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The best camping near San Luis State Wildlife Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Luis adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near San Luis State Wildlife Area

94%
(423)

Rabbit Hole Ranch

102 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Alamosa East, CO
The Rabbit Hole Ranch offers beautiful unobstructed views of the majestic Blanca Massif and the Great Sand Dunes and is just a (gorgeous) 35 minute drive from both to include Zapata Falls. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-see, and I am grateful for the opportunity to offer you a place nearby to set up camp and go exploring. Alamosa, the largest town in the SLV, is just 20 minutes away. With a population of around 9,800 Alamosa has that small town feel and has the goods and services you will need. Camping here at the Rabbit Hole Ranch is primitive and dispersed (no numbered sites) and there 30 acres available for you to use. Typically, you will experience a rare kind of solitude and silence that feels…. other-worldly, with incredible sunrises and sunsets filling the enormous skies. On holidays, however, expect it to be busy. Our two Great Pyrenees are here to help keep you and your pets (and our chickens) safe. Please help make their jobs easier by not leaving any food or trash in or around tents. Please keep your pets on leash or under control until you’re comfortably certain they get along with all four of our dogs. This year we have a new Great Pyrenees to greet you, his name is TheoVon and he is huge! Returning this season is KayLee also a GP and and Finn, who is a little Benji lookin rescue from Alaska who just LOVES everybody. And then we have our latest addition, Kya, Shes a rescue as well and spent way too much time in an apartment before coming to stay with us, This will be her first season with us and she is 1 1/2 years old. A more energetic dog than what were used to around here but so far so good! Hopefully you happy campers can help us socialize the new dogs! Quiet time begins at 10:00 pm. Note: Holidays still offer the excellent location and spectacular views, but are likely to be less quiet and far more busy. We do not strictly enforce quiet time during holidays.
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$48
 / night
92%
(6)

Dunes Desert Camp

12 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents320 acres ¡ Hooper, CO
Enjoy your own private desert playground, 320 Acres of pristine wilderness in the shadow of Blanca Peak and in sight of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Whether you want to explore the valley on a hike, bike, or All Terrain Vehicle, fly over it in a private light aircraft, or plan an expedition to the mountains, Dunes Desert Camp is your staging ground for exploring the breathtaking natural wonders of the San Luis Valley. Located just twenty miles from downtown Alamosa, Dunes Desert Camp offers remoteness and privacy coupled with the convenience of being near a vibrant metropolitan center. Get away from it all, and get back to finding yourself in the desert. We have one large Safari tent with a double bed and 5 two person dome tents fitted with camp cots Sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses and camping equipment is available to rent on site.
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$50
 / night
95%
(76)

Sandhill Desert Ranch

2 sites ¡ Tents45 acres ¡ Mosca, CO
If you're looking to take a deep breath away from the busyness of life, Sandhill Desert Ranch is waiting for you. Gaze over the campfire the Great Sand Dunes as the sun sets behind you. Wake up early to go sand boarding or hiking at the National Park, then take a refreshing dunk in Zapata Falls before you head back to camp to relax. Don't forget to look up as night falls again - the stars in the San Luis Valley are out of this world!
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$28
 / night
97%
(657)

High Peaks Campground

22 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Moffat, CO
Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the highest Alpine Valley in the world! This campground sits close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. You can also see the San Juan mountain range to the east in the distance. San Juans are also a portion of the western slope of the Continental Divide. Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With unlimited mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, Meteor showers!!! Previously known as High Desert Ranch Campground, this land was originally part of a large ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. In 2021, we were featured in USA Todays Ten Best for star gazing! My property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! You will be surrounded by ranch land and state land with Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. Accommodations for those with livestock, just make sure you chat in advance your initial message. Close to BLM, and National Forest as well as 3 hot springs within 20 miles and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!
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$28
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96%
(100)

