The best desert camping near Pitkin

42mi from Pitkin · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Saguache, CO

(56)

New Sky’s bones are those of an old settler’s homestead in the San Luis Valley that dates back to the early 1900’s. Nestled up against the Rio Grande National Forest, it is a high mountain desert oasis that holds the original dance hall of the county and a whole lot of history. New Sky Ranch is a wild, wild place. We are not only off grid, but also nestled in a large natural caldera (meaning a volcano that has collapsed on itself) and are right next to national forest. This means that we can experience all 4 seasons in a single day - having extreme winds and rain in one moment, and clear summer skies the next! We invite you to not only be prepared for this, but to lean into the experience as this unique high alpine environment can be one of the most inspiring and epic places on earth. We are currently fixing up what is already on the property for an eco-experiential retreat as well as a space for like minded artists to take refuge and create magic on the land. We currently have our workshop and studio space up and running as well as the first of several livable structures completed - an 100 year old rehabbed miners cabin using Hempcrete and other natural materials, complete with a communal outdoor kitchen. We also have begun hosting our first artist/maker residents who are using the shop space and land to bring their own creations to life. Over time, we have dreams of permaculture farming, eco building workshops, community collaboration, and the ability to host gatherings – however, we are committed to taking it all one step at a time and allowing only what is meant to be to unfold. For now it is simply our home, a maker space for art and experimental eco building, a gathering spot for friends and a quiet Hipcamp spot.

2. Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

98%

(64)

24mi from Pitkin · 7 sites · Lodging · Salida, CO

The Mountain Goat Lodge is set within 20 acres of rolling pastures at the foot of the famous Sawatch Mountain Range. Our resident goats roam the meadows, providing us with the milk, cheese, and yogurt for our tasty homecooked breakfasts and our cheese-making classes. We are located in central Colorado in pristine wilderness, yet just 6 miles from the historic town of Salida. In addition to the tipis, we are a full service Bed and Breakfast lodge. We have campers and a vintage trailer available to rent. The tipis have a full-sized bathhouse for use by our tipi guests. Guests need to provide their own toiletries and towels. New in 2022: We have added a queen sized bed and mattress to each of the tipis.. Campers still should bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) or if need be, can rent bedding from us.

3. Colorado Sports Ranch & Refuge

93%

(27)

50mi from Pitkin · 6 sites · Tents · Moffat, CO

High up in the San Luis Valley, the Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge occupies over 200 acres. Joyful Journey Hot Springs is 10 minutes away, and Great Sand Dunes National Park is visible from the property. The property includes a small garlic farm (High Desert Garlic) with garlic products for sale in season. The ranch is uniquely suited to athletes and other fitness enthusiasts with a 5k running/walking trail and a well stocked indoor/outdoor gym with kettlebells, TRX equipment, squat and bench racks, plyo boxes, bands, rowing and cycling machines, basketball hoop, and all manner of agility equipment. Gym cost is $10 per person or $25 for a group of four. Gym users must sign a liability waiver. The camping area is about 1/4 mile from the main house and about 300 meters from the rest room and potable water. The highest concentration of 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado is in this area with trail heads in nearby Crestone. Rock climbers and rock hounds will enjoy Penitente Canyon about 40 minutes west. White water rafting and all manner of paddling are available on the Arkansas River in nearby Salida, as is access to some of the finest mountain biking in the world, particularly the Monarch Crest Trail. World class fly fishing can be found on the Arkansas River, and Blue Mesa Reservoir is home to all varieties of trout, pike, and kokanee salmon. We are happy to arrange tours with local guides and adventure providers. The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refugee is a working, off-grid, sustainable homestead. Horses, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, dogs, cats, and a donkey all share the property. Animal tours are available.

4. CAMO ACRES @ SOUTH PARK HIGH DESERT

45mi from Pitkin · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Guffey, CO

Pictures are worth a thousand words. I have 6 acres here on the secluded, South Park high desert, at 9750 feet, all with fire pits. I'll share my views, seven camp spots, 2 clean porta potties, a *hot shower", and a charging station for a great price. Bring your ATV's, hiking boots, and cameras for the best experience. Hike or ride with a local, and see the best sites in Park County, Colorado. *SHOWERS ARE SCHEDULED THROUGH CAMP OWNER FOR A TIME BETWEEN 8AM AND 6PM, JUNE THRU AUGUST. AN ADDITIONAL $15 FOR 10 GALLONS OF HOT WATER. Learn to live off grid...conserve water and electric.

5. Bonita Flats

45mi from Pitkin · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Moffat, CO

Situated in the northern part of the San Luis Valley, this 1.2-acre property is nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains. Just 2 miles from Joyful Journey Hot Springs and 10 miles from Valley View Hot Springs, this slice of picturesque high-desert landscape is ready for your next stay!

