The best camping near Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge adventure.
Discover the natural splendor of Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge.
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Community favorites near Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Top-rated campgrounds near Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
97%
(17)
Serendipity Base Camp
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Monte Vista, CO
We have 1.75 acres. The history of this property is interesting, varied and historical. During WWII the property was used as a detainment camp for German POW's. They were transferred here from Trinidad and Walsenburg CO to work with the farmers in the community, working potatoes. It was a happy, fruitful work situation and some of the farmers/POW's became good friends, even traveling to visit each other after the war. Parts of the building are still there. Serendipity. The land has served as an auto junk yard, repair shop, metal scrap yard, thrift store and more. As we have worked on the property we have found many treasures that are working their way to the surface. The location of the property we feel is perfect. You can get everywhere from here. We are in the city of Monte Vista limits, town is walking distance. It sits in the middle of what makes the valley thrive. Farming (Cows & hay) to the East. There is also a beautiful view of Mt Blanca and the Sange de Christo mountain range. When the sun sets you understand the beauty of the mountain and understand why is was named Blood of Christ. To the North is Coors - they gather the barley that is grown here in the valley to start the making of the beer. To the West is Mountain King - a potato storage unit. There is about 55,000 acres of potatoes grown with a wide variety of all different colors. With averages of 22 tons of potatoes per acre. - That's a lot of taters! The sunset over Mountain King is what you see in the pictures. Serendipity Camp is less than 1/2 mile from Monte Vista. Gas, groceries, coffee shops, restaurants, thrift & gift stores, and hardware. We have a volunteer run community movie theater that is open Friday - Sunday and for a short drive you can get to one of the few drive ins still operating.
We do see/have wildlife that visits us regularly. A timid clan of Marmots (we call them whistle pigs). a fox appears occasionally, as well as many different birds (small birds, falcons, and Sand hill cranes in season) We have seen racoons in the area and sometimes a small herd of about 5 deer. Learn more about this land:Welcome to Serendipity! This is our first year hosting as a campground. We have been short term hosts for several years and thoroughly enjoy it so we wanted to reach out to the camping community also. We have 1.75 acres. The history of this property is interesting, varied and historical. During WWII the property was used as a detainment camp for German POW's. They were transferred here from Trinidad and Walsenburg CO to work with the farmers in the community, working potatoes. It was a happy, fruitful work situation and some of the farmers/POW's became good friends, even traveling to visit each other after the war. Parts of the building are still there. Serendipity. The land has served as an auto junk yard, repair shop, metal scrap yard, thrift store and more. As we have worked on the property we have found many treasures that are working their way to the surface. The location of the property we feel is perfect. You can get everywhere from here, it’s a great base camp to do all there is to do in the San Luis Valley. We are in the city of Monte Vista limits, town is walking distance but it’s very private. It sits in the middle of what makes the valley thrive. Farming (Cows & hay) to the East. There is also a beautiful view of Mt Blanca and the Sange de Christo mountain range. When the sun sets you understand the beauty of the mountain and understand why is was named Blood of Christ. To the North is Coors - they gather the barley that is grown here in the valley to start the making of the beer. To the West is Mountain King - a potato storage unit. There is about 55,000 acres of potatoes grown with a wide variety of all different colors. With averages of 22 tons of potatoes per acre. - That's a lot of taters! The sunset over Mountain King is what you see in the pictures. Serendipity Camp is less than 1/2 mile from Monte Vista. Gas, groceries, coffee shops, restaurants, thrift & gift stores, and hardware. We have a volunteer run community movie theater that is open Friday - Sunday and for a short drive you can get to one of the few drive ins still operating. We do see/have wildlife that visits us regularly. A timid clan of Marmots (we call them whistle pigs). a fox appears occasionally, as well as many different birds (small birds, falcons, and Sand hill cranes in season) We have seen racoons in the area and sometimes a small herd of about 5 deer. As we tweak Serendipity Glamp Camp, we have campsites for tents, campers, vans & cars, bell tents, a small tent and a small teepee style tent for a more comfy stay, but still camping. It is a gated park so you can feel safe leaving your camp for the day or evening. And although there are town lights around, there is not alot of light noise overhead and you can see millions of stars. There is one fire pit for now, but working on others. Some firewood is provide. There are picnic tables in the community area and we are moving toward a working community kitchen. We are still doing improvements and setup but would love to have you stay with us. We welcome feedback. There are 2 porta potties and some non-potable water to use. For now, come and set up camp where you please. The tents are not ready yet as we need to glamp them up a little. Will get them listed as soon as they are ready, We do allow pets, on leash in the campground. One of the other amenities we are building is an agility dog park that will be available to campers and members from the community.
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$18
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Campe Diem!
54 sites · RVs, Tents72 acres · CO
Do you want a large, private, uniquely situated, pet friendly CampSpot™ to yourselves or family with a BATHHOUSE where it can be so quiet and some days there are stars for as deep as you can see? We have about 300 of those days and nights. Usually can stay longer on Sundays!
