Zapata Falls Campground

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)

Fantastic campground with a view from every spot. Can't wait to go back, and I will recommend to all my friends and family. Clean and tidy.

Basic but good. Wonderful viewshed.

Basic facilities with million dollar views.

Fantastic campground, stellar views of the Valley and dunes, unobstructed night sky was spectacular!
Restrooms were clean and in good repair. Will come back

Great campground! Facilities were clean and well stocked with TP. Campground is nice and quiet. Beautiful views and easy walk from the campground to Zapata Falls.

We towed our 20ft trailer up to site #19 and loved it! When we climbed the hill to the fire pit and picnic area we were in the forest all alone. Perfect! We had hoped to stay in GSNP campground but we drove through it and realized we were in a better place! Hope to return someday.