Alamosa Campground
4.7213 reviews4.5 miles above Terrace Reservoir Dam, near Alamosa River, CO
Alamosa Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required; this is a free campground.
About this campground
Tucked away 4.5 miles above Terrace Reservoir Dam, Alamosa Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of Colorado's wilderness. This hidden gem provides five thoughtfully placed campsites along the babbling Alamosa River, where adventurers can claim their spot for free and wake to the sound of rushing water. Each site comes equipped with a sturdy table and fire ring, while the convenient pull-through site accommodates larger rigs. Here, beneath towering peaks and endless sky, you'll discover the rare combination of accessibility and solitude that makes this compact campground a favorite among those who know where to find it.
Alamosa Campground offers free camping with a variety of options, including tent camping and limited RV access. Primitive camping is also available given the lack of potable water and modern facilities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons in this high-country paradise, where each month paints the landscape in different hues. Summer arrives as a gentle friend, offering mild temperatures perfect for streamside relaxation and mountain exploration. When autumn's golden touch transforms the forest, crisp air and changing leaves create a photographer's dream. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, transforming it into a wonderland for the hardy souls who brave the cold. Spring emerges slowly here, bringing wildflowers and the music of melting snow feeding the river. Year-round access means you can choose your own adventure, though winter camping requires preparation for snow and freezing temperatures.
ElevationPerched in the thin air of Colorado's high country, this lofty campground sits at an elevation where the atmosphere tells its own story. The altitude creates a unique environment where the Alamosa River runs with naturally acidic waters, a fascinating quirk of the local geology. First-time visitors should pace themselves and stay hydrated, as the elevation can catch lowlanders off guard. But those who acclimate are rewarded with crisp, clean air and the kind of star-filled nights that only exist above the clouds.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece at Alamosa Campground, where the gentle curves of the creek contrast beautifully with the dramatic peaks that frame the sky. The Alamosa River serves as both soundtrack and centerpiece, its crystal-clear waters dancing over ancient stones while providing a natural refrigerator for your beverages. Towering conifers create a living cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into magical patterns on the forest floor. Morning mist often clings to the water, creating ethereal scenes that dissolve as the sun climbs higher. Wildlife tracks crisscross the soft earth near the stream, telling stories of the creatures who share this mountain sanctuary.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Rio Grande National Forest, Alamosa Campground occupies a special corner of Colorado's geological wonderland. The landscape here tells an ancient story written in stone and water, where the Alamosa River has carved its patient path through dramatic mountain valleys over countless millennia. The naturally acidic waters of the river create a unique aquatic ecosystem, a testament to the mineral-rich geology that defines this region. Surrounded by peaks that pierce the sky and valleys that cradle pristine streams, this area showcases the raw beauty of the Southern Rocky Mountains in all their glory.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeAccording to authoritative sources, there are 5 campsites, one of which is pull-through. The sites offer ample parking space; however, maneuvering space for large trailers and RVs is limited.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly described, but user reviews suggest the campground is quiet and peaceful.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the stream for the best access to water, fishing, and scenic views.
Best CampsitesSome users mention sites close to the stream as particularly desirable for their proximity to the water and fishing opportunities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified, but likely open access.
Check-out
Not specified, but likely open access.
Stay Limit
No limit explicitly specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No limit explicitly specified.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 5 sites, including one pull-through, with limited space for large RVs and trailers. All sites have tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, though access may be affected by snow and seasonal road closures from March 15 to May 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required or available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicySince the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, no cancellation policy is applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Alamosa Campground have access to a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Public fishing is available at Terrace Reservoir, and hikers can explore trails such as Alamosa-Rock Creek and Big Lake Trails. According to user reviews, the area is quiet and peaceful, with beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor learning.
Hiking
Trail access to Alamosa-Rock Creek and Big Lake Trails is available. User reviews highlight the scenic beauty of the area, with some describing it as 'quiet and peaceful.'Fishing
Fishing is allowed at Terrace Reservoir. User Andrew Hobbs commented, 'You can sit right on the river and fish for rainbow trout. Last time I went fishing here, I caught 6 over three days that were delicious.'Biking
The area allows for off-highway vehicles (OHVs), including dirt biking and four-wheeling. Cecilla Atencio notes, 'Great spots for riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife can be observed in the campground area. User reviews mention cows walking through the campground and describe the stream and mountains as ideal settings for viewing wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned explicitly in the authoritative content or user reviews.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned explicitly in the authoritative content or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be contained within metal fire rings and completely extinguished ('Dead Out') before leaving.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsNaturally acidic water in the Alamosa River limits fishing between Stunner Campground and Terrace Reservoir. Seasonal road closures and snow may restrict access. Visitors should also be 'Bear Aware.'
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Conejos Peak Ranger District, 15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140, Phone: (719) 274-8971
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified, but summer and fall are likely the busiest times based on weather trends.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a pack-in/pack-out trash policy, and no trash collection or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity to Terrace Reservoir and a stream running through the campground. Public fishing is available at Terrace Reservoir.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention 'lots of mosquitoes' in June and the 'long and bumpy road' to access the campground as potential issues.
HostNo campground host is mentioned.
Campground Map
4.5 miles above Terrace Reservoir Dam, near Alamosa River, CO
Driving directionsTravel 4.5 miles above Terrace Reservoir Dam along the Alamosa River. Note that the road may be restricted due to snow or seasonal closures from March 15 to May 15.
Access is restricted by snow and seasonal closures from March 15 to May 15. Maneuvering space for large trailers and RVs is limited.Nearby places
La Jara (approx. 45 miles), Alamosa (approx. 60 miles)
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies including fuel and groceries are likely found in La Jara, approximately 45 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.7
13 reviews
Alamosa Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beauty, tranquility, and free camping policies. Many praised the fishing opportunities and the close proximity to the Alamosa River and Terrace Reservoir.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the peaceful and scenic environment, free camping, fishing opportunities, and cleanliness of the vault toilets. Users also appreciated the ample parking...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include limited cell service, mosquitos in June, and the long, bumpy road to reach the campground.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing your own water due to the lack of potable water on-site, being prepared for mosquitos during summer, and leaving early for quieter spots near the stream.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often highlight the mosquitos as a nuisance. Visitors in the winter report tranquility but note challenges due to elevation and cold temperatures. Spring and fall seem to offer the...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Totally Awesome campground.' - Tim Cantrell. 'Quiet and peaceful campground!' - AJ D. 'Amazing free campground. I would have stayed longer but the elevation started messing with us.' - jastintif....
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not identified, but one pull-through site is available according to authoritative sources.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not reviewed or mentioned by users.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies were positively received as users noted that leashed dogs are allowed. No further specific feedback about pet experiences is available.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025