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.
“Awesome...scenic, peaceful awe inspiring ”
Reviewed 9/21/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | Dk |
RV Length: | 19' (Travel Trailer) |
Stayed 9/9/2019. Said $0, but you need a SWA annual pass which costs $43 at Walmart (camp host will check upon entering). So our free night was actually $43, but we would stay 1 night again. 20 minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park (incredible) . Sunsets and stars were indescribable.
Dirt Roads & Sunsets would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great “Free” place to camp, Big rig friendly. ”
Reviewed 8/19/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 11 |
RV Length: | 36' (Fifth Wheel) |
We stayed here over the weekend and it was such a great place to stay for “free”. Does require purchasing a SWA pass or Hunting/Fishing license. The campground has electricity and a dump station but no running water. Many sites are big rig friendly and have amazing views of the dunes in the distance. There’s were also ant hills and mos... more
We stayed here over the weekend and it was such a great place to stay for “free”. Does require purchasing a SWA pass or Hunting/Fishing license. The campground has electricity and a dump station but no running water. Many sites are big rig friendly and have amazing views of the dunes in the distance. There’s were also ant hills and mosquitos everywhere. Even with a ton of bug spray on I still got a handful of bites :( The campground was nice and close to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Took us about 15 min to drive to the park. The biggest thing we didn’t care for was that there was a newer Blue Dodge Ram driving through the campground and a woman in the passenger seat sticking her head out the window looking at all the campsites, like they were looking for things to steal. We saw them come through the campground both days we were there and they weren’t staying in the campground, just snooping. So lock your things up!
AKramer13 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Very nice ”
Reviewed 7/31/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 1 |
Loved staying here. Very buggy 🐜 but great spot very quiet 🤫
MrsHuffy would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“a wonderful free place to camp”
Reviewed 7/23/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 46, Loop C |
Campendium came through again. What a wonderful free place to camp with 50 amp service and a sewage dump to boot. Site 46 has two bars of AT&T cell service whereas the first site we tried down below in Loop B only had one and was very slow. Here, AT&T is NOT “blazing fast” as another reviewer mentioned. However, the views are fantastic... more
Campendium came through again. What a wonderful free place to camp with 50 amp service and a sewage dump to boot. Site 46 has two bars of AT&T cell service whereas the first site we tried down below in Loop B only had one and was very slow. Here, AT&T is NOT “blazing fast” as another reviewer mentioned. However, the views are fantastic. The sand dunes are right out our back window. We can even see the lake down below. In my opinion camp high here, if possible. The state of Colorado says they will keep the lights on as long as they can afford it. Please conserve your energy use so everyone who wants to can also enjoy this natural beauty. All sites have a covered picnic table. All sites are wired for 20-30-50 amp, but some units unfortunately are completely out of order. I had to fiddle with my box even after changing to a fifty amp adapter. But, finally, it worked. A huge storm came through in the afternoon. Frightening lightning.
Nomad Reign RV would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great spot with a view of the dunes!”
Reviewed 7/17/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
Site Number: | 48 |
RV Length: | 33' |
In order to stay here you need a CPW SWA pass available from any CPW issuer, including the Mosca Pit Stop which is 1/2 mile south of the highway turnoff. It’s a 10 minute drive if you’ve made it to the campground without your SWA pass. The Mosca Pit Stop is open until 7. Not that hard to complete this task. You can also purchase an SWA... more
In order to stay here you need a CPW SWA pass available from any CPW issuer, including the Mosca Pit Stop which is 1/2 mile south of the highway turnoff. It’s a 10 minute drive if you’ve made it to the campground without your SWA pass. The Mosca Pit Stop is open until 7. Not that hard to complete this task. You can also purchase an SWA pass from finding issuers on https://www.cpwshop.com/issuerlist.page
As a previous reviewer stated all adults 18-64 need a pass to stay here. Not a bad deal as most sites have electric and you get an amazing view of the dunes and mountains.