6. San Luis Valley Stop 'n' Camp

44mi from Pitkin · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Moffat, CO

(2)

Sweet undeveloped property in the San Luis Valley! Stunning unobstructed 360° views! Easy access right off Highway 285! The Stars and Milkyway like you have never seen before!! Views of The Great Sand Dunes on a clear day! Currently 8 RV/Van/Car/Trailer/Tent Spots...will be adding more if demand is there. All spots give you plenty of space for parking and recreation. Enough space in-between sites so you won't feel on top of any other sites. All spots are drivable and can accommodate up to 30ft RV...all spots are also currently primitive. No bathroom, water, kitchen. Direct BLM access sites 1-5 (access across highway for sites 6-7) Fire Ring currently on sites 5 and 7 Group fire ring between sites 6 and 7 2 person swing with a view near sites 6-8! 10mins from Valley View Hot Springs and Joyful Journey Hot Springs. 15mins to Saguache 30mins to Salida 45mins to the Great Sand Dunes 1hour from Alamosa Pet Friendly *please be responsible for your pet and respect other campers on property 🌞 Group camping and events may be OK if planned ahead. *Please be respectful of our land and stick to designated trails/roads/driveways*

7. Sunset Ridge

50mi from Pitkin · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cimarron, CO

Welcome to Sunset Ridge — your basecamp for adventure, sunsets, and Colorado mountain magic! Tucked away on the ruggedly beautiful Western Slope, our rustic mountain campsite offers panoramic sunset views, crackling campfires*, and easy access to the wild outdoors. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or soaking in the scenery, we've got you covered: 🛻 Four-wheel across scenic trails and roadways, 🥾 Hike to jaw-dropping overlooks on nearby popular trails, 🎣 Cast a line in peaceful fishing spots, 🎶 Enjoy live music, drinks and food under the stars at the local lodge. ...and that’s just the start. We’re a scenic drive from two classic Western Slope mountain towns—both offering hot springs, local eateries, charming shops, and even a nostalgic drive-in theater for the perfect nightcap. At Sunset Ridge, you can rise with the sun and the sound of birdsong, bugling elk, or grazing sheep, explore untamed Colorado by day, and unwind beside the fire* while the sky erupts in color followed by a nightlight of stars from above. Whether you're pitching a tent or pulling up in your rig, this is your place to unplug, unwind, and explore. *Availability is based on local fire restrictions, which are often in place during peak summer months.

8. Mountain Valley Retreat Campground

46mi from Pitkin · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Moffat, CO

Enjoy camping simplicity at it's finest with use of the wood fired Barrel Sauna, Cold Plunge and Fireside area. Beautiful Mountain Views are all around. There are 3 public hot springs within a 20 minute drive and plenty of hiking trails. The Sand Dunes National Park is 60 miles away. Many restaurants, rafting, wakeboarding & entertainment venues can be found in the nearby town of Salida 35 miles away. PLEASE READ FULL DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING.

Camper favorites near Pitkin

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

CAMO ACRES @ SOUTH PARK HIGH DESERT

45mi from Pitkin · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Guffey, CO

Pictures are worth a thousand words. I have 6 acres here on the secluded, South Park high desert, at 9750 feet, all with fire pits. I'll share my views, seven camp spots, 2 clean porta potties, a *hot shower", and a charging station for a great price. Bring your ATV's, hiking boots, and cameras for the best experience. Hike or ride with a local, and see the best sites in Park County, Colorado. *SHOWERS ARE SCHEDULED THROUGH CAMP OWNER FOR A TIME BETWEEN 8AM AND 6PM, JUNE THRU AUGUST. AN ADDITIONAL $15 FOR 10 GALLONS OF HOT WATER. Learn to live off grid...conserve water and electric.

Bonita Flats

45mi from Pitkin · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Moffat, CO

Situated in the northern part of the San Luis Valley, this 1.2-acre property is nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains. Just 2 miles from Joyful Journey Hot Springs and 10 miles from Valley View Hot Springs, this slice of picturesque high-desert landscape is ready for your next stay!

San Luis Valley Stop 'n' Camp

44mi from Pitkin · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Moffat, CO

(2)

Sweet undeveloped property in the San Luis Valley! Stunning unobstructed 360° views! Easy access right off Highway 285! The Stars and Milkyway like you have never seen before!! Views of The Great Sand Dunes on a clear day! Currently 8 RV/Van/Car/Trailer/Tent Spots...will be adding more if demand is there. All spots give you plenty of space for parking and recreation. Enough space in-between sites so you won't feel on top of any other sites. All spots are drivable and can accommodate up to 30ft RV...all spots are also currently primitive. No bathroom, water, kitchen. Direct BLM access sites 1-5 (access across highway for sites 6-7) Fire Ring currently on sites 5 and 7 Group fire ring between sites 6 and 7 2 person swing with a view near sites 6-8! 10mins from Valley View Hot Springs and Joyful Journey Hot Springs. 15mins to Saguache 30mins to Salida 45mins to the Great Sand Dunes 1hour from Alamosa Pet Friendly *please be responsible for your pet and respect other campers on property 🌞 Group camping and events may be OK if planned ahead. *Please be respectful of our land and stick to designated trails/roads/driveways*

Sunset Ridge

50mi from Pitkin · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cimarron, CO

