Zapata Falls Campground

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

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

37 total sites

Tent Sites

37 sites

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

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

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Report Incorrect Information

Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Zapata Falls Campground.

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

37 Sites Available

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

Reviews (472)

What Guests Are Saying

Zapata Falls Campground offers stunning views of the San Luis Valley and the Great Sand Dunes, with clean and well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and spacious campsites. The short hike to Zapata Falls is highly recommended, providing a beautiful experience for families and hikers alike. While some campers noted issues with wind and insects, the overall atmosphere is peaceful and the camp hosts are attentive, making it a great base for exploring the area.

Review Summary

4.5
472 reviews
5
67.2%
317
4
19.5%
92
3
8.7%
41
2
2.5%
12
1
2.1%
10

Colleen S

Verified

May 19, 2026 Stayed at: 36, Loop: RV

5

Beautiful newly opened campsites. Camp hosts were very kind and friendly. We will be back.

Heidi S

Verified

May 18, 2026 Stayed at: 11, Loop: Tent

5

Site 11 had a beautiful view of the valley. The site had about 2 maybe 3 tent spots. The initial climb to the campsite was steep but leveled out once up by the picnic table and fire ring. Bathrooms are close by and very clean!

christine c

Verified

May 15, 2026 Stayed at: 25, Loop: RV

5

Beautiful place and amazing views

Danyel L

Verified

May 15, 2026 Stayed at: 23, Loop: RV

5

Very nice! Views are stunning!

Chris C

Verified

May 15, 2026 Stayed at: 9, Loop: Tent

5

The campsite was well-maintained and even had a sturdy trash bag to dispose of your trash in the bear box. It was not a far walk to the falls, no need to drive, but far enough away to not hear any traffic.

Thomas Y

Verified

May 14, 2026 Stayed at: 17, Loop: RV

5

We had great views and a quite campground. The sites were all as described. The vault toilets were clean and the camp host was very attentive. We were surprised by the additional elevation above the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The night view was wonderful as well as the morning and evening views. There were picnic tables and fire pits at each camp site. We were glad we had a chance to stay here.

Erin L

Verified

May 11, 2026 Stayed at: 34, Loop: RV

5

Love the new loop! An update to the old sections would be awesome.

Sarah H

Verified

May 11, 2026 Stayed at: 9, Loop: Tent

5

It was just so beautiful we hope to go back some day!

Deborah P

Verified

May 3, 2026 Stayed at: 21, Loop: RV

4

We had a beautiful view of the San Luis Valley and San Juan mountains beyond it. We could also see the Great Sand Dunes. Easy hike to the Falls.

Fred M

Verified

May 3, 2026 Stayed at: 25, Loop: RV

5

Very close to The Great Sand Dunes NP. Spectacular view of the valley below the campground. I would stay here again no question.

Location Zapata Falls Campground

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

Highway access

Zapata Falls Campground is accessible via US Highway 160, which is approximately 20 miles to the north, and State Highway 150, which is about 12 miles to the east.

Elevation: 2368 feet

Distance to downtown

40 mi drive to downtown Monte Vista (about 43 min)

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

1PM

Check out time

12PM

General

  • • Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Nearby Campgrounds


Last updated: September 10, 2026

Bureau of Land Management Logo
Managed by Bureau of Land Management