Zapata Falls Campground

campsites were barely big enough for our 23 ft RV. Felt like the descriptions were misleading. Hike to the falls was great and convenient and access to the Sand Dunes was easy. Mosquitos were pretty thick.

Beautiful views, we had a good location, But no area to throw garbage and recycle.

Convenient and inexpensive, but a lot of bugs and the campfire ring is not inviting. We couldn't all sit around the campfire because of where it is located. It was located next to the mountain so there was too large of a slope and too many rocks to sit around the campfire. The spots are not level, to be expected, but really not level. WE kept everything covered. A LOT of bugs.

A much different experience than Pinion Flats. A lot less traffic, but a lot fewer amenities, but overall a great experience.

While the location just outside the National Park was good, I found that some of the procedures of this campground lacking. First thing I discovered was that pull through campsites were not pull through they were roadside pull outs so not all trailers with slide outs on the road side will fit. Second thing was that all campsites are by reservation only and nothing was posted on the individual campsite to indicated dates for the reservation. So you don't know if it was reserved, when it was reserved for, if the empty site was ever rented or if the reservation party never showed up or left early or what... I found the whole system at this campground to be very lacking.

Visit here for the amazing sunsets and close proximity to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Beautiful views overlooking San Luis valley. Did not do the waterfall hike but will next time!

Campground was nice, great view of the valley and the peaks of the Sanger de Cristo Mountains. The trail to Zapata Falls is close, so no need to drive anywhere once you get to your campsite. Elevation is at about 9000 feet, so it was pretty cold when I when in early May. But it’s still a beautiful drive up, and very close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Plan to hike to the falls and visit the dunes when camping here. Cell coverage was great - I was able to stream an NHL game while there.

Bear proof trash cans were overflowing with trash thru the whole
Campground ⛺️ n a very gusty wind day- so it was blowing everywhere. Meanwhile the forest service guy said n a white truck drove thru several times, he didn’t seem to address all the trash. Most sites were empty besides tents even though the website said all spots were full. Would have loved to camp
Under a tree that windy day but only site 13 was showing available.

Beautiful area

Loved this campsite. It is very exposed and there are no trees or rock features to break the wind. The site does have a bear/critter box to store your food. Camped here the end of April 2024 and experienced all the weather from sunny, to high winds, to rain that turned into snow. The view is breathtaking of the valley and the mountains. The vault toilets closest to this site were very clean and not smelly for being vault toilets.

The hike to the Zapata Falls was great! Easy hike and the base of the falls was still frozen over. You have to cross the river, stay left and you keep walking towards the falls to see it behind the cave. I would recommend wearing shoes with proper grip and bringing one hiking pole for extra stability on the ice but you can do without, just be cautious and take your time.