Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites

BLM-San Luis Valley Field Office, 1313 U.S. Hwy 160 E., Monte Vista, CO 81144

High above the San Luis Valley at 9,088 feet, Zapata Falls Campground offers an unforgettable mountain escape where dramatic vistas stretch endlessly before you. Wake to sunrise painting the Great Sand Dunes golden while the jagged peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains pierce the morning sky. This mountain sanctuary welcomes adventurers with 11 cozy tent sites tucked among piñon pines, 12 RV sites with room to breathe, plus a spacious group tent site perfect for family reunions or friends seeking shared adventure under star-filled skies.

11500 Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146, USA

Nestled at the edge of North America's tallest sand dunes, Pinon Flats Campground invites adventurers to wake up to one of nature's most stunning paradoxes—towering golden dunes set against snow-capped peaks. This 88-site sanctuary within Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offers mostly non-electric camping across thoughtfully designed loops, where the whisper of shifting sands meets the rustle of pinon pines. Here, campers find themselves perfectly positioned to explore 750-foot dunes by day and stargaze under some of Colorado's darkest skies by night.

46525 State Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149

Step back in time at Duncan Cabin, where the whispers of 1880s prospectors still echo through weathered log walls. Perched at 8,120 feet in the majestic Rio Grande National Forest, this authentic one-room sanctuary offers adventurers a rare blend of rustic charm and mountain solitude. Inside, cozy bunk beds and a crackling wood stove promise warmth after days spent exploring, while outdoor vault toilets maintain the frontier spirit. Whether you arrive on horseback to graze in nearby meadows, seek pristine dark skies for celestial photography, or use this historic haven as your basecamp for discovering the otherworldly Great Sand Dunes National Park, Duncan Cabin delivers an unforgettable high-country experience.

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO 81212, USA

Nestled among towering pines and whispering aspens, Ponderosa Group Campground beckons to families, reunions, and adventure groups seeking the perfect basecamp in Colorado's high country. This thoughtfully designed group retreat features a spacious picnic shelter for communal gatherings, recreational facilities for endless entertainment, and easy access to the sparkling waters of Lake Isabel. From your shaded campsite, drink in panoramic views of the majestic Wet Mountains while enjoying the cool mountain air that makes summer camping here a refreshing escape.

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO, 81212, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Wet Mountains at 8,600 feet, Spruce Group Campground offers an exclusive mountain retreat perfect for family reunions, scout troops, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking togetherness in nature. This spacious group sanctuary within Lake Isabel Recreation Area welcomes up to 50 day visitors or 40 overnight adventurers, providing a private basecamp for your mountain memories. Smooth paved roads wind through towering spruce forests, leading to your group's own corner of Colorado wilderness where days are filled with fishing pristine waters, paddling across mirror-like surfaces, and exploring trails that reveal the secrets of the high country.

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO, 81212, USA

Tucked away in the enchanting Lake Isabel Recreation Area, St. Charles Campground offers an intimate escape where towering Douglas firs and quaking aspens create a natural cathedral overhead. The melodic babble of St. Charles Creek provides the soundtrack to your stay, while modern conveniences like bear-proof lockers, fire pits, vault toilets, and fresh drinking water ensure comfort meets wilderness. This peaceful mountain retreat invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms.

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO, 81212, USA

Escape to Lake Isabel Cabin, where rustic mountain charm meets modern convenience in the heart of Colorado's wilderness. This thoughtfully appointed retreat seamlessly blends the comfort of home with the call of the wild—imagine preparing fresh-caught trout in your fully equipped kitchen, then settling by the crackling fireplace as stars emerge over the pine-covered peaks. With a washer and dryer at your disposal and scenic trails just steps from your door, you'll find the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation in this year-round mountain sanctuary.

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO 81212, USA

Nestled along the shores of Lake Isabel, Southside Campground offers an intimate RV camping experience in the heart of the Wet Mountains. This cozy facility features smooth, paved roads winding through pull-through sites perfectly sized for RVs under 30 feet. While designed with RV enthusiasts in mind, adventurous tent campers are welcome to stake their claim among the mountain pines. Essential amenities include vault toilets and fresh drinking water, creating a back-to-basics atmosphere that lets you truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Colorado's high-country splendor.

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO, USA

Perched in a wildflower-dotted meadow with sweeping views of Lake Isabel's western shores, La Vista Campground lives up to its name—'the view' in Spanish. This mountain retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of water and wilderness activities. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear lake, paddling silently across its glassy surface, or spotting mountain bluebirds among the pines, La Vista offers an authentic Colorado mountain experience. Towering ponderosa pines and quaking aspens provide natural shade throughout the campground, creating cool microclimates even on warm summer days. At 8,600 feet, the crisp mountain air and star-filled nights remind you just how far you've climbed from the everyday world below.

1.3 miles north of Alder Street, Crestone, Colorado

Escape to North Crestone Creek Campground, where 13 intimate campsites wind along nearly a mile of pristine mountain creek. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, rewarding early arrivals with their choice of secluded spots beneath a canopy of whispering aspens, aromatic junipers, and towering firs. Each site comes equipped with bear-resistant food lockers, ensuring both your safety and the preservation of local wildlife. The generous spacing between sites creates a true wilderness retreat where the babbling creek provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain adventure.

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO 81212, USA

Step back in time at Davenport Campground, where the romance of 1920s outdoor adventure lives on through thoughtfully reconstructed Adirondack shelters and vintage-inspired design. Tucked away in the secluded embrace of Colorado's Wet Mountains, this intimate campground offers a rare escape from the modern world. Here, where mountain trails beckon and pristine waters teem with trout, you'll discover the same unspoiled wilderness that captivated early Forest Service pioneers nearly a century ago.

PSICC

Tucked away in Colorado's scenic San Carlos District, Ophir Creek Campground invites you to disconnect and immerse yourself in mountain serenity. With 31 thoughtfully placed sites, including dedicated tent camping areas (sites 20-31) and coveted creekside spots (sites 17-19), this hidden gem offers the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness escape. Wake to the gentle melody of Ophir Creek, spend your days discovering cascading waterfalls on nearby trails, or try your luck fishing in the crystal-clear mountain waters. Surrounded by towering pines and shimmering aspens, this campground serves as your basecamp for authentic Colorado adventures.

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

Perched high at 9,000 feet in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Alvarado Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience. This versatile haven welcomes tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and equestrian explorers alike, with thoughtfully arranged sites spread across lower, upper, and middle sections. Whether you're lacing up hiking boots, saddling up for a backcountry ride, or revving up your ATV for trail adventures, this mountain sanctuary serves as your perfect basecamp for exploring endless alpine wonders.

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO 81212, USA

Step back in time at Mingus Ranch, where a lovingly restored 1908 homestead cabin invites you to experience the authentic spirit of Colorado's pioneering past. Nestled in the heart of the Wet Mountains, this historic retreat combines rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring electric heat for chilly mountain nights and an electric stove for preparing hearty meals. The cabin's period-specific furnishings transport you to a simpler era while accommodating up to six guests in cozy comfort. Outside, gather around the crackling firepit under star-filled skies, let horses graze in the provided corral, or enjoy meals at the picnic table with sweeping mountain views. While the experience remains authentically rustic with vault toilet facilities and no running water, the cabin offers a perfect balance of historic ambiance and practical amenities.

1.3 miles north of Alder Street, Crestone, Colorado

BLM-San Luis Valley Field Office, 1313 U.S. Hwy 160 E., Monte Vista, CO 81144

46525 State Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149

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

11500 Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146, USA