homeschoolnomads would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“We were chased out of campground, July 2, 2019”
Reviewed 7/2/2019
Days stayed: | 0 |
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Site Number: | C40 |
July 2, 2019. We have stayed in this campground several times over the past 3 or 4 years. The campground hosts in the past always just told us to camp wherever we wanted. This evening, we arrived after 5 pm, tired after driving 8 hours to get here, and upon entering the campground and driving one loop, the host chased us down and told ... more
July 2, 2019. We have stayed in this campground several times over the past 3 or 4 years. The campground hosts in the past always just told us to camp wherever we wanted. This evening, we arrived after 5 pm, tired after driving 8 hours to get here, and upon entering the campground and driving one loop, the host chased us down and told us we couldn’t stay here if we didn’t have a state permit, and we couldn’t pay him. He said we would have to drive several miles away to purchase a permit.... again it was after 5 pm! so the office would be closed! We called the office he referred us to after finding the number on the San Luis website ... a recording stated the phones were disconnected in December 2019. FYI ... I’m 70 yrs old! and the host made us leave for lack of a Colorado Permit!
Per the 2018 Colorado Parks and Wildlife official brochure ‘Colorado State Recreation Lands’ for San Luis State Wildlife Area, the restriction is “Anyone 18-65 must purchase annual access permit to enter the property. Anyone who has a valid Colorado annual hunting or fishing license does NOT need to have access permit. Permits are $36, valid April 1-March 31 and available anywhere you can purchase CPW hunting and fishing licenses.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Good location and can’t beat the price ”
Reviewed 6/29/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
RV Length: | 33' |
This spot worked out well for us. We stayed 2 nights. The National Park is not far and we also went to the hot springs swimming pool in Hooper. So here is the positive: if you are over 64, it’s free. Open to all size rigs and 30 or 50 amp electric. The views are beautiful. Each site has a sun shade, picnic table, and fire pit. No... more
This spot worked out well for us. We stayed 2 nights. The National Park is not far and we also went to the hot springs swimming pool in Hooper. So here is the positive: if you are over 64, it’s free. Open to all size rigs and 30 or 50 amp electric. The views are beautiful. Each site has a sun shade, picnic table, and fire pit. Now for the not so positive; the bugs are annoying, it’s really hot in the summer, and as far as we could tell, there are only 2 pit toilets located in loops B and C. There is a dump site, but the water didn’t work. No potable water either.
mongo would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Can't Beat Free 50 Amp!”
Reviewed 6/18/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
Site Number: | 45 |
Can't believe this place will remain free forever what with the 50 amp power, trash, dump station, clean pit toilets, shade structures, etc. but who knows. Probably a third full on weekdays in June but over the weekend it was packed. But for the price, can't really complain. AT&T and Verizon are both blazing fast, though a bit wonky... more
Can't believe this place will remain free forever what with the 50 amp power, trash, dump station, clean pit toilets, shade structures, etc. but who knows. Probably a third full on weekdays in June but over the weekend it was packed. But for the price, can't really complain. AT&T and Verizon are both blazing fast, though a bit wonky at times. Sand Dunes NP is a 15 minute drive.
But if I were to complain, it would be the daily thunderstorms and howling winds...or maybe the tiny flies that we trap by the dozens. The road from the highway is a teeth rattler too. But it's free, right? And there's NO water, not even non-potable rinse water at the dump. Bring all you'll need. Also, doubtful the lake holds any fish considering it's only 8 feet deep at full pool and it wasn't anywhere near that during our stay. Still, we've enjoyed our stay. Quiet nights, internet, decent shopping in Alamosa, a National Park and free 50 amp power always help.
BTW, many days we run off batteries and solar and plug in at night so we're not consuming more 50 amp goodness than we have to. In addition, if you're going to buy a fishing or hunting license anyway, use that instead of the SWA pass and we only needed to show one fishing license, not two.
