Best Campgrounds near Westcliffe, CO

Westcliffe is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Westcliffe, CO. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

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

    7 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

1181 Reviews of 200 Westcliffe Campgrounds


  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Northern Plains Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park

    Great place for boating and fishing and decent facilities

    A little old in the tooth in terms of the showers and no soap is provided but there are garbage receptacles and every site has a shelter and picnic table and fire pit. There isn't much shade to speak of in most sites, nor is there much privacy between sites. Unfortunately you have to come here to look through the ones that have some shade but the Yucca Flats campground is very close to the water and my site has a direct View

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lathrop State Park

    Clean quiet, well managed

    Just outside Walsenburg, CO, 2 small lakes. We had electric but did not use, loop D spots had some nice views of Spanish Peaks in distance (youngest peaks in Rockies), several small playgrounds for kids, SMALL shower stalls (coin op with changers available), some flush, some pit, toilets (all clean), 1 bar Verizon but were able to watch Chiefs/Chargers game on phone. Gift shop, paved trail around lake, some other hiking paths, quiet hours were kept by campers. Noticed staff made regular trips through grounds. Hogback trail moderate (perhaps on side of harder moderate, tough for older large dog--wouldn't take him on it again). Electric sites available (chose one but did not use the hookup). Did not notice ANY hwy noise in loop D.  Water spigots available at SOME sites and/or spots in campground with one designated water fill-up spot near entrance. Most if not all sites appeared level.

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Alvarado Campground

    Peaceful & quiet

    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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Aspen Acres Campground

    Water from the hookup was disgusting

    All fine for a night except we filled our tank with the most disgusting undrinkable water imaginable. I’d not come back for that reason.

  • Nathaniel F.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Crestone Needle Trail

    Good Sandy Camp Spot

    This place was a nice spot for dispersed camping! Lots of spots, and super easy to find just off the road. A bit sandy, but the soil underneath worked for stakes. The temp was cool, but not cold—great for early September!

  • M
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    Stunning views

    Stunning views of the canyon and great star gazing. Just get there on a weekday or all of the off the road spots will be taken up.

  • Jeremy S.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Pleasant Valley RV Park

    August 2025

    Absolutely beautiful campground. Quiet and peaceful. Great views of the continental divide and relaxing sound of the river. Clean and cozy.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Lake Deweese state wildlife area

    Close camp sites

    Views were nice and plenty of spots but the spots are pretty close to each other and there was a decent amount of trash left behind. We picked up as much as we could. The reservoir is nice but signs saying no swimming due to algae.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    Beautiful, clean, no shade

    This campground is pretty easy to access, the sites by the river are beautiful, with amazing views, quiet and pristine. The vault toilets were also very clean. As other reviewers have noted, there is no shade at most sites, so be prepared to bring your own!


Guide to Westcliffe

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.

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.