OutReserve

Zapata Falls Campground

Blm San Luis Valley Field Office, Monte Vista, Colorado, United States

View of Great Sand Dunes NPP from Zapata Falls CG
Zapata Falls Recreation Area Map & Info
Zapata Falls Campground1
Zapata Falls Info
Zapata Falls Campground

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly

About Zapata Falls Campground

A short drive up the gravel road that leads to the Bureau of Land Management’s Zapata Falls Campground (CG) will let visitors to the area see the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve from a whole new perspective. The campground offers bird’s-eye views of the valley floor below, the San Juan Mountains to the west, the adjacent Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and several 14er’s and many other towering peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range that Zapata Falls CG sits on — not to mention spectacular sunrises, sunsets and night skies!   Zapata Falls CG has 23 single campsites, 1 group site and 1 camp host site nestled among piñon pines along two one-mile long loops. The sites on one loop are designed for tent campers. Parking spurs on the second loop vary a little in length but in general can handle RVs, towed campers, or other configurations of vehicles up to about 50 feet long.   A new trailhead in the campground supplies a link to the South Zapata Creek Trail and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. A second trail, next door to the campground in the day-use area, leads visitors on a mildly steep half-mile hike to Zapata Falls, which gives the campground its name.

Number of accommodations: 37

Campground Amenities

  • Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 1 to Oct 31

Sites & Availability

37 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 10, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 11, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 12, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 13, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 14, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 15, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 16, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 17, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 18, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 19, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 2, Loop: Tent
15 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 20, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 21, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 22, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 23, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 24, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 25, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 26, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 27, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 28, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 29, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 3, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 30, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 31, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 32, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 33, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 34, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 35, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 36, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 37, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 38, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 4, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 5, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 6, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 7, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 8, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 9, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night

Reviews (388)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Zapata Falls Campground offers stunning views and a great location near Great Sand Dunes National Park, making it an excellent choice for campers seeking solitude and nature. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean bathrooms and ample space between sites, allowing for a peaceful experience. While some campsites have uneven ground and limited privacy, the overall atmosphere and accessibility to hiking trails enhance the camping experience for families and nature lovers alike.

Review Summary

4.5
388 reviews
5
66.2%
257
4
21.4%
83
3
8.5%
33
2
2.3%
9
1
1.5%
6

Darcy B

Verified

April 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: Tent

4

Loved the access to the national park without contending with quite as many people. Campsites are a little rougher. Campsite #8 tentpads were all on a slope. However, said slope provides a little more privacy and a little less exposure. Walk to the vault toilet is short but you go out of sight. Parking spot is generous for 2 cars. Plenty of space.

Theany M

Verified

April 8, 2026 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: Tent

5

We had a great time. Kids love our site very much. We appreciate the space we have behind our site where kids can go off and explore nature. The view was also amazing from our picnic table. Bathroom is clean and convenience to access from our site.

Lori B

Verified

April 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: RV

4

Great location near the dunes with expansive views. Some of the lower campsites didn’t have as much privacy as I prefer

Christie W

Verified

April 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Tent

5

Beautiful view, easy distance to Great Sand Dunes, very clean, and greatly appreciated the Bear Boxes provided. Can't wait to camp here again!

Randy W

Verified

April 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 9, Loop: Tent

5

Campsite was nice the falls were dry but nice hike

daniel r

Verified

April 5, 2026 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: Tent

5

This place was fantastic!! I would come back every year if I could.

Scott G

Verified

April 4, 2026 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: RV

5

Great views, easy hike to the falls!

Andreas P

Verified

April 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Tent

4

Great view, quiet, toilet was o.k.

Jacob W

Verified

April 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Tent

5

Awesome Campground! Super clean, bathrooms had TP, great scenic views day and night and was peaceful and quiet. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to camp here. Also only 20 mins roughly from Great Sands NP so huge bonus as well!

Caroline K

Verified

March 28, 2026 • Stayed at: 6, Loop: Tent

5

Incredible campground with great views and nice quiet early in the season. No water, so plan for that. The hike from the campground is lovely and quick. We booked it because the park campgrounds weren’t open yet and I highly recommend it for the solitude and great experience.

Location Zapata Falls Campground

Address:
Blm San Luis Valley Field Office
Monte Vista, CO, 81144
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 37.6286 / -105.595

Elevation: 2368 feet

Map of Zapata Falls Campground location at Monte Vista, CO, United States
Open on Google Maps Open on Apple Maps

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

• All recreation is at your own risk.
• The 3.5-mile road to the Zapata Falls Campground & Day-use Area is currently being upgraded and some minor delays may exist. 
• There is currently no drinking water in the campground or day-use area. Bring plenty of water and do not drink from streams or lakes.
• Check-in time is after 1:00 p.m. on the first day of the reservation.
• Check-out time is no later than 12:00 p.m. on the last day of the reservation. 
• If the reservation holder doesn't show up on the first day of the reservation, the campsite is released at check-in time (1 pm) the next day.
• There are no hookup services.  
• Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
• Fires are only allowed in BLM approved metal fire rings.
• Individual Tent Campsites are limited to 6 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles (plus 1 trailer) per site. 
• Only 1 RV/trailer per RV campsite.
• The Group Campsite is limited to 15 people, 5 tents, and 4 vehicles (plus 1 trailer).
• No overnight RV/trailer camping in day use parking areas.
• Food should be stored in the bear proof food storage lockers provided.  
• This is a high elevation campground. Be prepared to take cover during afternoon thunderstorms.  
• Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• Pack it in, pack it out. In the backcountry, be prepared to carry out your garbage and dispose of it properly. Trash bins are located throughout the campground and day-use area.
• The half-mile trail to the falls is rocky and steep. Wear appropriate shoes to hike the trail and wade in the cold waters of the creek, which is the only way to reach the falls. 
• The waterfall and the area around it are on Colorado State Land Board property and subject to their regulations and restrictions.
• Water levels will rise during spring run-off sometimes causing dangerous swift water. Be careful. Use caution along the riverbank. During winter beware of ice.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Zapata Falls and South Zapata Lake trails and in the U.S. Forest Service’s Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Motorized travel is allowed only on designated roads.
• Be considerate of others and share the trail.
• Always keep pets under control.

Nearby Campgrounds

Pinon Flats Campground

Pinon Flats Campground

Mosca, CO

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The dunes lie on the eastern edge of the valley at the base of the San...

4.6 (569)

From $20/night
High Peaks Campground

High Peaks Campground

Moffat, CO
5.0 (1)

From $38/night
Alvarado Campground
Closed for Season

Alvarado Campground

Westcliffe, CO

Alvarado Campground, located at an elevation of 9,000 ft., is a prime location for accessing easy to challenging hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The variety of trails lead to high elevati...

4.6 (163)

From $30/night

Nearby destinations

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Mosca
Alamosa