Camping near South Fork
Hidden gem in the mountains of southern Colorado is a year-round basecamp for adventures.
92% (983 reviews)
- South Fork
92% (983 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near South Fork
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Rabbit Hole Ranch
108 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Alamosa East, CO
The Rabbit Hole Ranch offers beautiful unobstructed views of the majestic Blanca Massif and the Great Sand Dunes and is just a (gorgeous) 35 minute drive from both to include Zapata Falls. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-see, and I am grateful for the opportunity to offer you a place nearby to set up camp and go exploring.
Alamosa, the largest town in the SLV, is just 20 minutes away. With a population of around 9,800 Alamosa has that small town feel and has the goods and services you will need.
Camping here at the Rabbit Hole Ranch is primitive and dispersed (no numbered sites) and there 30 acres available for you to use. Typically, you will experience a rare kind of solitude and silence that feels…. other-worldly, with incredible sunrises and sunsets filling the enormous skies.
On holidays, however, expect it to be busy.
Our two Great Pyrenees are here to help keep you and your pets (and our chickens) safe. Please help make their jobs easier by not leaving any food or trash in or around tents.
Please keep your pets on leash or under control until you’re comfortably certain they get along with all three of our dogs. This year we have a new Great Pyrenees to greet you, his name is TheoVon and he is huge! Returning this season is KayLee also a GP and and Finn, who is a little Benji lookin rescue from Alaska who just LOVES everyone. :)
Quiet time begins at 10:00 pm.
Note: Holidays still offer the excellent location and spectacular views, but are likely to be less quiet and far more busy. We do not strictly enforce quiet time during holidays.
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Dunes Desert Camp
12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents320 acres · Hooper, CO
Enjoy your own private desert playground, 320 Acres of pristine wilderness in the shadow of Blanca Peak and in sight of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Whether you want to explore the valley on a hike, bike, or All Terrain Vehicle, fly over it in a private light aircraft, or plan an expedition to the mountains, Dunes Desert Camp is your staging ground for exploring the breathtaking natural wonders of the San Luis Valley. Located just twenty miles from downtown Alamosa, Dunes Desert Camp offers remoteness and privacy coupled with the convenience of being near a vibrant metropolitan center. Get away from it all, and get back to finding yourself in the desert.
We have one large Safari tent with a double bed and 5 two person dome tents fitted with camp cots
Sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses and camping equipment is available to rent on site.
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$65
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Sandhill Desert Ranch
2 sites · Tents45 acres · Mosca, CO
If you're looking to take a deep breath away from the busyness of life, Sandhill Desert Ranch is waiting for you. Gaze over the campfire the Great Sand Dunes as the sun sets behind you. Wake up early to go sand boarding or hiking at the National Park, then take a refreshing dunk in Zapata Falls before you head back to camp to relax. Don't forget to look up as night falls again - the stars in the San Luis Valley are out of this world!
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Ramble at Great Sand Dunes NP
18 sites · Tents640 acres · Alamosa East, CO
Ramble welcomes you to our private campground - Ramble at Great Sand Dunes National Park! The location is strikingly beautiful and vast: 640 acres of rolling sand dunes nestled up against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 7,550 feet. This campground is just a 30 minute drive to the entrance of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where you can hike dunes up to 750 feet tall. It's also at the base of Colorado's fourth tallest mountain, 14,345-foot Blanca Peak.
Ramble is a dog friendly campground so bring your furry friends. There is a pet leash hook for you to link up your dog at each site.
The Welcome Center will be the first place you'll stop, which includes an interactive photo opportunity, our park map, and informative and interesting information about the local community and surrounding region.
Just a short distance from every campsite is our bathhouse -- thoughtfully designed with private bathrooms, showers, and a pet rinse area. It also includes a QR-code-accessible mini store for easy purchases of firewood, toiletries and Ramble merchandise. Inside the bathrooms you’ll find flushing toilets, toilet paper, seat protectors, fold down changing tables, sinks, hand soap, hooks, mirrors, soft lighting, and locking doors. On the side of the bathhouse are our open air concept shower stalls complete with hot water, benches, towel hooks and complimentary body wash and shampoo.
The dump station is located just past the bathhouse and can accommodate disposal of sewage, waste water and includes a spigot for easy clean up. This station is complementary to Ramble guests.
All of our campsites are purposefully spread apart to give every group maximum privacy and spaciousness. Please refer to the campground map when making multi-site reservations and expect 100 to 250 feet walking distance between adjacent sites.