We are 72 acres of piñon trees, some small animal life and crickets tucked against a mesa just a few minutes from town. Bring your shoe prints!
We have sandboards! $15 per day!
We are approximately a 35 minute beautiful drive from the National Sand Dunes around Mt. Blanca. (14'r).
5 minutes from the Mountain Home State Wildlife Park and reservoir where you can fish swim chill cookout etc. You can bike, hike, Swim, jet ski or fish at the newly stocked reservoir.
Firewood must be purchased at the campsite.
Pet friendly!
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$22
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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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$55
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97%
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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 part of the NW rim 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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$38
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94%
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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
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PR Ranch
1 site · Lodging5000 acres · Monte Vista, CO
PR Ranch is a gorgeous property located in the beautiful San Juan Valley. Available rentals include a large main cabin, a 5th wheel camper/RV and a riverfront campsite.Learn more about this land:Spacious 5th Wheel Camper/RV located on a large ranch in the beautiful San Juan Valley.Serenity is guaranteed in an Aspen Grove near the paddock. It's a lovely private setting, but not far from the main cabin. New outdoor fireplace with FREE firewood provided! Nice seating area in the front of the RV with 2 camp chairs.Elk hunters, you've found your spot. There are long & short range gun ranges on the ranch, as well as an area to clean your game. Fly fishing for right rainbow trout on the premises! The Alamosa river flows right through the ranch.This 5th Wheel Camper/RV has a kitchen with table and couch, a bathroom and a separate bedroom with queen size bed. WIth the pullout bed, sleeps 4. LOTS of storage.Kitchen is stocked with paper plates and cups. New coffee maker.
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$129
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Nature is FREE
5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Blanca, CO
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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
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Area 112👽
1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Alamosa East, CO
This is 40 acres of raw land, flat and capable of holding large groups. We are in a dark sky community with a high level of astronomical events. The views to 14 thousand foot mount Blanca are truly awe inspiring, the property is in one of the largest Alpine valleys in the world, we are surrounded 360 degrees by mountains. We are in a high mountain desert so plan accordingly, there is a well on the property for water but needs to be filtered for consumption.
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$50
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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%
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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
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100%
(13)
AIYM Camp Riverfront Duplex Cabin!
32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents185 acres · Capulin, CO
The AIYM Camp serves as a wonderful base camp and Christian Retreat for families wanting to recreate in the Rio Grande National Forest. Cabin rentals, RV Hookups with electric (50 amp) and water, Boondocking Campsites and Tent Campsites.
You are invited to stay on 185 acres surrounded by beautiful mountains in the Rio Grande National Forest. Escape the crowds and relax in the quiet mountains. Easy Alamosa River access. Close to outdoor adventures; fishing, hiking, biking, atv trail access. Come enjoy a secluded and unforgettable mountain experience!
The camp is in a wilderness setting with electricity supplied by a diesel generator that operates from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. No cell service in the canyon but the camp does have a regular phone for special usage and satellite Wi-Fi for $5.
The most unique quality is the beauty and cleanliness of the forest. The quiet peaceful atmosphere of the canyon is hard to believe. This is the perfect place for families to unplug, get outside but still have some of the comforts we all enjoy!
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$40
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94%
(78)
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
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The best camping near Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge guide
Overview
About
A Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge camping experience transports you to a high mountain basin, the San Luis Valley, in the heart of south-central Colorado. This refuge, along with the Alamosa and Baca Refuges, forms a trifecta of critical feeding, resting, and breeding grounds for over 200 bird species and a myriad of other creatures. Camping near Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, you'll find yourself in a world filled with the lively sounds and vibrant colors of waterfowl and water birds. Among the feathered residents are mallards, pintails, teals, and Canada geese, their cackling and honking a signature soundtrack of the refuge. Joining this chorus are the graceful notes of American avocets, killdeers, white-faced ibises, egrets, and herons. Within the refuge's expansive 14,804 acres, artificially created wetlands are meticulously managed to provide ideal habitats for this plethora of avian life. These wetlands are the product of an ingenious system of irrigation canals and wells, providing much-needed water to sustain the habitat in an otherwise arid landscape. As campers, you'll appreciate the refuge as a living heritage, one that conserves wildlife and habitats not only for us but also for generations yet to come. In essence, Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge camping invites you into a world where the vivid pageantry of nature unfolds every day. Here, each sunrise promises new sightings, new sounds, and a renewed appreciation of nature's resilience and diversity. Come set up camp near Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, and be ready to be awed by the spectacle of life that awaits.
When to go
The best time to visit Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migrations, particularly around the first week of March and the second week of October. These periods offer a spectacular view of thousands of sandhill cranes and other migratory birds. Winter can be harsh, with limited wildlife viewing opportunities.
Know before you go
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the high-altitude climate of the San Luis Valley.
- Be aware of the refuge's operating hours, open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
- Bring binoculars and a camera to enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
- Stay on designated trails to protect the habitat and ensure your safety.
- Remember to carry out all trash and leave no trace of your visit.
Top cities near Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
- Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
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