How much does camping cost at Alvarado Campground?

Camping fees at Alvarado Campground range from $30-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Alvarado Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Alvarado Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Alvarado Campground before I book?

Yes! Alvarado Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Alvarado Campground?

Alvarado Campground is open May 16, 2025 to September 20, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Alvarado Campground?

Alvarado Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Alvarado Campground?

Cell phone service at Alvarado Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Alvarado Campground have?

Alvarado Campground has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Alvarado Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Alvarado Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Alvarado Campground?

Alvarado Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Alvarado Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Alvarado Campground?

Fire policies at Alvarado Campground: Fire pits are available at each site. Firewood can be purchased from the host. Some reviews mention no fire bans during their stays.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.57

346 reviews

Co. Rd. 140, WESTCLIFFE, CO 81212, USA

StargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Great Sand Dunes National Park#2 Primitive Camping Colorado Best Campgrounds Colorado +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$30 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open from May 16, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$30 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open from May 16, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Alvarado Campground

$30.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee ranges from $30 to $60 depending on the site type. Extra vehicles incur an $8 fee. Additional charges apply for late cancellations and...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(877) 444-6777, District Office: (719) 269-8500

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See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 346 reviews

135 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanspacious

Some mention

noise

"Overall, users describe Alvarado Campground as clean, well-maintained, scenic, and spacious. Positive highlights include proximity to hiking trails and the friendly demeanor of the camp host (Steve). The campground achieves an average sentiment of 4.474 for camping-specific experiences."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Co. Rd. 140, WESTCLIFFE, CO 81212, USA

Alvarado Campground

Co. Rd. 140, WESTCLIFFE, CO 81212, USA

Nearby places

Westcliffe is approximately 3 miles away (about a 10-minute drive). Other nearby cities are not explicitly mentioned.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Westcliffe, approximately 3 miles from the campground. Visitors mentioned ice cream stores and coffee shops in town.

Driving directionsFrom Westcliffe, CO, take State Route 69 south 3 miles to the campground sign (County Road 140). Turn right and go 1.8 miles to the stop sign. Continue straight through the stop sign for 2.8 miles until you hit another stop sign (RD 141). Turn left onto RD 141 and continue 2.1 miles to campground. Note: RD 141 becomes dirt/gravel after 0.4 miles.

Roads leading to the campground include dirt/gravel surfaces after 0.4 miles on RD 141, indicating less accessibility during wet conditions. Drive slowly and listen to GPS directions for navigating turns.

Best Time to Camp at Alvarado Campground

Summer brings daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Spring nights can still hit the 30s even when valleys warm up. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan hikes for mornings. All campground sections and most trails stay open through summer. Holiday weekends draw moderate crowds.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is peak: highest praise for hiking, scenery and peaceful camping in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16, 2025 to September 20, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 16, 2025 to September 20, 2025 (reservable dates). First-come, first-served sites are available from September 21 to September 27, 2025.

About Alvarado Campground

Alvarado Campground sits at 9,000 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, 50 sites spread across lower, upper, and middle sections. The campground accommodates tents, RVs up to 35 feet, equestrian groups, and primitive campers, with fees ranging $30-60 per night. Sites near Alvarado Creek and higher-numbered spots in the 30s offer the best views according to camper reviews.

Alvarado Campground provides diverse camping options, including RV sites, tent camping, and equestrian sites. There are walk-in sites and sites next to streams for added variety.

Historical Significance

The aspen groves across the landscape grew back after early 1900s fires, when settlers cleared land for pastures and mineral exploration. Westcliffe, down the mountain, holds International Dark Sky Community status.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Spring nights can still hit the 30s even when valleys warm up. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan hikes for mornings. All campground sections and most trails stay open through summer. Holiday weekends draw moderate crowds.

ElevationAt 9,000 feet above sea level, you'll find yourself immersed in true mountain majesty. This lofty perch offers cooler temperatures that provide sweet relief from summer heat, though the thin air reminds you to take it easy your first day or two. The elevation rewards visitors with crystal-clear air, spectacular vistas, and that unmistakable feeling of being on top of the world.