Dan & Jen Nevada would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Spacious sites with great views”
Reviewed 6/16/2019
Nightly rate: | $36 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 16 |
First of all, this campground is NOT FREE. Best to know this in advance as many resources claim different prices or free. You need a valid and current Colorado Parks & Wildlife SWA annual access permit ($36), CO fishing license (approx $96) or CO hunting license (approx $80). If you are under 18 or over 64 you may not need a permit. I ... more
First of all, this campground is NOT FREE. Best to know this in advance as many resources claim different prices or free. You need a valid and current Colorado Parks & Wildlife SWA annual access permit ($36), CO fishing license (approx $96) or CO hunting license (approx $80). If you are under 18 or over 64 you may not need a permit. I recommend just stopping at the Mosca Pit Stop (open 6am to 7pm) and getting your license beforehand so that you don’t have to drive back there later. The camp host Jim takes his job seriously. Once you get the pass, camping is free for 14 days. Free electric hookup at most sites. Bring your own water there is none. Also...tent campers be aware of the lack of bathrooms!! (And pick up your poo please! Gross.)
Now that’s over with I loved this campground! Sites are spacious and there are plenty. It’s near a small lake/reservoir and has a view of the surrounding snow capped peaks and the Great Sand Dunes. It’s about 20 minute drive to the National Park which means you can get there early and avoid the craziness. Camping in the national park is lovely too but it’s $26/nt and the sites are much smaller and tighter. If you have a big rig I would def choose to camp at San Luis instead.
Something to note: weather can be crazy here. We had several sandstorms and thunderstorms, wind, blue skies, starry nights, rain... we had it all! Stake down and protect your tent and loose items. Close your RV windows if you are away. We had a few wild dust storms that left my metal tent poles snapped and eyes, mouths, RVs and cars full of sand. Keep your eyes on the horizon for approaching clouds of sand and get to shelter inside something. In hindsight, duh. How do you think the sand dunes got there? Hahaha.
There are 3 loops. A loop has lake and dune views, and some of C does too. No toilets in A loop!! I think there may be vault toilets in B and C? Most if not all sites have a shelter and table. Many have electric. There is no water!! (You can fill jugs at the national park visitor center. )The campground is relatively empty most of the time but can fill on weekends. So get there early.
Cell service was weak. One bar for Verizon and T-Mobile. Sometimes I could access the internet other times not.
Camphost Jim is a great guy, and will treat you really nice and take care of you if you follow the rules. Otherwise he’s strict. Keep your dogs on leash and pay for the permits. :)
shoshannah would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Incredible views and close to The Great Sand Dunes”
Reviewed 6/12/2019
Nightly rate: | $14 |
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Days stayed: | 5 |
Site Number: | 15 |
RV Length: | 32' (Fifth Wheel) |
This is not a free campground. The camp host waved us over and said we had to purchase a Colorado Parks Wildlife SWA Permit for $36 per person over 18. We had other friends staying here that had to do the same. Had to go online to a very laborious website to purchase. Price of site reflect $72 divided by 5 nights. The campground ha... more
This is not a free campground. The camp host waved us over and said we had to purchase a Colorado Parks Wildlife SWA Permit for $36 per person over 18. We had other friends staying here that had to do the same. Had to go online to a very laborious website to purchase. Price of site reflect $72 divided by 5 nights.
The campground has stunning views in every direction with three large loops. All sites are first come first serve. We stayed through a weekend and there were still some sites available. The roads are a bit narrow but no trees to navigate around. All campsites have electricity and there is a dump. However all water has been turned off to the park indefinitely. No flushing of black tank. No showers. No fill. All the flush toilets/shower housed are locked up. There are pit toilets but can be quite a distance depending on where you are parked.
While there in June the gnats were swarming preventing us from sitting outside. Verizon Cell service was spotty and got worse with the weekenders. At times it was useless. 1 star ding for connectivity issues.
This CG is within a 20 min drive of The Great Sand Dunes and Zapata falls. We entered the park by 8 am each day. But upon leaving around 10am the line into the park was a mile or more long and parking lots were full.
We had a ball at the dunes and there were tons of families enjoying the “beach”.
Deb Spencer 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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