Zapata Falls Campground

Absolutely beautiful location. I would definitely go back, however, I'd do it in warmer weather...it was freezing 🥶
Major point to the permanent food box and trash cans secured.

excellent! clean! great Views! and not far from the dunes! 10/10 would recommend!

Needed somewhere to stay on my way back from Denver to Albuquerque with a new camper. I arrived at night. Woke up in the morning to beautiful views and some fresh snow. This campground was clean and the bathrooms were stocked. The camper spots all looked pretty level as well.

We stayed at campsite 7 while visiting the area. The views were amazing looking into the San Luis Valley across to the mountains opposing Blanca Peak. The trail to the falls was very well kept and easy to follow. To stock up on items from town will take you about 30 minutes to get to, so be prepared. Close proximity to The Great Sand Dunes and the wetlands wildlife Refuge.

Super clean facilities. Beautiful views. Small campsites but nicely spaced apart.

Convenient and well laid out. Would like to be able to register on site.

Better views of the valley compared to other campsites in the campground. Downside is camping area is not directly adjacent to where you park.

The views are amazing! You are literally parked on the side of a mountain. Park services did a good job of creating level spots to park on. The campground isn't far from trailheads.

Great campground, on west slope of Santo de Cristo mountains. No water, pit toilets (very well maintained).
-- Zapata Falls trailhead & parking right next to campgound. Very convenient to Great Sand Dunes Park.
-- First weekend in November not crowded. But in peak vacation times sites book quickly.
-- Turn off well marked. Paved access road a little bumpy & twisty. Elevation gain on the way. Campground road gravel, bumpy. Some huge "waves & troughs" in the road when I was there.
-- Cell service can be spotty (depends on provider. T-Mobile spotty). Only online reservations, book prior to arrival. You can't just show up and pay (you could & try to book online, but at the mercy of your cell signal).
-- Campsites gain elevation as the site numbers go up. Sites face west, GREAT views of San Luis valley & San Juan mountains.
-- RV sites occupy the highest number (& elevation) sites.
-- Really good camp sites. Far enough apart & most feel secluded. I was in #5 & it was great; all sites look good.
-- Fires allowed only in grill/fire pits; bring your own wood; none provided.
-- All sites have metal picnic tables & bear proof metal bins for food storage.
-- Parking right next to your tent area, so in terms of supplies, it's "car camping." You don't have to lug stuff through the woods.
-- Trail to Zapata Falls is not long but steep. Close to the Falls you follow a creek. Didn't have to wade much when I was there (low water flow & no snow), but Spring & early Summer plan on getting wet.
-- If you need supplies, Alamosa isn't far & has a Walmart (crossroads of civilization). Head toward the Sand Dunes Park & take county road 6 straight across. Connects to Highway 17 to go south to Alamosa.
-- But if you don't need supplies, you can forget about Wally World & civilization!
-- Dark Sky area. Still some light from the far away towns in the valley, but doesn't hinder incredible views of the star filled night sky.
Wonderful campground, all around!

I arrived after dark to find my site that I reserved was already occupied. I could not find a space labeled/marked for camphost to speak with anyone-only one bathroom at entrance to campground (not convenient in middle of night)