Ramble at Great Sand Dunes NP

18 sites ¡ Tents640 acres ¡ Alamosa East, CO
Ramble welcomes you to our private campground - Ramble at Great Sand Dunes National Park! The location is strikingly beautiful and vast: 640 acres of rolling sand dunes nestled up against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 7,550 feet. This campground is just a 30 minute drive to the entrance 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. Ramble is a dog friendly campground so bring your furry friends. There is a pet leash hook for you to link up your dog at each site. The Welcome Center will be the first place you'll stop, which includes an interactive photo opportunity, our park map, and informative and interesting information about the local community and surrounding region. Just a short distance from every campsite is our bathhouse -- thoughtfully designed with private bathrooms, showers, and a pet rinse area. It also includes a QR-code-accessible mini store for easy purchases of firewood, toiletries and Ramble merchandise. Inside the bathrooms you’ll find flushing toilets, toilet paper, seat protectors, fold down changing tables, sinks, hand soap, hooks, mirrors, soft lighting, and locking doors. On the side of the bathhouse are our open air concept shower stalls complete with hot water, benches, towel hooks and complimentary body wash and shampoo. The dump station is located just past the bathhouse and can accommodate disposal of sewage, waste water and includes a spigot for easy clean up. This station is complementary to Ramble guests. All of our campsites are purposefully spread apart to give every group maximum privacy and spaciousness. Please refer to the campground map when making multi-site reservations and expect 100 to 250 feet walking distance between adjacent sites. As far as activities go, there’s plenty to do. Rent a bike or bring your own -- we’ve got our very own three mile gravel path for you to shred that provides direct access points to local bike and Bureau of Land Management trails. There is also a 40 acre, 9-hole disc golf course perfect for all levels onsite. Horseshoe pits, corn hole tables, board games, and other activities are also available. And if that’s not enough, attractions in San Luis Valley, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Medano Creek, Zapata Falls, and Hooper Pool are all just a short drive away. Ramble at Great Sand Dunes falls within the IDA International Dark Sky Park region, so be prepared to enjoy some ridiculously starry nights. If it gets too dark, our entire campground utilizes thoughtfully designed lighting that won’t detract from nature’s light show. So bring the dog, kids, family and friends -- or enjoy the awesomeness solo. Welcome to camping the way you've always wanted it to be.
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$55
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95%
(11)

Desert Frog Ranch

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Alamosa East, CO
40 acres of seclusion near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Fresh air, wide open sky, no light pollution. Nearby activities include sand boarding at the Sand Dunes, hiking to Zapata Falls, gator-viewing at Colorado Gators, bird-watching at the Blanca Wetlands, canoeing in Mountain Home Reservoir, dirt-bike/ATV riding, fishing, biking, or just walk around looking for desert frogs, horny toads, arrowheads, and meteorites. This property abuts 800 acres of BLM land to the west. There is another 3000+ acres of BLM land to the NE of this property.
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$30
 / night
Booked 1 time

Private 5 Acres Camping Retreat

1 site ¡ Tent5 acres ¡ Hooper, CO
Our camp provides a back-to-basics experience, where the simplicity of camping is at its best. With ample space for pitching tents and parking RVs, you're free to create your home away from home amidst the wilds of Colorado. Unrivaled Access to Natural Wonders: - Great Sand Dunes National Park: Just a 30-minute drive, these majestic dunes offer an unforgettable landscape for hiking and sandboarding. - Big Spring Creek: A 15-minute journey to fishing and peaceful waterside relaxation. - Mount Blanca & Lake Como: Trailheads beckon the brave to explore these iconic hiking destinations. - Star Gazing Galore: With minimal light pollution, our site is a haven for astronomers and romantic star gazers alike. Centrally Located to Regional Attractions: - Explore More: Dive into the local culture and nature at Zapata Ranch, Zapata Falls, Colorado Gators Reptile Park, and the unique UFO Watchtower. - Discover Hidden Gems: The Blanca Wetlands, The Secret Garden and Grotto, Commodore Camp, Sacred White Shell Mountain - each location holds a special allure. - Immerse in History: Fort Garland Museum & - - Cultural Center is a short drive away, offering a glimpse into Colorado's rich heritage. - Your Stay Supports a Greater Cause: Every booking contributes to our vision of enhancing this space into a luxurious camping experience and to charitable causes that make a difference. By staying with us, you're part of a community that values nature, adventure, and giving back. What to Expect: - Untouched Land: Our site celebrates the untouched beauty of nature. It's a canvas awaiting your adventurous spirit. - Self-Sufficiency Required: Bring your camping gear, food, and water. This is a journey back to nature's basics. - Respect for Nature: We cherish our natural surroundings and encourage all our guests to practice Leave No Trace principles.
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$25
 / night
75%
(8)

