View of Great Sand Dunes NPP from Zapata Falls CG
Zapata Falls Campground1
Zapata Falls Info
Zapata Falls Recreation Area Map & Info
Zapata Falls Campground

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly 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 ft 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.

Available sites

37 total sites

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
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 11, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 12, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 13, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 14, Loop: RV Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 15, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 16, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 17, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 18, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 19, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 2, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 20, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 21, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 22, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 23, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 24, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 25, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 26, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 27, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 28, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 29, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 3, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 30, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 31, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 32, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 33, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 34, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 35, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 36, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 37, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 38, Loop: RV Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 4, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 5, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 6, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 7, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 8, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 9, Loop: Tent Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews

502 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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.

Based on guest feedback

4.5

Overall rating

Based on 502 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 67.3% (338)
4 stars 18.9% (95)
3 stars 8.6% (43)
2 stars 2.6% (13)
1 star 2.6% (13)

Showing 502 reviews

C.A. F

Verified

August 15, 2026 Stayed at: 33, Loop: RV

Brand new rv sites! Beautiful, quiet in evenings. Perfect hike to falls.
Incredible sun sets over looking San Luis Valley

Helpful

Riley F

Verified

August 14, 2026 Stayed at: 27, Loop: RV

More than enough room at the site for an 18 ft van. Beautiful views and decent bathrooms. Pretty hike up to Zapata Falls from the campsite!

Helpful

Regan W

Verified

August 13, 2026 Stayed at: 23, Loop: RV

Elevation kept summer temps cool, this is a fantastic base camp for exploring the area and Great Sand Dunes NP. Camp Hosts were available and kept the place tidy.

Helpful

Brandon N

Verified

August 12, 2026 Stayed at: 12, Loop: Tent

Great spot to spend the night on my road trip. Facilities were clean. The short hike to Zapata Falls was entirely worth the walk!

Helpful

Rachel S

Verified

August 10, 2026 Stayed at: 36, Loop: RV

Great location. Short drive to the Great Sand Dunes with a sand board/sled rental spot on the way. Our spot had a beautiful view of the sunset. The hike to Zapata Falls was amazing

Helpful

Melissa B

Verified

August 8, 2026 Stayed at: 21, Loop: RV

Zapata was a welcomed break from our drive. We enjoyed the quiet, clean spaces, and amazing views. We enjoyed the the little hike to the falls. We will definitely keep this place on the list to visit.

Helpful

David Beaujon D

Verified

August 6, 2026 Stayed at: 13, Loop: Tent

Incredible views and close to Sand Dunes National Park. I have been coming here since campground opened. Great experience every time.

Helpful

John R

Verified

August 6, 2026 Stayed at: 30, Loop: RV

The spaces were large and spread out nicely. The camp was quiet and the restroom was clean. The trailhead to Zapata Falls starts right near the rest room so very convenient.The falls were very fun for the kids - easy yet difficult enough for children to have a sense of adventure. We loved it with a 6 and 8 year old.

Helpful

Ryan B

Verified

August 6, 2026 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Tent

Great views facilities in good condition

Helpful

James H

Verified

August 2, 2026 Stayed at: 38, Loop: RV

Our campsite at Zapata Falls was awesome!
High elevation, incredible views and cool nights.
The hike to the falls is a must!

Helpful

Location & Directions for Zapata Falls Campground

Blm San Luis Valley Field Office, Monte Vista, CO 81144 United States

Elevation: 2,368 ft

Nearest town

Monte Vista, CO - 40 mi

About 43 min to downtown

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.

Near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

The closest entrance is: Great Sand Dunes Entrance Station

Approximate drive: 9.6 mi · 16 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

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 24, 2026

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Explore Monte Vista, CO

Population: 4,141

Nearby city: Pueblo, CO

Approx. 69 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 7,664 ft

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