We camped for free in the Mosca campground in the San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area. The campground is located close to the town of Mosca, Colorado. It is approximately 15 miles north of the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
This Colorado state campground is a great option for RV and tent camping near the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Great Camping Option for Visiting the Park
We camped here when we visited the Great Sand Dunes National Park. During our camping trip, we got caught in a crazy sandstorm at the Mosca campground. It was a real-life example of how the dunes were formed. Check out our post on the Great Sand Dunes National Park with photos of how the sandstorm unfolded while we were in the Mosca campground.
The campground has some great views of the sand dunes and mountains behind them.
San Luis Lakes Campground Location
The wildlife area used to be a state park, but that changed in 2017 when it became a wildlife area.
There are remnants of the old state park such as an old brick entrance.
It is an active wildlife area, so state rules apply. The sign below as you enter the wildlife area outlines the rules.
Mosca Campground in the San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area
The campground in the San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area is called the Mosca campground.
You will see signs for the Mosca campground as you enter the wildlife area.
Many of the sites can accommodate larger Class A motorhomes. The road is in generally good condition to drive on with any RV.
It is busy during the summer season and its 51 campsites are almost always full.
Reservations are not accepted for the San Luis Lakes campground. Get there early to get a site as it is first come, first served.
We stayed in May before Memorial Day, and it was not busy, but that changes during the high travel months of summer.
Mosca Campground Amenities
Some of the RV sites include a free electrical hookup with 20/30/50 amps available.
Campsites have fire rings, shelters from the wind, and picnic tables.
Potable water is not available, so bring your own.
There are toilets available in bathrooms, but no running water. The image below is of one of the bathrooms.
There is a functioning dump station, but it does not have water.
A dumpster is also available for trash.
Permit Requirements for San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area
There is some confusion about what is required to camp here. Colorado changed its laws to require everyone over the age of 16 to have a valid fishing or hunting license or state wildlife area pass if using a state wildlife area.
A license or pass is required for any purpose of being in the campground, including camping.
See here for more information about Colorado’s requirements for this campground. There are no additional campground fees besides this license or pass, so if you already have one, then camping here is free.
The campground host, who stays in the first site in loop A, will come around and ask for your license/pass, so be sure to buy one for each person in your group.
A license or pass can be purchased at many locations in the area, including the Walmart in Alamosa.
This is a state pass, not a federal one, so you cannot buy a pass at the Great Sand Dunes National Park for camping in the San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area campground.
This area can get very windy, as seen in the Great Sand Dunes National Park with our dog leash trying to fly away below. The sandstorm that we got caught in during our visit to the Great Sand Dunes National Park is another example of what could happen while you camp here. Do not leave your awnings open unattended.
Visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Stay at the Mosca Campground
We enjoyed camping at the Mosca Campground. It was a convenient option for visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
It’s first-come, first-served, so plan to get there early in the summer months. It’s an excellent base for camping in an RV or tent when visiting the national park.
