The best waterside camping near Alamosa

Experience a new side of Colorado when you camp near Alamosa. From the San Luis Valley, you're just minutes from dense forests and rolling sand dunes just begging to be explored.

It's easy to get stoked about Great Sand Dunes National Park. Outdoor lovers come from across the country to see the jaw-dropping dune field that covers 30 square miles. Hike the tallest dunes on the continent—the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Blanca Peak are worth the climb.

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Try sandboarding or sand sledding down the dunes. (Get your rental gear in Alamosa). Afterward, cool down in refreshing Medano Creek. After a day in the dunes, pitch a tent on the sand—all you need is a backpacking permit. The park also boasts a developed campground, Pinon Flats.

Keep in mind the dunes can get swamped in the summer. For a less crowded alternative, check out San Luis Lake State Park. The secluded campground has RV sites and tent sites but remember to BYOW (bring your own wood).

For stunning views of the dune field, Zapata Falls Campground is your best bet. This rustic state camping area's 9,000-foot elevation promises sweeping vistas of rugged Colorado terrain. Keep in mind all sites are first-come, first-served.

On the other side of Alamosa, you find Rio Grande National Forest. Here, you can enjoy hiking trails and tent camping amid densely wooded hills. You can even catch some dinner at Terrace Reservoir.

Around Alamosa, a huge range of RV parks, rustic tent camps, and decked out cabins are available. Some are just steps from the Rio Grande, which cuts through the city. Whatever your camping style, it's easy to find the perfect spot within minutes of the area's state and national parks.

Wondering when to plan your trip? With its cool winters and mild summers, Alamosa draws campers year round. Visit in January to explore snow-dusted dunes, or get here in August for some of the best starry skies in south central Colorado.