Zapata Falls Campground

With its rugged charm and breathtaking vistas, Zapata Falls Campground in Mosca, Colorado, offers an authentic high-altitude camping experience in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This primitive campground, perched at 9,000 feet, is perfect for adventurers drawn to scenic solitude, stunning views of the San Luis Valley, and proximity to Great Sand Dunes National Park, located just 8 miles away.

The campground features 23 individual sites, split between tent and RV loops, offering picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage lockers. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water or electricity, so campers must be prepared with supplies. The newly improved access road, though steep and gravelly, is manageable and rewards visitors with panoramic views and serene surroundings. A highlight is the short, mildly steep hike to the namesake Zapata Falls, which requires wading through a chilly creek to reach the 25-foot cascade—a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

Located just a few miles south of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Zapata Falls Campground is an ideal base for day trips to explore the unique landscape of towering dunes, as well as nearby hiking trails in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Its remote atmosphere, coupled with stunning sunsets and pristine stargazing opportunities, makes it an excellent destination for weekend escapes or extended wilderness retreats.