Best Campgrounds near Westcliffe, CO

Camping near Westcliffe, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike, stargaze, or just relax in nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Hiking: There are several trails nearby, especially around the Pinon Flats Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "From the campground, you can easily hike up to the creek and the east face of the dunes within 15-30 minutes."
• Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies. A camper at Zapata Falls Campground said, "You MUST take a walk down into the dunes after dark… simply breathtaking."
• Exploring the Sand Dunes: The Great Sand Dunes National Park is just a short drive away. One visitor noted, "Our site overlooked the Sand Dunes, with a trail out into the dunes for hiking every morning."

What campers like

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Red Canyon Park highlighted, "This is a beautiful park with great dispersed sites!"
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like the Great Sand Dunes Oasis, are well-maintained. A visitor mentioned, "The bath house was clean."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of places like East Ridge Campground. One reviewer said, "The campsites were all well maintained and several had great views of Canon City."

What you should know

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer 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, have basic facilities. One visitor noted, "There are no frills at Zapata Falls--no hook-ups, no hosts, and only vault toilets."
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season. A camper at Sand Dunes Recreation mentioned, "You do have to reserve online now in advance."

Tips for camping with families

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. The Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA has a playground and mini-golf. One parent said, "Lots of great stuff for kids. Slide, playground, mini golf."
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on little ones, especially near water. A reviewer at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites shared, "I splashed in the creek and caught crawdads."
• Plan for Weather: Be ready for changing conditions. A camper at Alvarado Campground advised, "Make sure you stake everything down and add some weight to it too."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. A visitor at Mosca Campground noted, "Quite a bit of RVs parking in the tent sites trying to push out tent camping."
• Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. The Great Sand Dunes Oasis offers this, and one camper said, "Our RV spot had full hookups."
• Be Mindful of Space: Sites can be close together. A reviewer at Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA mentioned, "The spots are a little close together and you don’t get to choose your spot."

Camping near Westcliffe, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it's a great spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape into nature.