recreation Sites Standard Nonelectric Rv Nonelectric Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric Overnight

    Natural Features

    Zapata Falls Special Recreation Management Area The Zapata Falls Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) is rich in history and geology and offers opportunities to hike, camp, mountain bike and view spectacular scenery. Zapata Falls and the 628 acres surrounding them are State Trust Lands owned by the Colorado State Land Board and are also a designated Colorado Natural Area. They are cooperatively managed with the Bureau of Land Management. History The name _ Zapata _ is the Spanish word for shoe and is tied to the history of settlement in the San Luis Valley. In 1864, Mexican families established the community of Zapata at the western base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and raised sheep and other livestock. In the 1870s, cattleman consolidated land holdings and established one of the San Luis Valleys first and largest cattle ranches know as Zapata Ranch, which remains an active ranch today. Geology Zapata Falls SRMA perches on the edge of an active rift valley. The San Luis Valley was formed when geologic activity along the Rio Grande Rift, a giant crack in the earths top layers, caused the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains to rise and the flat plain of the San Luis Valley to sink. Bedrock lies 5,000 to 13,000 feet below the valley floor, beneath layers of gravel, soil, and water. Approximately two million years ago, alpine glaciers inched down the steep slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Water flowing from the glacier and snowfields in the valley above found a weak spot near the end of a moraine a huge rock pile deposited thousands of years ago by a glacier. For thousands of years, water has carved its path, forming Zapata Falls. Dont Take the Plunge at Zapata Falls The cold waters of South Zapata Creek drop more than 25 feet through a narrow, rocky canyon. Please use extreme caution when hiking or wading around the base of Zapata Falls. In spring and summer, the water is cold, the current may be strong, and the rocks are slippery. In winter, climbing to the base of the falls is a slick proposition. Zapata Creek freezes into a sheet of ice blanketed by snow. Beware, the ice may not be thick enough to support your weight. There is no view of the falls from above; trying to climb the rocky walls is dangerous to you and to people below you. The falls are home to the black swift, a rare and elusive bird that nests only in the misty reaches of waterfalls. Stay on the trails to keep from disturbing the birds nesting in the cliffs.

    Nearby Attractions

    Zapata Falls Trail To reach Zapata Falls, you will need to take a short but arduous hike to Zapata Creek. The falls are upstream from where the trail meets the creek. The only way to view the falls is to get your feet wet by wading carefully upstream to the base of the falls. Length: 1/2 mile each way Elevation: 9,000 to 9,400 feet Connections: South Zapata Lake Trail (U.S. Forest Service Trail #852) Other Nearby Attractions: NPS-Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. USFS-Rio Grande National Forest and Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. BLM-Blanca Wetlands Recreation Area. USFWS-Baca and Alamosa National Wildlife Refuges. Great Sand Dunes Oasis-Restaurant, gift shop, and lodge (near GRSA Park entrance). Ft. Garland Museum and Cultural Center. Colorado Gators Reptile Park. UFO Watchtower. Sand Dunes Hot Springs Pool. Other Nearby Campgrounds: Pinyon Flats CG, Great Sand Dunes NPP

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    2. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    89 Reviews
    385 Photos
    693 Saves
    Gardner, Colorado

    Overview

    Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The dunes lie on the eastern edge of the valley at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The dunefield is part of the nearly 150,000 total acres of the park and preserve that also protects alpine lakes, tundra, six peaks over 13,000 feet, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is part of a fragile, dynamic system that influences and sustains the tallest dunes in North America. President Herbert Hoover established the park unit as a national monument by presidential proclamation on March 17, 1932 through the Antiquities Act. The Works Progress Administration constructed the Superintendents Residence, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But otherwise, GRSA did not see a great deal of development during the New Deal. Park development did not occur in earnest until Mission 66. During this period, the NPS was able to construct a Visitor Center, the Pinon Flat Campground (88 sites), a picnic area, five comfort stations, six single family residences and a triplex, while also building or improving roads and trails through the park. The Visitor Center shows the motivation of the Western Office of Design and Construction to configure designs to corresponding regions using principles of regional modernism. Built in the Pueblo Revival style, the Visitor Center mimics adobe construction through modern materials and forms blended with traditional materials and forms seen during the CCC-era in Cecil Dotys work. Following Mission 66, Congress designated nearly 91% of the monument as wilderness in 1976, which certainly limited the parks ability to further develop visitor and administrative facilities. GRSA became a national park and preserve in 2000, which also included a transfer of land from the Rio Grande National Forest.The dunes have long stood as a landmark for travelers from ancient North Americans to Southern Ute, Jicarilla Apaches, Navajos, early explorers, gold miners, homesteaders, ranchers, farmers and migrant field workers, to you - today's park visitor.