As far as activities go, there’s plenty to do. Rent a bike or bring your own -- we’ve got our very own three mile gravel path for you to shred that provides direct access points to local bike and Bureau of Land Management trails. There is also a 40 acre, 9-hole disc golf course perfect for all levels onsite. Horseshoe pits, corn hole tables, board games, and other activities are also available. And if that’s not enough, attractions in San Luis Valley, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Medano Creek, Zapata Falls, and Hooper Pool are all just a short drive away.
Ramble at Great Sand Dunes falls within the IDA International Dark Sky Park region, so be prepared to enjoy some ridiculously starry nights. If it gets too dark, our entire campground utilizes thoughtfully designed lighting that won’t detract from nature’s light show.
So bring the dog, kids, family and friends -- or enjoy the awesomeness solo. Welcome to camping the way you've always wanted it to be.
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$64
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Wilderness Bud and Breakfast
5 sites · Tents12 acres · Pagosa Springs, CO
Located on a historic ranch in the spectacular Blanco Basin valley, nestled up against the Continental Divide and South San Juan Wilderness Area.
This B&B offers a campground with tent sites along the pristine headwaters of the Rio Blanco.
A group fire pit, community kitchen and food prep area, composting toilet facility and on-demand gas heated shower facilities.
Feel free to explore the river and surrounding San Juan National Forest, with plenty of hiking trails to accommodate all fitness levels.
A 420 Happy Hour is available for all campers age 21 and up, and breakfast is served for all!!!
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New Sky Ranch : Eco-building + Art
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Saguache, CO
New Sky’s bones are those of an old settler’s homestead in the San Luis Valley that dates back to the early 1900’s. Nestled up against the Rio Grande National Forest, it is a high mountain desert oasis that holds the original dance hall of the county and a whole lot of history.
New Sky Ranch is a wild, wild place. We are not only off grid, but also nestled in a large natural caldera (meaning a volcano that has collapsed on itself) and are right next to national forest. This means that we can experience all 4 seasons in a single day - having extreme winds and rain in one moment, and clear summer skies the next! We invite you to not only be prepared for this, but to lean into the experience as this unique high alpine environment can be one of the most inspiring and epic places on earth.
We are currently fixing up what is already on the property for an eco-experiential retreat as well as a space for like minded artists to take refuge and create magic on the land. We currently have our workshop and studio space up and running as well as the first of several livable structures completed - an 100 year old rehabbed miners cabin using Hempcrete and other natural materials, complete with a communal outdoor kitchen. We also have begun hosting our first artist/maker residents who are using the shop space and land to bring their own creations to life. Over time, we have dreams of permaculture farming, eco building workshops, community collaboration, and the ability to host gatherings – however, we are committed to taking it all one step at a time and allowing only what is meant to be to unfold. For now it is simply our home, a maker space for art and experimental eco building, a gathering spot for friends and a quiet Hipcamp spot.
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Serendipity Base Camp
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Monte Vista, CO
We have 1.75 acres. The history of this property is interesting, varied and historical. During WWII the property was used as a detainment camp for German POW's. They were transferred here from Trinidad and Walsenburg CO to work with the farmers in the community, working potatoes. It was a happy, fruitful work situation and some of the farmers/POW's became good friends, even traveling to visit each other after the war. Parts of the building are still there. Serendipity. The land has served as an auto junk yard, repair shop, metal scrap yard, thrift store and more. As we have worked on the property we have found many treasures that are working their way to the surface. The location of the property we feel is perfect. You can get everywhere from here. We are in the city of Monte Vista limits, town is walking distance. It sits in the middle of what makes the valley thrive. Farming (Cows & hay) to the East. There is also a beautiful view of Mt Blanca and the Sange de Christo mountain range. When the sun sets you understand the beauty of the mountain and understand why is was named Blood of Christ. To the North is Coors - they gather the barley that is grown here in the valley to start the making of the beer. To the West is Mountain King - a potato storage unit. There is about 55,000 acres of potatoes grown with a wide variety of all different colors. With averages of 22 tons of potatoes per acre. - That's a lot of taters! The sunset over Mountain King is what you see in the pictures. Serendipity Camp is less than 1/2 mile from Monte Vista. Gas, groceries, coffee shops, restaurants, thrift & gift stores, and hardware. We have a volunteer run community movie theater that is open Friday - Sunday and for a short drive you can get to one of the few drive ins still operating.
