Best Campgrounds near Westcliffe, CO

Camping options around Westcliffe, Colorado range from established campgrounds in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to dispersed sites near Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area. The area includes Alvarado Campground, located at 9,000 feet elevation with hiking trails directly accessible from camp, and several RV parks including Wet Mountain RV Park and Grape Creek RV Park that offer full hookups. Tent camping, cabin rentals, and RV sites accommodate various camping styles throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds positioned within 15 minutes of Westcliffe's downtown area.

Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping availability near Westcliffe, with many campgrounds operating from May through October. Higher elevation sites like Alvarado Campground typically close during winter months due to snow and access limitations. A camper noted, "We've done two weeklong stays at Grape Creek RV Park near Westcliffe. The spaces are long and level and each contains full hookups, a large patch of grass, aspen trees, and best of all great views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains." Dispersed camping at Lake Deweese requires a wildlife permit or fishing license, which costs approximately $40 annually. Vault toilets are available at most established camping areas, while water access varies significantly between locations.

The mountain landscape provides the defining feature of camping experiences throughout the area. Campers frequently mention the impressive night sky views, as Westcliffe is designated as a Dark Sky community. Several visitors highlighted the proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities as key benefits when staying at developed campgrounds. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The campground was beautiful and had access to several wonderful trails. The night sky was amazing after the rain passed through and the clouds cleared." Lake Deweese offers dispersed camping with beautiful mountain views, though recent reviews indicate issues with trash and broken glass in some areas. Sites throughout the region vary considerably in size and levelness, with some campgrounds featuring uneven tent pads that may challenge setup, particularly at higher elevation sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Westcliffe, Colorado (200)

    1. Alvarado Campground

    16 Reviews
    Westcliffe, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $30 - $60 / night

    "It was just a quick trip into Westcliffe to pick up any forgotten supplies. Cell service was good here. No water or electrical hookups."

    "I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste."

    2. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    93 Reviews
    Gardner, CO
    27 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."

    3. Lake Deweese state wildlife area

    8 Reviews
    Westcliffe, CO
    5 miles
    Website

    "Clean, beautiful site by the lake. Summer nights during the new moon is a great time to visit. You can see the Milky Way. Nice spots for fly fishing and hiking."

    "Colorado State wild life areas (SWA) require a permit that’s ~$40 a year, or if you have a year fishing or hunting lisence you camp for free."

    4. Wet Mountain RV Park & Cabins

    1 Review
    Westcliffe, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (719) 371-1389

    "Has everything you need and is walking distance to town."

    5. Grape Creek RV Park

    1 Review
    Westcliffe, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 783-2588

    "We’ve done 2 weeklong stays at Grape Creek RV Park near Westcliffe, Colorado."

    6. Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    54 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2222

    $25 - $169 / night

    "It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean."

    "It's slight hidden behind a bigger RV andodge campground. It was beautiful views from ANY tent site you got. It had bathroom n accessible showers if needed. Firewood. Friendly hosts and snacks."

    7. Dispersed Sand Area 1

    5 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    "Loved hearing the creek roaring in the background and feeling the sun on my skin surrounded by cactus - an I in Texas!?"

    "Easy drive, can get a little bumpy but nothing an all wheel drive can’t handle."

    8. East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge

    25 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

    $20 / night

    "Right next to the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City Colorado, the highest suspension bridge in North America ! Do the Segway tour over the bridge!!"

    "Paved & gravelled roads, hiking trails, free camping, sightseeing, off roading, atv, handicap accessible, dogs off leash, picnic tables, firepits, kid friendly."

    9. North Crestone Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-3591

    "We also had 3 dogs with us and there was still enough room for them so we weren’t stepping all over one another."

    "Colorado sand dunes are a trip."

    10. 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."

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Recent Reviews near Westcliffe, CO

1197 Reviews of 200 Westcliffe Campgrounds


  • MP M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Shavano Mountain

    So many spots!

    Great access, up to 100 spots?! Largest dispersed I’ve seen.

  • 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

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Circle the Wagons RV Park

    Very clean, spacious, and beautiful!

    We stayed here for one night, and the property exceeded our expectations. The facilities were exceptionally clean — especially the bathrooms and showers, which were spotless. The entire campground was well-maintained with no trash in sight, making it a very tidy and welcoming place.
    

    We stayed at Site 5, which was probably the largest site we visited all week. Although we only brought two vehicles, the space easily could have accommodated three or four, along with our 21-foot travel trailer. The campground was not crowded, with about 10–15 other campers during our stay. The grounds included cabins, trailer sites, and tent sites, all of which were clean and well cared for.

    The surroundings were beautiful, with potted plants throughout the property. We spotted plenty of deer and horses nearby (though none entered the campground itself). There’s also a game room and a fun book exchange for guests. Overall, this campground checked all our boxes — we absolutely loved our stay and would highly recommend it!

