Zapata Falls Campground
Marie W.
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2021

Very WINDY! BYO water

I wouldn't make a point to come back but wouldn't avoid it. We camped here for proximity to the sand dunes, obviously, which I'm sure is the goal of those of you reading this review.

The road driving up is about 20-30 mins and pretty rough/bumpy. All sorts of cars made it, just know your abilities. They are doing work on the road so hopefully it will improve. No paving, just leveling it out.

The campground is a bit exposed although has lots of  shorter juniper trees. 

The sites are pretty small, not spacious, and RIGHT next to the gravel campground road so lots of dust constantly as people circle the campground. Tent pads dont really exist/aren't clearly marked and sort of a "make it yourself" thing. 

We tried to rig a sun shade due to the exposure and intense sun, but it was a joke because the wind was SERIOUS. Calm in the morning and evenings but during the day the wind seriously is very gusty and honestly gets pretty annoying.

We arrived around 10:30 am on a Friday to 3 spots remaining. They were gone within 20minutes. Check out time I believe is 11 am so that's around the time to show up. After finding a spot and then wandering the campground, there is actually a little overflow loop of maybe 5 or 6 sites for tents only. I don't believe you can leave your car. They seemed much more private and enjoyable, better shaded. I think the cars have to be left at the trailhead parking.

The host was a very pleasant older man frequently walking around, chatting with campers and patrolling. He helped to resolve a dispute about site reservation with the people next to us and everyone seemed pleased.

Bathrooms very clean.

Zapata Falls trail is right at the campground and an easy and pretty little hike. Did it with 3 dogs. 1 mile total- out and back.

*Tip for visiting the dunes. Go early morning or later/evening. Sand gets super hots, esp for dogs paws. Even the cool sand aggravated my dogs paws after about 20 minutes.

Site3
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Zapata Falls Campground by Marie W., June 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Zapata Falls Campground by Marie W., June 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Zapata Falls Campground by Marie W., June 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Zapata Falls Campground by Marie W., June 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Zapata Falls Campground by Marie W., June 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Zapata Falls Campground by Marie W., June 4, 2021