OutReserve

Zapata Falls Campground

Blm San Luis Valley Field Office, Monte Vista, Colorado, United States

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

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

Campground Amenities

  • Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly

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

Sites & Availability

37 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 10, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 11, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 12, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 13, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 14, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 15, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 16, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 17, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 18, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 19, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 2, Loop: Tent
15 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 20, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 21, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 22, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 23, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 24, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 25, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 26, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 27, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 28, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 29, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 3, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 30, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 31, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 32, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 33, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 34, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 35, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 36, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 37, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 38, Loop: RV
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 4, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 5, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 6, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 7, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 8, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night
⛺ 9, Loop: Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$11.00
/ per night

Reviews (388)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Zapata Falls Campground offers stunning views and a great location near Great Sand Dunes National Park, making it an excellent choice for campers seeking solitude and nature. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean bathrooms and ample space between sites, allowing for a peaceful experience. While some campsites have uneven ground and limited privacy, the overall atmosphere and accessibility to hiking trails enhance the camping experience for families and nature lovers alike.

Review Summary

4.5
388 reviews
5
66.2%
257
4
21.4%
83
3
8.5%
33
2
2.3%
9
1
1.5%
6

Blake B

Verified

October 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: RV

4

It was beautuful and uncrowded just after Labor Day. Clean and well kept.

Phil R

Verified

October 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: Tent

5

Great spot. The hike to the falls is great! It was a bit windy and cold when we were there in mid October.

Caroline S

Verified

October 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 7, Loop: Tent

5

Great campground, everything was spread out and the bathrooms were well maintained. Right outside of the national park, I would forsure go back

rebecca J

Verified

October 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 7, Loop: Tent

5

fire location, amazing views, and such a peaceful campground

Greg D

Verified

October 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: RV

5

Nice campground near the Sand Dunes National Monument. It accommodated our 26 foot travel trailer and our pickup. Spacing between the camp sites allowed for a very quiet stay. Super nice to be so close to the falls, which were amazing. We have recommended to friends already.

Caroline L

Verified

October 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: Tent

5

Beautiful views, quiet and clean. Loved our stay.

Carol P

Verified

October 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: RV

5

Great views, trail to the falls right from the campground, sites spread out enough to not feel like you’re looking in the next site, clean pit toilets, the road up says steep but paved the whole way shouldn’t be a problem for any vehicle.

Karen B

Verified

October 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: RV

4

Beautiful views and great location by Great Sands National Park.

Michael T

Verified

October 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Tent

2

Beautiful location but ...
If you are tenting, impossible to find a site with level ground.

The reservation site says $11, but ..
They add on $8 for reservations fee and sign at entrance says stay by reservation only. Just tell us up front it's 19.

James H

Verified

October 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: RV

5

Great Location. Was wonderful to spend time there. Can't wait to go back again.

Location Zapata Falls Campground

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

Latitude & Longitude: 37.6286 / -105.595

Elevation: 2368 feet

Map of Zapata Falls Campground location at Monte Vista, CO, United States
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Policies & Rules

Category About
General

• All recreation is at your own risk.
• The 3.5-mile road to the Zapata Falls Campground & Day-use Area is currently being upgraded and some minor delays may exist. 
• There is currently no drinking water in the campground or day-use area. Bring plenty of water and do not drink from streams or lakes.
• Check-in time is after 1:00 p.m. on the first day of the reservation.
• Check-out time is no later than 12:00 p.m. on the last day of the reservation. 
• If the reservation holder doesn't show up on the first day of the reservation, the campsite is released at check-in time (1 pm) the next day.
• There are no hookup services.  
• Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
• Fires are only allowed in BLM approved metal fire rings.
• Individual Tent Campsites are limited to 6 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles (plus 1 trailer) per site. 
• Only 1 RV/trailer per RV campsite.
• The Group Campsite is limited to 15 people, 5 tents, and 4 vehicles (plus 1 trailer).
• No overnight RV/trailer camping in day use parking areas.
• Food should be stored in the bear proof food storage lockers provided.  
• This is a high elevation campground. Be prepared to take cover during afternoon thunderstorms.  
• Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• Pack it in, pack it out. In the backcountry, be prepared to carry out your garbage and dispose of it properly. Trash bins are located throughout the campground and day-use area.
• The half-mile trail to the falls is rocky and steep. Wear appropriate shoes to hike the trail and wade in the cold waters of the creek, which is the only way to reach the falls. 
• The waterfall and the area around it are on Colorado State Land Board property and subject to their regulations and restrictions.
• Water levels will rise during spring run-off sometimes causing dangerous swift water. Be careful. Use caution along the riverbank. During winter beware of ice.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Zapata Falls and South Zapata Lake trails and in the U.S. Forest Service’s Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Motorized travel is allowed only on designated roads.
• Be considerate of others and share the trail.
• Always keep pets under control.

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