  • 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Penrose BLM sites

    Not many sites

    There are a couple large sites, but mostly just and open lot and therefore no privacy

  • 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.


Guide to Westcliffe

Camping spots near Westcliffe, Colorado offer unique outdoor experiences in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at elevations ranging from 7,800 to 9,000 feet. The region transitions between alpine forests and high desert terrain, creating distinct microclimates for campers depending on their chosen location. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach the mid-70s with nighttime lows in the 40s, even during peak season.

What to do

Hiking the high country: Multiple trails accessible directly from North Crestone Creek Campground provide opportunities for both day hikes and backpacking. "We hiked up the backpacking trail at the end to go fishing up at the lake and rivers along the trail. There was plenty to do but it was also quiet; perfect for down time," shares Jordan M., who camped with friends at North Crestone Creek Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Lake Deweese provide opportunities to spot local wildlife while keeping a respectful distance. "Plenty of areas to choose from. We decided on a non wooded area on the north side of the lake for a great view of the mountain range. The views of the aspens turning were spectacular," notes wayne H. who camped at Lake Deweese state wildlife area.

Dark sky stargazing: Take advantage of Westcliffe's designation as a Dark Sky community by camping at locations with minimal light pollution. "Clean, beautiful site by the lake. Summer nights during the new moon is a great time to visit. You can see the Milky Way," reports Jessica W. after her stay at Lake Deweese.

What campers like

Mountain access: Sites that provide direct trail access receive consistently positive reviews from hikers and backpackers. According to Trish M., who stayed at Alvarado Campground, "We've stayed here 3 times now and absolutely love it! We've stayed at campsite 36 and 41. 41 is our favorite. It has plenty of space and a nice creek running near it. We felt secluded. Hiking trail was not far from us."

Site spacing and layout: Campers frequently mention appreciation for campgrounds with well-designed sites that offer privacy. "Plenty of sites available, some nicely secluded, some not so secluded. Very clean bathrooms," notes Rachel H. about Alvarado Campground.

Hot springs access: For those seeking relaxation after hiking, some campgrounds offer natural hot springs. "Valley View is a large swath of land with about 12 beautiful pools and about 20+ camping spots. You need to reserve well in advance as the demand is much higher than the capacity," explains Morgan Y. about Valley View Hot Springs.

What you should know

Tent pad conditions: Several campgrounds have uneven tent pads that require careful site selection. At Alvarado Campground, Diane S. observes, "Many of the sites in the 30s up are useless other than a van. Tent sites are not good. Very uneven pads. The 40s are much better and all mostly tents."

Bear activity: The Westcliffe area is bear country, requiring proper food storage and vigilance. "You are back in bear country a little and we did have an incident with some bears coming into the camp 2 nights in a row because the people next to us left their food out," warns Jordan M. from North Crestone Creek Campground.

Seasonal insects: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain locations during summer months. "Great spots available - plenty of room for multiple campsites along the road. Great views! - BUT mosquitoes were absolutely awful so be prepared (mid July)," cautions Cooper P. about Dispersed Sand Area 1.

Permit requirements: Wildlife areas require specific permits for overnight stays. "This is dispersed camping. Colorado State wildlife areas (SWA) require a permit that's ~$40 a year, or if you have a year fishing or hunting license you camp for free," explains Jess C. regarding Lake Deweese.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for kids: Choose lower-elevation sites with easier access and better facilities. "The lower sites are larger, more open, and more recently updated. Sites further uphill are in a mixed state of dilapidation," advises laura S. about Alvarado Campground.

Recreation options: Look for campgrounds with multiple activity possibilities to keep children engaged. "Quite National Forest camp ground that is a pay per night. Site has a nice creek and offers lots of hiking. Vault toilets and several water fountains. No electricity. Lots of wildlife in the area," notes Kris M. from North Crestone Creek Campground.

Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring adaptable clothing layers. One camper at Royal Gorge Park East Ridge Campground shared, "The site was really nicely set up on the top of a hill. Nice and warm for the elevation, especially at night, which was especially nice considering the other campsites we stayed at that were about 20 degrees cooler at night."

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Many mountain campgrounds have size limitations for RVs and trailers. "The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so," states Diane S. about Alvarado Campground.

Level sites: RVers emphasize the importance of level sites in this mountainous region. "We easily got our 40' coach into a very level site. Definitely will be back!" reports DaveAdele C. who stayed at Alvarado Campground.

Site utilities: Check specific hookup availability before arrival. "This was a gorgeous place to stay. Make sure you check your vehicle length because some of the spots were pretty small. No water or electrical hookups," advises Steph C., who camped at Alvarado Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Westcliffe, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Westcliffe, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 200 campgrounds and RV parks near Westcliffe, CO and 59 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Westcliffe, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Westcliffe, CO is Alvarado Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Westcliffe, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 59 free dispersed camping spots near Westcliffe, CO.

What parks are near Westcliffe, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Westcliffe, CO that allow camping, notably Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.