OutReserve

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

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

Reviews (392)

What Guests Are Saying

Zapata Falls Campground offers stunning views of the San Luis Valley and nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. The campground is well-maintained, featuring clean bathrooms, spacious sites, and easy access to scenic hiking trails, including a short hike to the falls. While some sites may be sloped and privacy can vary, the overall experience is enhanced by the serene environment and excellent amenities, making it a highly recommended destination for camping enthusiasts.

Review Summary

4.5
392 reviews
5
66.1%
259
4
21.4%
84
3
8.7%
34
2
2.3%
9
1
1.5%
6

Marlee H

Verified

January 25, 2022 Stayed at: 12, Loop: Tent

5

It was really close to the sand dunes and was up in the mountains which provided a beautiful view of the sunset

Skyler M

Verified

January 17, 2022 Stayed at: 5, Loop: Tent

5

Great stay and easy to book online. Firepits were available.

Rachel W

Verified

January 6, 2022 Stayed at: 6, Loop: Tent

2

It's a very nice spot with great views. The only issue is how utterly dirty it is. The campsite host is ineffective.

YUEWEI Q

Verified

January 5, 2022 Stayed at: 7, Loop: Tent

3

The fee of $11 per night is reasonable, but processing fee of $8 is outrageous.

Nick G

Verified

December 25, 2021 Stayed at: 13, Loop: Tent

4

While the cold was crazy bitter, I could not have asked for a more beautiful location.

Anthony S

Verified

December 3, 2021 Stayed at: 13, Loop: Tent

4

Stunning views of the San Luis Valley at over 9,000 ft. elevation! There are two really awesome trails that you can do. One is pretty short, only a half mile or so to discover the 25ft. hidden waterfall (pretty sure this is where Zapata Falls gets its name). The other is an all day hike (South Zapata Lake Trail), around 10+ miles (signs near the trail head say 8 miles, but that must be wrong) that takes you up to a lake tucked away up in the mountains. I did both and had a blast! You have a fire ring, picnic table, and bear box at your site and access to trash and vault toilets. It's a 3ish mile dirt and gravel road to get up to the campground. Note that it is apparently a reservation only campground yet you are charged a reservation fee in addition to the campsite fee...

CLYDE A

Verified

November 25, 2021 Stayed at: 17, Loop: RV

5

Nicely spaced out sites. Everyone seemed to have a view of the valley. Bathrooms were maintained. Signage was good.

David S

Verified

November 22, 2021 Stayed at: 21, Loop: RV

4

The campground is located in a good location. Hiking access to Zapata Falls and short drive to the Great Sand Dunes NP. The access road is currently under renovation but in good shape. The campground has level sites and allows both tents and RV's. There is no water but it does have vault toilets.

Stephanie W

Verified

November 20, 2021 Stayed at: 5, Loop: Tent

2

When we got there someone had taken our reservation spot. The pit toilets were pretty full and smelly.

Emma W

Verified

November 17, 2021 Stayed at: 13, Loop: Tent

5

A little cold and windy in November but rest rooms were clean despite it being low season. Great views and our 2 wheel drive SUV got up the road to the campsite with no problems !

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 37.6286 / -105.595

Elevation: 2368 feet

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.

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Last updated: June 4, 2026

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