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines, aspens, lodgepole pines, and gambel oaks cover the hillsides around camp. The aspen stands emerged from early 1900s fires and turn gold each fall. Alvarado Creek runs through the campground, and views stretch across the Wet Mountain Valley below. Alpine lakes dot the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, reachable by trail from camp. Wildflowers peak in summer when water sources flow strongest.

Geological RegionNestled within the legendary Sangre de Cristo Mountains and protected by the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, this campground occupies a landscape shaped by fire, time, and the patient work of nature. The dramatic aspen stands that define the area emerged from early 1900s fires, creating a patchwork of light and shadow across the mountainsides. This diverse ecosystem showcases nature's resilience, where ponderosa pines reach skyward, aspens dance in the breeze, and lodgepole pines stand sentinel alongside weathered gambel oaks. Hidden alpine lakes dot the wilderness like scattered jewels, each one a testament to the geological forces that sculpted this remarkable mountain refuge.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is required by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights within any 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit of 8 guests per campsite, allowing for 2 tents and 2 vehicles or 1 RV.

Groups

Group sites are available, accommodating large groups. Some reviews describe site upgrades to group sites for better accommodation.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into lower sections for tents and RVs, upper walk-in tent sites, and a middle equestrian area. Only lower sections have tent pads. Site sizes vary. Some accommodate 35-foot RVs, others are small and on hillsides. Ground is hard, so bring a mallet for tent stakes.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available during specific periods (September 21-27 of 2025).

Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days prior incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night’s fee.

AccessibilityPartial accessibility features include walk-in tent sites, accessible parking areas, and proximity to water and bathrooms for certain sites. However, challenges are noted for some steep terrains and uneven paths.

Site SizeSite sizes vary significantly, with some able to accommodate 35-foot RVs while others are small and located on hillsides.

PrivacyPrivacy levels range across the campground. Lower-level sites offer more spacing and secluded areas, while higher-numbered sites tend to be close to trees or streams, offering natural cover.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesHigher-numbered sites like #30 and above offer more privacy in wooded areas. Sites #26-28 require careful layout due to uneven terrain. Site #39 is unsuitable for tents.

Need help booking Alvarado Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Alvarado Campground offers recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and scenic exploration. The campground is adjacent to trails leading into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity requires food precautions. The dirt/gravel road may become challenging in adverse weather. Wind gusts are common due to elevation.

Fire PolicyFire pits are available at each site. Firewood can be purchased from the host. Some reviews mention no fire bans during their stays.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No explicit quiet hours are mentioned, though some users complain about noise from generators and vehicles.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are accessible in the nearby town of Westcliffe, which hosts a library and grocery store. Precise details regarding hospitals and police stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available at the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesStreams such as Alvarado Creek run through the campground, and alpine lakes are accessible via nearby trails.

Camp HostHost Steve is frequently mentioned as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Hosts provide firewood for $10 per bundle.

Weather at Alvarado Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

346 reviews

Top-Rated

Alvarado Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users describe Alvarado Campground as clean, well-maintained, scenic, and spacious. Positive highlights include proximity to hiking trails and the friendly demeanor of the camp host (Steve). The campground achieves an average sentiment of 4.474 for camping-specific experiences.

Review Summaries

Based on 346 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise clean facilities, scenic views, proximity to trails, and friendly hosts. Many reviews mention the peaceful atmosphere and spacious sites.

Based on 346 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noisy neighbors with generators, erosion and maintenance issues at some sites, and occasional poor upkeep of vault toilets.

Based on 346 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure desirable spots, bringing mallets for tent stakes due to hard ground, and carrying collapsible buckets for water. Suggested sites for views include #3, #33,...

Based on 346 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer receives the highest praise for hiking and peaceful camping experiences. Winter activities like snowshoeing are less frequently mentioned, while spring and fall bring comments about cooler...

Based on 346 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground host, Steve, was a wealth of knowledge and help." "The stars were absolutely breathtaking!" "Site 26 didn’t have any flat space for our tent; we ended up putting it up in the parking...

Based on 346 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #3 has an amazing view, while higher-numbered sites (30+) offer more privacy within wooded areas. Site #39 is criticized for its steep hillside and limited setup space.

Based on 346 reviews