    Recreation

    Great Sand Dunes' wide range of natural features provides endless outdoor recreational activities. The park is perfect for kids, who love exploring the dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a popular place in the summertime. Kids and adults alike love to splash in the cool water. Many kid-friendly, ranger-led activities and a junior ranger program are available. Many miles of hiking and backpacking trails lead through the park's forests and alpine terrain, including the Mosca Pass Trail, Dunes Overlook/Sand Ramp Trail and Indian Grove Trail.

    Natural Features

    Great Sand Dunes are the magnificent centerpiece of a natural system that includes high mountain peaks, sparkling streams, vast grasslands and lush forests. The campground is situated among pinon pines and sagebrush beneath the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most sites have beautiful views of the snow-covered peaks. A wide variety of grasses and wildflowers can be found throughout the area, and mule deer are commonly seen in and around the campground.

    Nearby Attractions

    Zapata Falls is just south of the national park off Highway 150. A short but slippery 1/2-mile hike leads to a 25-foot high cascade. Simply driving to the trailhead provides an excellent view of the entire dunefield and San Luis Valley, especially at sunrise or sunset. San Luis State Wildlife Area is located at the western edge of Great Sand Dunes National Park. It features a large natural lake popular for boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.

    Charges & Cancellations

    This is not a staffed facility. Campground hosts may be available for assistance. Visitors are responsible for knowing their site number and proceeding to the correct site after 2:00 PM. Early check in is not available. A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at the campground during their reservation, and does not cancel their reservation. Because this is an unstaffed location, the site will be held for the duration of the reservation and the visitor will not receive a refund for time not spent in the site. Due to the limited number of sites in Pinon Flats Campground, please cancel or change your reservation if you can not use it, so other campers have an opportunity to stay. Rules and Reservation Policies

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    4. Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    53 Reviews
    157 Photos
    416 Saves
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $169 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosca Campground

    5. Mosca Campground

    23 Reviews
    79 Photos
    147 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado

    CPW is no longer accepting reservations as the rules for camping have changed. Camping sites in the campground are now walk-in only (first come, first served). ​ Campers will need to plan to bring their own potable water, ice, and firewood. CPW provides free electrical hook-ups at some sites and will continue to do so until costs become prohibitive. Please be judicious in your use of electricity so that we can continue to provide this service for no additional cost.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Alamosa KOA

    6. Alamosa KOA

    17 Reviews
    62 Photos
    66 Saves
    Alamosa, Colorado

    Nestled between the breathtaking San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 7,550 feet, the San Luis Valley is your gateway to adventure. This KOA is near the golden ridges of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where you can hike dunes up to 750 feet tall. It's also at the base of Colorado's fourth tallest mountain, 14,345-foot Blanca Peak.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation

    7. Sand Dunes Recreation

    25 Reviews
    65 Photos
    161 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado

    Sand Dunes offers RV spots, tent sites and cabins. Located 25 minutes away from the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Olympic size hot spring pool, 25 person hot tub, gift shop, 2 restaurants, 21+ Adults only area, The Greenhouse featuring The Steel Box Bar and small plates menu.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch

    8. Rabbit Hole Ranch

    12 Reviews
    71 Photos
    145 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado

    Camp in the San Luis Valley below snow-capped mountains and surrounded by sage brush and cacti in this high alpine desert. Nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains at 7500’ in elevation, this dispersed campsite gives you magnificent views and a feeling of peaceful privacy.

    Easy access to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mt. Blanca, Zapata Falls, and Hooper Hot Springs.

    This area is great for photography, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and solitude.