We do see/have wildlife that visits us regularly. A timid clan of Marmots (we call them whistle pigs). a fox appears occasionally, as well as many different birds (small birds, falcons, and Sand hill cranes in season) We have seen racoons in the area and sometimes a small herd of about 5 deer. Learn more about this land:Welcome to Serendipity! This is our first year hosting as a campground. We have been short term hosts for several years and thoroughly enjoy it so we wanted to reach out to the camping community also. We have 1.75 acres. The history of this property is interesting, varied and historical. During WWII the property was used as a detainment camp for German POW's. They were transferred here from Trinidad and Walsenburg CO to work with the farmers in the community, working potatoes. It was a happy, fruitful work situation and some of the farmers/POW's became good friends, even traveling to visit each other after the war. Parts of the building are still there. Serendipity. The land has served as an auto junk yard, repair shop, metal scrap yard, thrift store and more. As we have worked on the property we have found many treasures that are working their way to the surface. The location of the property we feel is perfect. You can get everywhere from here, it’s a great base camp to do all there is to do in the San Luis Valley. We are in the city of Monte Vista limits, town is walking distance but it’s very private. It sits in the middle of what makes the valley thrive. Farming (Cows & hay) to the East. There is also a beautiful view of Mt Blanca and the Sange de Christo mountain range. When the sun sets you understand the beauty of the mountain and understand why is was named Blood of Christ. To the North is Coors - they gather the barley that is grown here in the valley to start the making of the beer. To the West is Mountain King - a potato storage unit. There is about 55,000 acres of potatoes grown with a wide variety of all different colors. With averages of 22 tons of potatoes per acre. - That's a lot of taters! The sunset over Mountain King is what you see in the pictures. Serendipity Camp is less than 1/2 mile from Monte Vista. Gas, groceries, coffee shops, restaurants, thrift & gift stores, and hardware. We have a volunteer run community movie theater that is open Friday - Sunday and for a short drive you can get to one of the few drive ins still operating. We do see/have wildlife that visits us regularly. A timid clan of Marmots (we call them whistle pigs). a fox appears occasionally, as well as many different birds (small birds, falcons, and Sand hill cranes in season) We have seen racoons in the area and sometimes a small herd of about 5 deer. As we tweak Serendipity Glamp Camp, we have campsites for tents, campers, vans & cars, bell tents, a small tent and a small teepee style tent for a more comfy stay, but still camping. It is a gated park so you can feel safe leaving your camp for the day or evening. And although there are town lights around, there is not alot of light noise overhead and you can see millions of stars. There is one fire pit for now, but working on others. Some firewood is provide. There are picnic tables in the community area and we are moving toward a working community kitchen. We are still doing improvements and setup but would love to have you stay with us. We welcome feedback. There are 2 porta potties and some non-potable water to use. For now, come and set up camp where you please. The tents are not ready yet as we need to glamp them up a little. Will get them listed as soon as they are ready, We do allow pets, on leash in the campground. One of the other amenities we are building is an agility dog park that will be available to campers and members from the community.
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$16.20
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Penitente Canyon Tin Can Camp
5 sites · Lodging200 acres · Center, CO
Nestled in the heart of the San Luis Valley at the entrance to Penitente Canyon and Special Recreation Management Area and 50 minutes to Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors welcomes all guests to come and enjoy their cabins at Tin Can Camp. Tin Can Camp is located within 200 acres of Colorado State Trust Land at roughly 8,000 feet above sea level. The landscape is arid high desert with scattered groves of piñon and juniper trees. The camp serves as a convenient home base for launching adventures across the San Luis Valley to various local Hot Springs, archeological sites, and other small town local attractions. For the more adventurous guests, there is recreation right from Tin Can Camp with The Valleys largest trail system and climbing area less than a mile away and access to the vast expanse of the Rio Grande National Forest.
The cabins are "micro homes" outfitted with modern conveniences. Each cabin has solar power, a propane heater, a compact kitchen with a sink, water jugs, and pump, two full size loft beds, a small table with chairs, an incinerator toilet, and a covered porch. Incinerating toilets are self-contained waste management systems that burn human waste instead of flushing it into a sewer or septic system. These toilets use propane gas to incinerate waste at high temperatures, reducing it to a small amount of sterile ash. Incinerating toilets are commonly used in locations where traditional plumbing is impractical, such as remote cabins and environmentally sensitive areas. They are valued for their efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and the elimination of the need for water or chemical treatments. There is odor associated with the incineration process. Guests should know there is no water available on the property. You will need to bring water for all your needs. This includes cooking, washing, drinking, and for putting out fires. Guest should plan 2 gallons of water per person per day. A public well/pumphouse is at the intersection of County Road 38A and Road 40G (37.836363, -106.271551)(inoperable as of 7/11/2024- BLM working to fix it).
