San Luis Lakes Campground
Dept. Fish & Wildlife
Write a Review 16399 Lane 6 N Hooper, CO 81136 719-587-6900 Official WebsiteGPS: 37.6772, -105.7331
Overview of San Luis Lakes Campground
A valid Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) hunting or fishing license is required for everyone 18 or older accessing any State Wildlife Area effective July 1, 2020. An annual hunting or fishing license can be purchased through a CPW authorized sales agent, by phone 800-244-5613, or online at cpwshop.com. For more information check out What You Need to Know Before Camping on Trust Land in Colorado.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by Linda on 10/18/2024
Longest RV Reported: 45 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by Haznavy on 10/2/2021
Number of Sites 51
Pad Type asphalt
Elevation 7,513 ft / 2,289 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about San Luis Lakes Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 719-587-6900
DaveKiwi asked on 6/12/2021
I'm considering going to this campground on Mon night for 1 night so we can be close to the Sanddunes. Wondering if I...
Hollie asked on 6/10/2021
Do you have to have a permit to camp at San Luis State Wildlife Area - if so how do you get one?
camper-769027 asked on 3/19/2023
Is the needed fishing license per person or per RV/vehicle?
jknox asked on 9/15/2022
Can we safely unhook and leave our 5th wheel at the CG to visit Great Sand Dune NP? Thank you
Haznavy asked on 9/28/2021
Is the dump station open? We drove through and it looked open but, with no water service, thought I'd better ask. TIA
John asked on 7/4/2021
Does anyone know where I can fill up my water tanks near San Luis State Wildlife Area Campground? Thank you!
Reviews of San Luis Lakes Campground 95 people have reviewed this location.
“This place is AMAZING!!!”
Reviewed 7/15/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
RV Length: | 16' (Travel Trailer) |
If you like wide open spaces, beautiful views, and remoteness, this is the place for you! If you have dogs that like to run free, this place is for you! We stayed here when visiting the sand dunes. There was no water at the sand dunes, but the lake here was full. We enjoyed the campground more than the dunes quite honestly. This place ... more
If you like wide open spaces, beautiful views, and remoteness, this is the place for you! If you have dogs that like to run free, this place is for you! We stayed here when visiting the sand dunes. There was no water at the sand dunes, but the lake here was full. We enjoyed the campground more than the dunes quite honestly. This place has a rugged beauty that isn't well captured by the photos. I would choose this place over the sand dunes campground if I stayed again.
FunnyBunny would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful views of the Great Sand Dunes”
Reviewed 7/14/2020
Nightly rate: | $43 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 13 |
We stayed here in late June for two nights using our SWA annual permit, first come first serve only campground. The campground is located next to San Luis Lake with great views of the nearby Great Sand Dunes and the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Each campsite has electric hookup, covered table, fire ring, and the sites are well spaced ... more
We stayed here in late June for two nights using our SWA annual permit, first come first serve only campground. The campground is located next to San Luis Lake with great views of the nearby Great Sand Dunes and the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Each campsite has electric hookup, covered table, fire ring, and the sites are well spaced apart. A very quiet and clean campground with a dump station, trash bins, but no water. We stayed in Loop A, however the vault toilets are located only in Loops B and C. Overall a good camping experience with an opportunity to visit the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Richard n Mary would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Bad”
Reviewed 7/9/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 0 |
Not free you have to have a fishing license if you want to stay
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Windy, Windy.. ”
Reviewed 6/19/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 14 |
RV Length: | 31' (Class C) |
Did I way it was Windy? Views of the mountains and sand dunes when we arrived three days ago was just beautiful. However, the wind the past two days has made it miserable. No fun walking in the dunes when you are getting pelted by sand. For the campsite... it was wonderful.... I have a nonresident Colorado Fishing License so m... more
Did I way it was Windy? Views of the mountains and sand dunes when we arrived three days ago was just beautiful. However, the wind the past two days has made it miserable. No fun walking in the dunes when you are getting pelted by sand. For the campsite... it was wonderful.... I have a nonresident Colorado Fishing License so my wife and I stayed for free. I have been told if you have an annual hunting or fishing license it covers everyone. Otherwise I have been told its $43 per person (although the sign posted said $36) Electric site was great with nice views until....No facilities around so you have to be self contained... Nearest town is Alamosa about 30 minutes away. Cell reception was awesome as we used our T-mobile hotspot... worked great. Much better than other choices around and price was great.