Welcome to Sunset Ridge — your basecamp for adventure, sunsets, and Colorado mountain magic! Tucked away on the ruggedly beautiful Western Slope, our rustic mountain campsite offers panoramic sunset views, crackling campfires*, and easy access to the wild outdoors. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or soaking in the scenery, we've got you covered: 🛻 Four-wheel across scenic trails and roadways, 🥾 Hike to jaw-dropping overlooks on nearby popular trails, 🎣 Cast a line in peaceful fishing spots, 🎶 Enjoy live music, drinks and food under the stars at the local lodge. ...and that’s just the start. We’re a scenic drive from two classic Western Slope mountain towns—both offering hot springs, local eateries, charming shops, and even a nostalgic drive-in theater for the perfect nightcap. At Sunset Ridge, you can rise with the sun and the sound of birdsong, bugling elk, or grazing sheep, explore untamed Colorado by day, and unwind beside the fire* while the sky erupts in color followed by a nightlight of stars from above. Whether you're pitching a tent or pulling up in your rig, this is your place to unplug, unwind, and explore. *Availability is based on local fire restrictions, which are often in place during peak summer months.

Mountain Valley Retreat Campground

46mi from Pitkin · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Moffat, CO

Enjoy camping simplicity at it's finest with use of the wood fired Barrel Sauna, Cold Plunge and Fireside area. Beautiful Mountain Views are all around. There are 3 public hot springs within a 20 minute drive and plenty of hiking trails. The Sand Dunes National Park is 60 miles away. Many restaurants, rafting, wakeboarding & entertainment venues can be found in the nearby town of Salida 35 miles away. PLEASE READ FULL DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING.

Stories from the community

J

Janet

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Colorado Sports Ranch & Refuge

I needed to stay another day and Lisa graciously accommodated me on short notice.

T

Trent

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to New Sky Ranch : Eco-building + Art

Loved this place. Such a wonderful isolated peaceful place. Wonderful hosts. Good vibes all around

J

Janet

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Colorado Sports Ranch & Refuge

This is a peaceful and beautiful camping spot. 360 degree views of mountains. Spectacular rainbows and mist on the mountains after the thunderstorms that rolled through.

N

Nicole

August 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Bonita Flats

This place is wonderful! Easy access to all the activities the San Luis Valley has to offer. I had a peaceful night and felt very safe here at Bonita Flats. Beautiful mountain landscape views 360°

M

Mel

August 2025

1 night at Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

obsesssssed !! felt safe & cozy in our tipi — plenty of animals to see & amenities available !

Thats a tent and chair. Expansive views.

J

Jason

July 2025

Tent

1 night at San Luis Valley Stop 'n' Camp

Not going to be any natural shade but clean and easy to access. Views are neat and location peaceful after traffic slows down on nearby road. Wasn't overly loud traffic either way and very quiet at night with awesome views of stars. Worth it.

b

becca8

June 2025

Tent

3 nights at New Sky Ranch : Eco-building + Art

The hosts were friendly, helpful and have a beautiful property! We enjoyed our weekend away and the sites were comfortable and well-organized. The convenience of the well-stocked kitchen made our stay even easier. Night skies are pretty incredible here. And Rumi, the resident shepherd, is an absolute sweetheart. Thank you for a peaceful weekend away from chasing life.

S

Stefan

June 2025

Tent

Beautiful, remote high desert property with epic days and starry nights. Very peaceful. Bathroom and kitchen amenities are great and complete with everything you'll need. There's a sauna, firepit and even a pizza oven! Highly recommended. Thanks Gigi and Victor!

N

Nick

June 2025

40 ft Class A

1 night at CAMO ACRES @ SOUTH PARK HIGH DESERT

Camo acres is a nice relaxing place.Sunset was simply amazing and the stars were like nothing I've ever seen no city lights to dampening out amazing galaxy.Jeff is a great host and very knowledgeable of the area. Definitely recommend this place (Hidden Gem).

K

Kori

June 2025

Tent

This felt like a magical gift from the universe. Found it last minute and it was definitely off the beaten path but that was what I wanted. It felt like being at the center of the universe with views all around the canyon especially at night. The wolves howling and the nighthawks grunts were the only sounds at night and it was so peaceful! The hammock swings were also a really nice touch. The hostess and her dogs were very friendly and helpful too! I will absolutely stay here again.

V

Veronica

June 2025

Very restful, a peaceful and quiet refuge that offers meditation space, beautiful scenery and noninvasive hosting.

S

Sampson

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Colorado Sports Ranch & Refuge

Loved camping here super nice! Gym is as a nice addition and super accommodating

J

Julia

May 2025

Tent

1 night at New Sky Ranch : Eco-building + Art

This was such a beautiful stay. My boyfriend and I stayed here on a cross country road trip, and we felt so rested and rejuvenated. The bathrooms and showers are so cool and well made. The kitchen is also amazing, it was fully decked out and had all sorts of spices and pots and pans— it made our breakfast so much easier! We loved hearing all the wildlife and being in such a beautiful secluded area!

Karen

May 2025

Tent