Backpacking Campsites in the Dunes or Forest

Need to camp near the Sand Dunes National Park, but it's overfilled? or just for a good secluded camp ground on the side of a mountain? This is the spot. Campground offers bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. Located near to the Zapata Falls trail head and picnic area, this campground is easy to get to (no need for 4 wheel drive), just a quick drive up and very easy to find. Camp... Need to camp near the Sand Dunes National Park, but it's overfilled? or just for a good secluded camp ground on the side of a mountain? This is the spot. Campground offers bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. Located near to the Zapata Falls trail head and picnic area, this campground is easy to get to (no need for 4 wheel drive), just a quick drive up and very easy to find. Camp spots are spread out well. I stayed at ground 22 but 21 and 23 I'd also highly recommend. Some of the camp spots for tents you have to walk up a small hill to get to (for the camp spots higher on the hill) or down a few steps for lower on the hill. You can't really see the dunes so much but the drive to the park is only 20min. You do still get great views of the area on each spot. April is WINDY! Definitely expect some wind up here. No running water or electricity

WIND. Windy wind... .... This campground sits on the mountain facing the grand open San Luis valley, resulting in amazing views but constant moderate wind at best, with huge gusts at times. Chilly weather plus constant wind made for a less than desirable experience, and a struggle to stay warm around the fire or pup camper. Camp sites are small, and site #19 has a large hill splitting your site i... WIND. Windy wind... .... This campground sits on the mountain facing the grand open San Luis valley, resulting in amazing views but constant moderate wind at best, with huge gusts at times. Chilly weather plus constant wind made for a less than desirable experience, and a struggle to stay warm around the fire or pup camper. Camp sites are small, and site #19 has a large hill splitting your site in half (would be ok without young kids or senior dogs but we had both). Overall, we had a good time but would not come back and do not recommend it when compared to all the alternative options. The frozen zapata falls was pretty cool and a nice easy hike (though if thawed requires walking in the creek). (There aren't 2 fire rings, I brought it down the hill after young child and 14 yo dog struggled to climb the hill repeatedly)

The views from this campground are breathtaking, especially on clear nights and at sun up/down! There is a cold wind that comes down from the gorge above once the sun sets, so be prepared to layer up at sunset. The restrooms here are usually well-maintained and there are bear bins to put your food and scents in. Fires are allowed in designated pits, just be prepared for changing wind direction... The views from this campground are breathtaking, especially on clear nights and at sun up/down! There is a cold wind that comes down from the gorge above once the sun sets, so be prepared to layer up at sunset. The restrooms here are usually well-maintained and there are bear bins to put your food and scents in. Fires are allowed in designated pits, just be prepared for changing wind direction as the sun goes down.