John & Mary would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Spot to Stay if your visiting Great Sand Dunes”
Reviewed 5/26/2020
Nightly rate: | $43 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 18 |
We had our plans already mapped out when it came to getting to this location. Great Sand Dunes were closed due to Covid but we got to enjoy the view from our campsite. This campsite is very remote, about 13 miles off main highway. Roads are paved all the way in until you get to the state park then the road turns to hard packed gravel f... more
We had our plans already mapped out when it came to getting to this location. Great Sand Dunes were closed due to Covid but we got to enjoy the view from our campsite. This campsite is very remote, about 13 miles off main highway. Roads are paved all the way in until you get to the state park then the road turns to hard packed gravel for about 1/2 a mile to campsite. A little wash boarded but manageable to navigate. The prices have changed. Every adult must have the CPW license to camp. We purchased our passes online so for a couple it cost us $86. They do have a person living in this camp that was watching and verifying everyone had their pass. The pass is an annual purchase and good for all state parks in Colorado. 50 amp hook ups at all campsites but no running water. They do have non-potable water, dump station, and trash collector at the campsite entrance. Shout Out to youtube "Getaway Couple" who we watched their video about their stay at this site and mapped this on our trip.
TX Honeymooners would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Stunning Starry Skies Next To Sand Dunes”
Reviewed 3/10/2020
Nightly rate: | $10 |
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Days stayed: | 8 |
Site Number: | 12 |
This is one of our favorite campgrounds! It's hard to argue with electric hookups for the cost of a permit. Each site in Loop A and C is large with electric, a fire pit, and a covered picnic table. We had no problem fitting with our 36-foot fifth wheel. The views are stunning! You are surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountain... more
This is one of our favorite campgrounds! It's hard to argue with electric hookups for the cost of a permit.
Each site in Loop A and C is large with electric, a fire pit, and a covered picnic table. We had no problem fitting with our 36-foot fifth wheel.
The views are stunning! You are surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and have an amazing view of the Great Sand Dunes. It's about 20 minutes to Great Sand Dunes NP and 30 minutes to Alamosa for groceries. Make sure to turn off your lights and go outside at night for the most beautiful starry sky!
I will say that the $43 State Wildlife Area (SWA) permit is 100% required. The campground host religiously checks that every person has their own. We had a difficult time finding the correct permit before arriving and ended up finally getting one from a Big 5 Sports in Colorado Springs. I've now read that you can get one from the Mosca Pit Stop or Walmart in town.
AT&T Speeds:
25.23 down
14.93 up
SeeingTheSeitz would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Free out of season camping”
Reviewed 3/8/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 17 |
Stayed here in October for 2 nights enjoying electricity and a personal covered pick nick table. Across the lake from the dunes it’s a large campground with many sites, all have power. I was one of 3 people there, nice that it was free that time of year.
Noah_Robinson would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Get the permit ($43) and take advantage of this lovely campground a short drive to Great Sand Dunes NP!”
Reviewed 10/18/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 34 |
RV Length: | 33' |
After seeing the tiny sites in the Great Sand Dunes NP campground, we were so happy we chose to stay at the San Luis Lake State Wildlife Area about 15 miles west of the National Park. San Luis Lakes used to be a state park and has a large campground with 51 sites. Since it is designated a wildlife area all you need is a $43 annual perm... more
After seeing the tiny sites in the Great Sand Dunes NP campground, we were so happy we chose to stay at the San Luis Lake State Wildlife Area about 15 miles west of the National Park. San Luis Lakes used to be a state park and has a large campground with 51 sites. Since it is designated a wildlife area all you need is a $43 annual permit and you can camp up to 14 days. What a sweetheart deal! We stayed 4 nights and used it as a base to see Great Sand Dunes NP. We chose a huge pull-through site right next to a small dry lakebed – a perfect spot for Riley to play ball. The camp host will check if you have the permit. We went to the campground first to be sure we could get a spot and he had no problem with us getting set up and then running to the Mosca Pit Stop to purchase the permit.
Each site has a 50-amp electrical hookup, covered picnic table, and firepit. Most of the sites are huge and well spaced. There are three loops and many sites have fantastic views of the mountains and dunes. The only downside was no water – and I mean NO water, not even non-potable water at the dump station.
San Luis Lakes is an important stop for migratory waterfowl, huge flocks of Sandhill Cranes stop here on their spring and fall migrations, although we missed the nesting time between February and July. The area is an interesting part of the local ecology, climb a short hill and you can get a view across the lake of the Great Sand Dunes. The sunsets were amazing, and we enjoyed watching a huge thunder and lightning storm cross the valley, just missing us.