Base Camp Family Campground

20 sites ¡ RVs20 acres ¡ Alamosa, CO
Welcome To Your Base Camp Whether your adventure brings you here for just one night, or the entire summer, this is the view you want to wake up to! We have... •Largest Pull Through Sites In The Area-100' x 40' •Big-Rig-Friendly, 60 degree angled sites •Large Private Showers •Best 360 Degree Views •Full Hookups •Free Wi-Fi •Laundry •Close To All Local Attractions •Sandboard & Sand Sled Rentals - https://slv-adventures.square.site •65 Degree Average Summer Temperatures Base Camp Family Campground is operated by the Baker Family. Josh Baker first lived in Southern Colorado in the early 90's as a child, but his parents moved the family away after a short time. His desire to move back here as an adult prompted him to start bringing his own family to Colorado for vacations. They purchased land in the valley in 2014 and moved to Colorado in 2020. They are using all they've learned from years of RVing adventures, to continue the park's mission of providing a clean, affordable, spacious, well-run camping facility, and to be a centrally located "base camp" and hub of information for everything this unique area has to offer. You may feel it when you first enter the valley...this is a special place like no other. You'll be camping on Native American sacred ground, in the shadows of 14,000 ft. mountain peaks, in the largest high-desert alpine valley in the world, that is sprinkled with free-flowing artesian wells, hot springs and wet lands. Water gushes up through the desert floor from aquifers that are continually replenished from the snow that melts from the surrounding mountains. The valley gets 350 days of sunshine each year and less than 8 inches of precipitation, mostly in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Bring a sweater, even if you're here in August. Daily summer temperatures average 65 degrees, and it will get down into the 50's at night. That's perfect camping weather! For native American tribes, including the Utes, Apache, Navajos, and others, this valley is considered the source of life, a place where humans and spirit enter and leave this world. This sipapu, or place of emergence, is believed to be near the sand dunes, in the San Luis Lakes area. The valley was considered so sacred, that no war would be waged here. The tribes would pass each other in peace. Blanca Peak is considered the eastern boundary and doorway into Dinetah, the traditional Navajo homeland. Today, 30 spiritual centers, representing religions from all over the world, are located in the Crestone area at the north end of the valley. The ET Connection As if all of the mountains, deserts, hot springs, and sacred ground weren't enough, The San Luis Valley is also known as a UFO hot spot! UFO sightings have been reported as far back as the 1600's. You'll want to visit The UFO Watch tower, on highway 17, "The Cosmic Highway". Owner, Judy Messoline is a wealth of information on the subject. • EXPRESS CHECK IN - We'll send you an email the day before your arrival, with your site number, wifi password, etc. There is no need to check in at the host site when you arrive, unless you have questions. You can follow the yellow signs straight to your camp site! • DURING COLD WATER MONTHS -water faucets may be used for filling RV tanks only. Water hoses must be disconnected after filling tanks. No permanent water hose connections will be allowed. • Check In Time -1:00 PM •Check Out Time -11:00 AM ATTRACTIONS - Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge on the Rio Grande - San Luis Valley Museum - Rio Grande Scenic Railroad - Splashland Hot Springs - Blanca Vista Park - Cattails Golf Course - Luther Bean Museum - Ryan Geology Museum - Fort Garland Museum - Zapata Falls - Colorado Gators Reptile Park - Homelake Veterans' History Museum - Monte Vista History Museum - Transportation of the West Museum - Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve - Sanford Museum - UFO Watchtower - Sand Dunes Swimming Pool - Jack Dempsey Museum - Joyful Journey Hot Springs - Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center - Stations of the Cross Shrine - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Antonito Depot - Fransisco Fort Museum - Rio Grande County Museum - Conejos County Museum - Crestone History Museum - Hazard House Museum - Saguache County Museum - Valley View Hot Springs - Creede History Museum - Creede Underground Mining Museum - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Chama Depot - Taos Pueblo - Hinsdale County Museum
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$51
 / night

Quiet Oasis

1 site ¡ RV, Tent5 acres ¡ Hooper, CO
Property great views, easy access to Fishing, Local restaurants and Great Sand Dunes National Park. There are many thing to do in this area. remember to use google maps and copy paste this: 37°37'59.4"N 105°45'12.9"W to get directions to land. if you have any questions please text 470-263-1312 Thing to do in the area: * Sand Dunes National Park * Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge * Baca National Wildlife Refuge * Bishop Rock Loop - MTB * Blanca Vista Park * Cattails Golf Course * Colorado Gators Reptile Park * Creed Mining Loop Trails * Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad * Dark Sky Park, at the Great Sand Dunes National Park * Disc Golf Course * Historic Downtown Alamosa Walking Tour * Hot Springs * Kaiyote Tours * Medano Creek * Medano Pass Primitive Road - 4WD * Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge * Penitente Canyon - Climbing * Rio Grande National Forest * Rugged Air Tours * San Luis State Wildlife Area * San Luis Valley Trail Guide * UFO Watchtower * Wolf Creek Ski Area * Zapata Ranch and Conservancy Preserve Stores: * WalMart * Tractor Supply * Restaurants * And More....
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$28
 / night
97%
(348)

