Budget RV camping often means sacrificing comfort or location, but we stumbled upon something extraordinary in southern Colorado. While dealing with solar issues outside Buena Vista, we discovered a $7 per night camping spot with electrical hookups just 30 minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park. This isn’t some membership trick or hidden fee scenario – it’s a legitimate campground that transformed from a former state park into one of our favorite finds of the year.
How Did We Find $7 RV Camping Near a National Park?
After spending a month boondocking outside Buena Vista, Colorado, we found ourselves needing electrical hookups due to some solar system issues. Running our generator was getting expensive, and we hadn’t budgeted for traditional campground fees. Through some research and recommendations from fellow RVers, we discovered a hidden gem – the San Luis Lakes Wildlife Area/ Mosca Campground, just 30 minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park.
This former state park, which lost its designation in 2017, has been transformed into a wildlife refuge area offering incredible value for RVers. Instead of shutting down completely, the area was repurposed to provide one of the most budget-friendly camping options we’ve found near a national park.
What’s the Secret to Affordable RV Camping at San Luis Lakes Wildlife Area Campground?
The key to accessing this incredible camping spot is the Wildlife Pass system. Here’s the breakdown of our stay:
Each person needs either a Wildlife Area (SWA) Annual Pass, 1-day pass, or CO hunting/fishing license.
- As a non- resident, our 12-night stay cost $89 total for two people ($7.47 per night)
- Staying the full 14-day limit brings the cost down to $6.40 per night
- Short stays are just $10 per night (purchase the SWA 1-day pass)
- 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups included
What makes this place truly special is the value proposition. We had access to electrical hookups at a fraction of the cost of private campgrounds in the area. While there’s no water hookup, the trade-off in savings made it more than worth managing our water supply.
What Should RVers Know Before Camping at This Hidden Gem?
The campground is perfectly manageable for big rigs, but there are some important details to consider:
- Three loops with plenty of pull-through sites (over 50 sites total)
- Our 44-foot toy hauler plus truck fit comfortably in a pull-through
- Paved roads within the campground (though narrow)
- Entrance requires going around the older brick entrance for larger rigs
- After the entrance the roads are not paved but flat gravel and dirt, go slow
- Dump station and trash bins available at the front of the park
- Fresh water available at Maverick station in Alamosa or the national park
The sites on the outside of Loops A and B offer stunning views of the desert, sand dunes, and mountains. Being a dark sky area, the stargazing is spectacular. During our October stay, temperatures ranged from 35 degrees in the morning to warm enough for shorts by afternoon – typical high desert weather at 7,500 feet elevation.
🐾 RV Pet Parent Pro Tip: Waggle Treat Tosser Camera
Keep Your RV Pets Happy While You Explore
Ever wonder how to check on your furry friend while exploring national parks or running errands in town? We discovered a game-changer for RV pet parents – the new Waggle Treat Tosser Camera. Here’s why we love it:
- Real-time HD streaming lets you see exactly what your pet is up to
- Two-way audio means you can hear and talk to your pet
- AI-powered tracking follows your pet’s movement
- 360-degree views cover your entire RV space
- The treat tosser feature lets you reward your pet from anywhere
- Secure suction cup mount stays put even on the road
We tested it extensively with Hugo, and it’s perfect for RV life. The ability to check in, talk to your pet, and toss them a treat while you’re away is invaluable for reducing separation anxiety.
🎁 Special Offer for Our Readers: Save $60 off your Waggle Treat Tosser Camera using code “HUGO” at checkout. That brings the price down to just $89!
Is Great Sand Dunes National Park Worth Visiting from This Campground?
The 30-minute drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park treats you to some of Colorado’s most unique landscapes. Home to North America’s tallest dunes, including the impressive Star Dune at 750 feet, the park offers a stark contrast of sand dunes against snow-capped mountains. During our mid-October visit, we experienced:
- Perfect fall temperatures for exploring, although windy at times
- Stunning mountain backdrops with fall colors
- Free entry with our America the Beautiful pass
- Access to water fill and dump stations
- A well-equipped visitor center
- International Dark Sky Park designation
Local Exploration: What’s Available Near This Budget-Friendly Campground?
Alamosa, just 30 minutes away, provides all the amenities you might need:
- Full grocery stores
- Hardware stores
- Restaurants (including Calvillo’s Mexican Restaurant, an authentic Mexican buffet we tried)
- Fuel stations
- Water fill locations
For outdoor enthusiasts, we discovered Mountain Home Reservoir about 45 minutes away – a peaceful fishing spot accessible with the same Wildlife Pass. While our fishing expedition didn’t yield any catches, the mountain views and serene setting made for a perfect day trip.
The area offers a perfect balance of solitude and accessibility, proving that budget-friendly RV camping doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or location. This spot has become one of our favorite finds, combining affordability with proximity to both natural wonders and necessary amenities.
After spending nearly two weeks at San Luis Lakes Wildlife Refuge, we can’t help but feel we discovered something special. The combination of affordable camping, stunning desert views, and easy access to both a national park and town amenities made this spot unforgettable. While the lack of water hookups and no-reservation system might deter some, we found these minor inconveniences well worth the trade-off for peaceful camping, dark skies, and those magnificent dune views. Sometimes the best camping experiences come from taking a chance on the unexpected, and this hidden gem proved that theory perfectly.
