Zapata Falls Campground

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

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

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

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

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

Stunning views of the San Luis Valley at over 9 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 25 ft. 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 mi, 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...

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

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.

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

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 !