Nature is FREE

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Blanca, CO
... Learn more about this land: We have scraped areas , sites 3 & 4. Sites 1 and 2 are raked not scraped. We are offering free Duck and chicken eggs for breakfast or dinner. As well as a free bundle of wood for a fire. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST AND WEATHER ALLOWS. ***Now a bathroom is available*** Want to ride atvs or park and stretch or do some yoga in front of the mountain ? Do it here cheaper than the rest ! I do offer firewood and other extras. Ducks and Chickens onsite for kiddos, also have kiddos. Live the offgrid life for short time. Safe travels ! All areas are MANY yards from each other. Terrain is scrapped for tents but be aware cactus is everywhere. Please check weather for area because the wind can get fierce. Great night views of the stars and 360 view of mountains as well as being at the base of one. Sand dunes and waterfall just 15 minutes away . Please respect the wildlife and property. Pet/420 Friendly. We do NOT charge to camp, charges are for a GATE FEE. You are paying the gate fee THRU HIPCAMP NOW... NO PAYMENT on arrival. Best if GPS is used, but address given after booking. IF AT NIGHT, STAY TO YOUR LEFT ON DRIVEWAY, CONTINUE LEFT TILL YOU SEE NUMBERED SPOTS. FOR DAYTIME, LOOK FOR 3 LARGE WIND TURBINES INFRONT OF A BLUE AND WHITE HOUSE.
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$17.50
 / night
Booked 8 times

The White Shell Mountain Campground

1 site ¡ RV, Tent5 acres ¡ Blanca, CO
A view you will never forget of Mount Blanca. Just wait till the stars come out. 5 acres of your own peace and quiet camping ground with 60ft x 60ft pebble stone for any car or camper to station on. Come stay in one of the most amazing and peaceful places you’ll ever see. Pure peace and quiet. Minutes from lake como rd (road up to Mt. Blanca) and 20 minutes from the National Sand Dunes. The nice town of Alamosa is 20 minutes straight west with great shops and local restaurants. The space Excavated flat land for camping Guest access All of the land is accessible Other things to note Can shower at the Alamosa Recreation center for $3 located 20 minutes away! Please note, this is only vacant land for camping, you must bring all sleeping arrangements etc. Checkout time is 11am * When you are driving down 11th st, you will see 2 cabins (neighbors cabins) if you are facing into the driveway, to the right of the property far in the distance. 11st Street Between Pinon Avenue and Spruce Avenue in Blanca, Colorado
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$29
 / night
84%
(43)

Dreamweaver's Sanctuary

21 sites ¡ RVs, Tents4 acres ¡ Crestone, CO
Dreamweaver’s Sanctuary is an evolving artist collaborative project and homestead that focuses on sustainability, creativity, spiritual growth, with mindful community values. We host events and workshops, prepare meals, and we are now offering Usui-Tibetan/Holy Fire and Crystal Reiki for those looking to balance and replenish the Mind, Body and Soul. Expect surprises as we are always incorporating new and fun ideas to enhance your experience and bring unity to the locals of Crestone. In addition to this project, we invite you to join us for Hip Camp. Rustic Camping in Crestone, Colorado with the most majestic views. About the land: Imagine setting up camp in the high desert of Colorado, resting in the quiet of nature, and awakening to birds singing to you as you lay nestled in an ancient Cottonwood Grove. Next you open your eyes to the Majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, overlooking the Great Sand Dunes. Enjoy a fresh and power packed smoothie to break your overnight fast or join us in our off-grid rustic zen community kitchen and prepare what you so choose. Find yourself a comfortable spot and spend some time in meditation or join others in our Meditation Tent, engage in a peaceful and mindful conversation with other campers, enjoy a garden walk or book a Crystal or Holy Fire Reiki Session. Did we mention the sunsets!? In the evening stargazing is a favorite, as Crestone is a Dark Sky Community. And all of that is just here at the sanctuary! Venture out and find hiking trails, take a short drive and enjoy your day at the sand dunes, enjoy local Hot Springs or visit one of Crestone’s many spiritual centers or temples. While we hope you will choose to stay with us, keep in mind that this is a family friendly environment and we welcome pets. Note that we are 4:20 friendly, but kindly discourage the use of non-recreational substances and the misuse of alcohol on the premises. We have outdoor solar shower amenities and composting toilets and outhouses. There is a water and tea station available. Wifi is available but only near our Tech Deck. We look forward to welcoming you to Crestone!
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$28
 / night

The best camping near San Luis State Wildlife Area guide

Overview

About

Just 15 minutes west of Great Sand Dunes National Park is San Luis State Wildlife Area. Visitors come here to get away from the grind and enjoy a peaceful serenity which includes panoramic views of San Luis Lake, Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and the Great Sand Dunes.

The unique desert ecosystem features a wildlife area that’s home sweet home to waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors (don’t worry, we’re talking birds of prey, not the Jurassic Park kind). Overnight guests will enjoy the really modern campgrounds and water activities.

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