We had 2 bars of Verizon 4G.
Teddi & Roger would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Lots of wind but a good base to explore”
Reviewed 9/30/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 14 |
Site Number: | 35 |
RV Length: | 30' (Travel Trailer) |
About 10 miles from Great Sand Dunes National Monument, this is a great base camp to explore the area. Free electric, covered picnic tables and fire rings and a dump station but no water- either bring it with you or plan to drive to the RV park just outside the Dunes park. $15 to fill up. The area is sandy scrub-no trees and lots of wi... more
About 10 miles from Great Sand Dunes National Monument, this is a great base camp to explore the area. Free electric, covered picnic tables and fire rings and a dump station but no water- either bring it with you or plan to drive to the RV park just outside the Dunes park. $15 to fill up. The area is sandy scrub-no trees and lots of wind. The lake is a haven for all sorts of water fowl. And there is wildlife- Prairie dogs and what I think were Chipmunks (never had a good look as they were moving FAST). Even had a fox come within 20 yards while drinking coffee one morning.The pads are gravel and level for the most part. There are 3 loops- A,B and C. Most folks opt for A or C but We stayed on loop B. About 18 campsites spread out on the loop. During the time we were there the most campers on the loop was 5 so lots of room from neighbors. Vault toilets are available but I’m self contained so I didn’t check them out. The sky at night is amazing! Very little light pollution so the Milky Way is visible. And Highway 17 is know as the “Cosmic Highway” due to UFO and strange light sightings(I didn’t see any). The UFO watch Tower is just down the road as is Sand Dunes swimming and RV park. Zapata Falls is near by but be warned- the drive up the mountain is ROUGH! I did it in a 3/4 ton truck with stiff suspension and was nearly beat to death. A Jeep or other SUV with higher clearance and softer shocks would be much more pleasant. Once you get too the top it is an easy hike to the falls but you may need to get your feet wet to cross the streams.
Cell service was weird and spotty. I have T- Mobile. Morning til about 3pm I had a couple of bars and was able to use my phone as a hot spot for music. After 3 it switched to North East Colorado Cell (?) and was very iffy. In fact even in Alamosa it was a crap shoot. If cell/WiFi is needed then bring a booster!
DOWNSIDES- After 11 days of walking basically the same paths with the dog I was eaten alive by what I suspect were sand fleas. Use bug spray! I had over 50 bites in just one outing!
HacknRiver would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Free Power and great view but weight limit road”
Reviewed 9/25/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 14 |
Site Number: | Loop C 51 |
RV Length: | 22' (Class B) |
We enjoyed our free (husband is over 65) site and view of mountains and sand dunes. It’s always nice to boondock with 50 amp power. Lol. Anyway, please note that the road to the park (Lane 6N) has a 15 ton weight limit. We didn’t notice the sign coming from the west until we were past it and the campground was the next place we could t... more
We enjoyed our free (husband is over 65) site and view of mountains and sand dunes. It’s always nice to boondock with 50 amp power. Lol. Anyway, please note that the road to the park (Lane 6N) has a 15 ton weight limit. We didn’t notice the sign coming from the west until we were past it and the campground was the next place we could turn around, so we stayed anyway. When we went to the dunes the signs were a lot more prevalent, I think because that part of the road had several cattle guards. Just FYI for other big rigs. Also, our AT&T hotspot was super slow until we attached our $25 Netgear flat mimo antenna. Then it went all the way to 20Mbps! Verizon was about 3 and went to about 5 or 6 with the same antenna.
Ride, Dive and Be Murray would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“NOT ACTUALLY FREE”
Reviewed 8/3/2019
Nightly rate: | $36 |
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Days stayed: | 0 |
Listed as a free Campendium site. However, any adults 18-64 require a $36 annual CWP pass in order to camp. Don’t get into town after hours or you’re not getting this, as they’re only available at local agent’s offices, and you’re not staying here without it, as Camp host is checking passes and does not sell them on site. Should have... more
Listed as a free Campendium site. However, any adults 18-64 require a $36 annual CWP pass in order to camp. Don’t get into town after hours or you’re not getting this, as they’re only available at local agent’s offices, and you’re not staying here without it, as Camp host is checking passes and does not sell them on site. Should have read more than the first reviews, otherwise we would have figured this out before we got here
Karen would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- 50 Amp
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- Partial Hookups
Recreation
- picnic area
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- big rig
- fire ring
- picnic table
- pull thru
Facilities
- dump station
- laundry
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
Pets
- pets
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