With so much to see and do in Costilla County, visitors need time to take it all in. This makes it the perfect place to get outside and rough it for the weekend! The views here are amazing and you won’t be disappointed with all the hiking, biking, fishing, off-roading, and camping adventures.
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
On the eastern side of the remote, high-mountain San Luis Valley, between the Blanca Massif and Crestone Needle, are the Great Sand Dunes, the tallest sand dunes in North America. The dunes cover approximately 39 square miles and rise to almost 750′ above the valley floor. 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 the product of the wind and rain eroding the San Juan and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that ring the San Luis Valley. They have collected here because the prevailing winds across the valley blow in this direction. But here, at the foot of the mountains, the wind has to drop some of its load of sand in order to clear the mountains. So over the course of millennia, the dunes have built up to where they are today. And tomorrow they will be different because the wind keeps on blowing. 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 offroad 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 is good for 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 the scenery and then head back to your campsite to enjoy a campfire dinner and roasting marshmallows 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 continues to old mine and saddle approximately 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 further 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.
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 the scenery and then head back to your campsite to enjoy a campfire dinner and roasting marshmallows 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.
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!