The Best Places to Camp in Costilla County, Colorado
Costilla County is the best place that offers you a perfect setting for getting outside and exploring nature over the weekend. The views here are amazing and you won’t be disappointed with all the hiking, biking, fishing, off-roading, and other outdoor adventures. For an exciting immersion and great memories, consider spending a couple days at one of the gorgeous local camping sites.
Camping in these picturesque landscapes is incredible. The Blanca RV Park offers 26 RV hookups plus tent camping at the foot of Mt. Blanca. WOW! A convenience store, gas pumps, showers, and laundry facilities provide a touch of comfort for extended stays. The reservoirs (like the Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area) offer great camping, too. This is an awesome place for fishing, boating, or just picnicking or relaxing on the beach of the lake.
If you’re looking for the perfect reprieve from the noise and stress of your busy life look no further! You’ll find it here in Costilla County. You’ll wake to the sweet sounds of nature or the breathtaking view of Mt. Blanca. Grab the family, pack the car, and head out to these amazing campgrounds and start enjoying some time away from the city!
See our top recommendations for Costilla area camping below.
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
To the east of the remote high mountain San Luis Valley, the tallest sand dunes in North America, The Great Sand Dunes lie in between the Crestone Needle and the Blanca Mastiff. This is a must-see spot! The Great Sand Dunes Oasis is the gateway to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
The dunes are what’s left when the rains and wind eroded the mountains of San Juan and Sangre de Cristo, which circle the San Luis Valley. Strong winds blow in the area which creates the dunes. Sand is dropped off at the foot of the mountain as the winds clear the mountain. The dunes have been built up re-shaped for millennia. Tomorrow, the dunes will be different as they change in relation to how the wind blows. It’s a great spot to visit over and over again!
While you are here, make sure to check out the sand boarding adventures, 4×4 and off-road trips, fishing, mountain bike trails, hiking, the Zapata waterfall, and golfing!
Camping is open from April 1 to October 15. It offers primitive wilderness tent sites for $25/night for 2 people. Each additional person is $2.50. If you have a large crowd, group sites are available for $4/person. There are 20 RV spots available at $38/night for a full hook up. This rate covers two people, and each additional person is $2.50. Great Sand Dunes Oasis also has 4 cabins available to rent for $55 per night! Pets are allowed in the cabins for a $20 prepaid fee.
Bear Lake Campground
Bear Lake Campground is a developed campground that is great for the whole family. Take some time to enjoy the lake and stream fishing in Bear Lake. This stunning lake sits at an elevation of 9,450 ft. and has scenic trails all around. The lake is only ¼ mile from the campground, and the Tributaries of Cuchara River runs through the campground. So grab your camera, hiking shoes, and rod and head on down!
The Indian Creek Trail #1300 Trailhead is located on the north side of the campground. This trailhead is a multi-use trail system and accesses 23 miles of motorized trails available for ATV, motorcycle, bicycle, foot, and horse use. Spend the day getting lost in nature and then head back to your campsite to make memories under the stars!
The campground accommodates tent camping, camping trailers, and RVs. Each site has Picnic tables, nearby toilets, drinking water, and ample parking. All of this for only $21.00 fee per site for overnight camping. Two vehicles or one RV per site is included in the camping fee.
Blue Lakes Campground
Blue Lake Campground is another developed campground that is great for camping and picnicking. You can also enjoy lake and stream fishing here. Blue lake is approximately ½ mile from the campground and the tributaries of Cuchara River run through campgrounds. Another great spot for fishing, or just splashing around in the water!
For trail enthusiasts, there are a few options for hiking and biking adventures. Take FSR 436 1.5 miles to the non-motorized North Fork Trail #1309. FSR 436 leads on to old mine and saddle around 500 vertical feet below the summit of Trinchera Peak. It’s an incredible sight!
Access the Indian Trial #1300 Trailhead at Bear Lake campground one mile farther up FSR 422. This trailhead is a multi-use trail system and accesses 23 miles of motorized trails available for ATV, motorcycle, bicycle, foot, and horse use. This trail is great for all types of outdoor lovers!
Tent camping, camping trailers, and RVs are also accommodated. Each site has picnic tables, convenient toilets, drinking water, and parking spots. The same fee applies here: $21.00 fee per site for overnight camping. Two vehicles or one RV per site is included in the camping fee. $6.00 for a third vehicle.
So there you have it! A quick guide to camping around Costilla County, CO. After spending a little time here, you’ll see why it’s so popular – and you’ll want to keep coming back for more adventures!
Visit Costilla County to experience some of the best camping in Colorado.