    This place gets busy on holidays but we’ll find a place for you!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    $30 - $44 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Family Campground

    9. Base Camp Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    16 Photos
    62 Saves
    Alamosa, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Sunshine RV Park

    10. Cool Sunshine RV Park

    7 Reviews
    23 Photos
    13 Saves
    Alamosa, Colorado

    We’re a pet-friendly RV park with 41 camp sites (full hookup back-in sites and pull through sites) and 6 tent sites. From the moment you pull in, you’re greeted with stunning views of Blanca Peak, surrounded by great neighbors, and have 24/7 access to clean, modern facilities. Cool Sunshine RV Park rests just a few blocks from Alamosa’s downtown, making it the perfect base for your Colorado adventure. There are over 30 restaurants within a 15 minute walk and a wide variety of galleries, museums, coffee shops and sports bars within a 10 minute walk. We’re dedicated to helping you enjoy the most of your break – from recommending the best places to eat to making sure you get a peaceful night’s sleep. Enjoy the comforts of home at Alamosa’s newest RV park – Book Today or give us a call on 719-992-9105.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $40 - $52 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 173 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Alamosa

Recent Reviews in Alamosa

693 Reviews of 173 Alamosa Campgrounds


  • sportzfytv A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/

  • sportzfytv A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/

  • Rick T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Beaver Creek Site 4

    Nice

    This spot is pretty open with room for a small rv or tent camping. Area Code It's a short drive up to Poage Lake at the top of the mountain and also a short drive to Beaver Creek Reservoir down the mountain.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
    Oct. 13, 2024

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    Great Spot

    Was able to find a really nice open spot with amazing views of the mountains. Was big and spacious enough for me and my friend to camp in our vans. No one around for miles!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Creek Trail
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Elk Creek Trail

    spacious creekside hiking area

    Parked on edge of flat in trees close to creek. Nice ambient noise. Fire rings, metal and stone. Plenty of room. Two vault toilets were clean plenty if TP. Lots of trails, bridge over creek, lakes are near by foot.

  • Angela E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Cotton Creek Trailhead

    Beautiful and peaceful 💚

    The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!

  • DL M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountainside 4WD High-Clearance Dispersed Campsites
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Mountainside 4WD High-Clearance Dispersed Campsites

    Tree sheltered sites along

    I walked up the road about three miles on the way to the lake because the beginning of the road was way to rough for my van with large rocks about 6 inch diameter.  There were lots of people disperse camping on the hilside above Como Road.

  • Mark B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Pass Creek

    Over night sleep stop.

    Stop here just for and sleep stop overnight. Road is well maintained. Several places to pull off the side of the road or actual sites too. We have a 35' 5th wheel and had no problems menivering the area. Nice lake with a parking lot at the end the turn around at if you wish to take the road all the way to the end.

  • Levi S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Easy free camping

    Got here on a Saturday night in September and found a spot right away. It had been raining for awhile too. No issue on the road with a kia sorento.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joyful Journey Hot Springs
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Joyful Journey Hot Springs

    Costs a lot more than listed

    We were charged $170 for a site in the middle of a gravel parking lot. It included dinner, breakfast and use of the hot springs. The WiFi didn’t reach us, but worked in the buffet style cafeteria-like dining area. Way overpriced for the experience!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Fork Purgatiore River
    Sep. 19, 2024

    North Fork Purgatiore River

    Great campground!

    Beautiful river and lots of wildlife. Drive past the wildlife area sign that says no camping. That sign is only for the entranced area. On down the road you will see the entrance and pay station for the campgrounds. Gorgeous! Nice trail to hike as well.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Wide Open Spaces

    Not much tree cover at a lot of these spots. Great location to be close enough to the dunes.

    Was pretty windy and sandy while we were there

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Zapata Falls Campground

    Labor day mountain camping

    Nice campsite. Bathrooms were locked and no host on site today maybe due to holiday. Plenty of hiking nearby. Hike to the falls is short and worth it. You can also hike further up to the lake.

  • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    Great Location

    We booked here last minute on a holiday weekend and we were thankful they had a spot for us! The campground parking area is just that. It’s a place to park for the night, with full hook ups. No wifi. The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible! The bath house was clean. There is a store and restaurant in property. They also have cabins to rent. . My only complaint…this is a dark sky area with expansive views of the sky and the opportunity to see the Milky Way. This is not something g I get to see at home! However, all the giant campers had their bright lights on at night and it really messed with viewing of the sky. I wish there was a rule of no outside lights at night. It’s unnecessary! If you are one of those people that leave your lights on when you go in for the night, please reconsider!

  • Lisa M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    Close to the park but basic campsites

    We spent one night here so we could go to the park. Nice enough campground with level spaces and full hook ups. We paid $54. Area also has cabins and a lodge as well as a store with a little restaurant. The showers were amazing at this place. Nice hot copious amounts of water and very clean. About 4 miles from the park entrance. Sandunes were pretty cool, but unless you want to hike to the very top of them, you could easily only spend two hours at the most here. 

  • W D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead

    Quiet camping and stars

    Several good spots with fire pits right near the trailhead. A few bugs in late August but nothing terrible. Very quiet except for the sound of the rushing creek. Verizon cell service was between 1 and 3 bars LTE depending on your line of sight to the tower. Road in is rougher towards the end but definitely doable in any SUV

  • Allen The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Beaver Creek Site 4

    Cliff high exposure

    No water sources within walking distance. The lake is aways away. It's a pull off on the dirt road that's big enough to fit a small camper on the side of a cliff with high exposure. No cover for thunderstorms.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

    Good spot if you get there early

    There’s plenty of spots off the main road, but seems like you need to get there early. We showed up around 6 pm. The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn’t trust our minivan going through the “unmaintained” section, we turned around and were able to find a connecting side road that had plenty of open space out there. When entering the road initially, the side road would be about half way up to your left. Pretty close to Great Sand Dunes National Park, so we were happy with this location! Nice mountain view.



Guide to Alamosa

Camping near Alamosa, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking to hike, stargaze, or just relax by a campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking the Dunes: Explore the trails leading to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. One camper mentioned, “From the campground you can easily hike up to the creek and the east face of the dunes within 15-30 minutes.” This makes it a perfect spot for those who love to hike and enjoy breathtaking views.

  • Visit Zapata Falls: A short hike leads you to the beautiful Zapata Falls. A reviewer said, “The hike to the falls is short and worth it,” making it a great family-friendly activity.

  • Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies. One camper noted, “You MUST take a walk down into the dunes after dark… simply breathtaking.” This is a must-do for anyone who loves to gaze at the stars.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and clean campsites. A review for Pinon Flats Campground highlighted, “Busy campground with clean toilets. Well maintained and clean camping spots.”
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and dunes. A visitor at Zapata Falls Campground remarked, “It is a beautiful campground… Some sites provide shade and some do not, so be prepared.”
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the friendly vibe. One reviewer at Pagosa Riverside Campground said, “The hosts were the kindest people… I was treated with ‘We’re glad to have you, thank you for coming to stay.’”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer months. A camper at Pinon Flats Campground warned, “In July, there were a ton of mosquitoes everywhere except over the sand.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Zapata Falls Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor noted, “There are no frills at Zapata Falls—no hook-ups, no hosts, and only vault toilets.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis mentioned, “We booked here last minute on a holiday weekend and we were thankful they had a spot for us!”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and clean restrooms. A parent at Pagosa Riverside Campground said, “The campgrounds are beautiful, scenic, and peaceful.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor activities. One reviewer at Sand Dunes Recreation noted, “You come here for the pool… There are also cabins and a lodge for your non-camping guests.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Make sure to bring extra blankets and bug spray. A camper at Mosca Campground mentioned, “The bugs were awful and with free electricity we could hide in our camper with AC.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may be tight for larger RVs. A reviewer at Piñon Campground said, “Unfortunately my site was not as level as the others so I had to do some maneuvers to level my camper.”
  • Use Online Reservations: Many campgrounds require online reservations. A camper at East Fork Campground noted, “You have to reserve online now in advance.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss out on local attractions. One RV traveler at Great Sand Dunes Oasis mentioned, “The property was well-maintained and clean… about 4 miles from the park entrance.”

Camping near Alamosa, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions