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?

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

Tiffany D

Verified

June 9, 2023 Stayed at: 8, Loop: Tent

5

Site 8 - very quiet, really comfortable and clean! The site had amazing views and two (potentially 3) tent sites. Bathrooms on the premise were incredibly clean. Very cold in first week of June but that’s to be expected!

Robert H

Verified

June 7, 2023 Stayed at: 23, Loop: RV

5

Spectacular views of Great Sand Dunes NP from some sites and the cleanest pit toilets on the planet!!

Lena M

Verified

June 5, 2023 Stayed at: 16, Loop: RV

5

Finally there is a road to Zapata falls. The site was easy to park the trailer but so uneven. No water. Make sure to bring it with you. Nice sunset. Close to Sand Dunes.

Diane H

Verified

June 2, 2023 Stayed at: 19, Loop: RV

5

highly recommend. quiet, beautiful campground. host was amazing and outhouses were clean and well stocked. our site had a beautiful evening view, only drawback was the fire pit was a climb up the hill. don't miss the hike to Zapata Falls or the Great Sand Dunes. wish we had stayed longer

Zachary W

Verified

June 1, 2023 Stayed at: 19, Loop: RV

5

The site we stayed at (19) was absolutely perfect for a family of 6. Ample room to park with a nice fire ring just up the hill. Can hike easily to Zapata falls trailhead from the site. The Great Sand dunes were a quick 15 minute drive away. We are planning on coming back here every year.

Lori C

Verified

June 1, 2023 Stayed at: 21, Loop: RV

5

Our campsite was the most amazing we have ever had. The walk to the falls was incredible, it was frozen! The camp host was friendly and helpful. The drive up is curvy and steep, but our 31 ft rv handled it fine. Very close to the Dunes. Fantastic stay!

Melissa K

Verified

May 30, 2023 Stayed at: 19, Loop: RV

5

Beautiful campground. Well spaced and wooded spots, very clean restrooms and friendly, accommodating camp host. We had an excellent stay and would definitely recommend!

Heidi G

Verified

May 29, 2023 Stayed at: 7, Loop: Tent

3

Great view from this campsite to both the San Luis Valley and the mountains to the other side. The tent pad was a bit small, and my 3 person tent maxed it out. Friendly camp host. Bear box at site along with picnic table. Toilets were a bit far. Enjoyed the easy hike to Zapata Falls.

Tharon M

Verified

May 28, 2023 Stayed at: 21, Loop: RV

5

This campground was a hidden gem! The bathrooms were very well maintained and the view from the campsites were breathtaking. As a bonus the hike is accessible through the campground!

Meghan M

Verified

May 26, 2023 Stayed at: 16, Loop: RV

4

Wonderful location, higher than the Great Sand Dune. Bring water shoes for the falls.

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

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