Tin Can Camp is adjacent to the future Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve, and the property has spectacular views of the Milky Way Galaxy. Each cabin has a fire ring for guests to relax and enjoy the dark nighttime sky. Wood collecting on the property is not permitted, so guests must bring their own firewood.
As mentioned, the property is located at the entrance to Penitente Canyon. Penitente Canyon is a Nationally-renowned climbing destination with more than 400 climbing routes. Penitente Canyon also has 30+ miles of non-motorized trails for mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian activities and guest have direct trail access from camp!
Guests can ride mountain bikes directly from the property. There are numerous recreation, sightseeing, historical and cultural, and agricultural tourism opportunities in the nearby Rio Grande National Forest, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.
Gas, ice, water, and some groceries can be found nearby at the La Garita Trading Post, which has operated since 1913. The La Garita Trading Post is in a historic log cabin and serves the best local-beef burgers in the San Luis Valley.
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Starfall Station
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Moffat, CO
Large lot with space for dogs to roam & people to explore in the San Luis Valley. Unobstructed view of the mountains and graveled driveway/lots (so you won't get stuck in the mud or snow). Each parking spot (3 total) comes with your own personal “deck” to drive up to and a sitting area (either a bench or chairs will be provided) for privacy and relaxation.
Spend the day on the property and enjoy coffee while watching the sunrise from your window and go for a sunset walk around the block or head out to Joyful Journey (for a hot spring soak), Salida (for a town experience), or the White Sand Dunes National Park for the day.
About us: We are two female, fellow nomads that lived in vans for 3 & 8 years and are now building a tiny house on this property; we love to meet new people, host, and share local tips but are also entirely fine with providing you with privacy for the entire time you’re here. We built the van “docking stations” in order to host and have friends visit but they are all outside of view of our house, so you will have your own space. We have a “courtyard” in front of our tiny house that you’re welcome to use for a portion of the day. We have two friendly dogs (husky mixes), your animal friends are all welcome - as long as they are friendly.
**Your stay comes with:**
- Personal deck & seating area
- Water fill-up (and unlimited water)
- Trash service (1 small bag/2 nights)
- Outdoor shower access
- Picnic table (shared among then 3 sites)
- Use of the “courtyard” (BBQ, seating area, fire ring, bar) from 2pm-8pm
**Local attractions (driving distance)**
- Joyful Journey (hot springs): 5 min
- Valley View Hot Springs: 15 min
- Hooper Hot Springs: 28 min
- Crestone: 30 min
- Salida: 35 min
- Alamosa: 50 min
- Aligator Farm: 30 min
- UFO Watchtower: 25 min
- White Sand Dunes NP: 50 min
- Wolf Creek Ski Resort: 1.5 hours
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Pagosa Mill RV Park
8 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Pagosa Springs, CO
Nestled in a grove of mature pine trees you will see wildlife most days in the meadow. The views of the East Range are not to be missed. NOTE: This RV Park is under renovation. The location is 2 miles from downtown Pagosa Springs. If you are looking for a super bougie RV Park.... THIS IS NOT IT. There are several projects under way but we are not done. Enjoy reading your book in a hammock located in the common space. Experience all that Pagosa has to offer at an extremely reasonable cost. Tall Pines Mini Golf is within walking distance. Great place to grab a snack/drink. Follow the sign up the Jeep trail on the west end of the park.
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Creede Camp Site
18 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Creede, CO
Learn more about this land:
At the head waters of the Rio Grande River, Mineral County is 96% National Forest with 4.5M acres of National Forest lands surrounding us. You can see the largest wilderness area in the United States from your camp site, at 9,000 ft. we are an out door enthusiasts playground. Wolf Creek ski area 'The Most Snow In Colorado'. Creede Repertory Theater rivals Off Broadway. We offer cabins, RV sites and Campsites at Broken Arrow Ranch. Please call our office or visit our website. brokenarrowcreede.com. RV Sites are NOT booked through hipcamp, they run $50-$60 nightly and can only be reserved through the broken arrow website.
We are 32728 hwy 149 Creede. 11 miles towards Lake City on hwy 149. Pull all through the Cabins and either turn left up the little hill camping anywhere, but keep the fire pit open for everyone. Or drive through the green gate past cabin #7 and camp in the pasture. Bathhouse is in the middle of the cabins. (No Bathhouse or water after September 15th.) Fire pit and picnic table are on the hill. You can have dogs off leash anywhere away from the cabins and RV sites, just be careful as we have horses, we don't want the pup's getting kicked. Let me know if you need anything.
NO BATHHOUSE BETWEEN SEPT 15-JUNE 1 PRICE $30
BATHHOUSE AVAILABLE JUNE 1 - SEPTEMBER 14 Price $35
Dale, Anne, and Susan.
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Mudita Camel's Yurt
1 site · Lodging35 acres · Capulin, CO
Eons ago camels roamed through the San Luis Valley and today they roam once again. Come and stay at our yurt enjoying views of the mountains and of the camels and donkeys roaming their home. Take a farm tour and get the chance to pet the camels and maybe even sneak a camel kiss. Enjoy a night stay at the yurt viewing the stars or enjoying a nice fire at the fire pit. Come stay in our yurt and get the chance to meet our little herd of camels and wake up to the views of the gorgeous surroundings! Travel down a few miles of dirt roads and you will find our little oasis of 35 acres. The hard-sided yurt sits right next to the field where our camels and donkeys roam. Set apart from the main house, sitting in Trujillo Canyon, and surrounded by BLM/National Forrest, its the perfect spot for recharging. Located off the beaten path so amazing for star gazing but also close enough to the Sand Dunes for day adventures. Our property is off the grid and allows you to disconnect for a little while and there is a nice creek to go and sit by. Each stay also includes a farm tour if you are interested. The night skies have little light pollution and are perfect for star gazing. We can't wait for you to come and stay with us!Don't take our word for it, guests love their stays with us! "We struck gold finding this magical place. The yurt was so cozy, comfy, and full of tons of extras that exceeded our expectations. We booked our little trip to visit the dunes, but this farm was by far the best part of our trip. We loved our walks to see all the animals. The camels and donkeys were so friendly!"
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Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
Camping near South Fork guide
Overview
Set at the confluence of the South Fork River and the Rio Grande River, the town of South Fork is a popular destination for fishing and outdoor adventures. Surrounded by millions of acres of national forest and wilderness, there’s plenty to do on land as well, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing, and wildlife spotting in the Rio Grande and San Juan national forests. Winter activities are also abundant, and include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, while nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area draws visitors with the “most snow in Colorado.” An abundance of campgrounds in the region make it easy to stay a while.
Where to go
San Luis Valley
South Fork is located at the western end of the San Luis Valley, an expansive high desert valley home to towns such as Del Norte, Alamosa, San Luis, and Mineral Hot Springs. Drive along scenic byways, go wildlife spotting in designated wildernesses, climb rugged mountain peaks, chase waterfalls, soak in the hot springs, or explore the massive sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Plenty of options let campers stay overnight, including developed campgrounds on public land, dispersed camping in the backcountry and wilderness areas, cabins, and private RV parks and glamping sites.
West
Head along the scenic Silver Thread Byway to the historic towns of Creede and Lake City. Nearly Rio Grande National Forest offers 1.8 million acres of diverse terrain, spanning woodlands, high desert, towering mountains, river canyons, geologic wonders, and more than 30 campgrounds, cabins, and dispersed camping options. Further west, San Juan National Forest offers another 1.8 million acres of forest for camping and recreation. Head southwest to the towns of Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, and Durango for culture, hot springs, and adventures. For water activities, head to Navajo State Park, just north of the New Mexico border.
North
Head north to Poncha Springs for hot springs and history or get artsy at neighboring Salida. The Sawatch Range and the San Isabel National Forest are home to Colorado’s largest concentration of 14ers, so peak baggers can take their pick or try the state’s highest peak. Explore ghost towns or fish and raft the Arkansas River. The area is home to plenty of forested, riverside, lakeside, and backcountry campgrounds. To the west, Gunnison National Forest offers more than 30 developed campgrounds, with tent sites, RV sites, and cabins.
When to go
Summers are popular times for camping and outdoor recreation near South Fork. June to October tends to be peak fishing season, though ice fishing is also popular in the winter. Leaf peeping and hunting are popular in the fall. The area also offers a wide range of winter activities, including skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Know before you go
- South Fork sits above 8,000 feet. Some recreation areas and campsites are at even higher elevations. Be aware of potential altitude issues.
- Campsites in national forests are often first-come first-serve, while campsites in Colorado state parks require advanced reservations.
- Permits are required to cut firewood in certain national forests.
- Be bear aware, especially when camping. Store food and other attractants in a bear proof container, away from your tent.
- Fishing licenses are required in Colorado for anyone over age 16. There are bait and other requirements for fishing in some waters near South Fork.
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