Fishing, Hunting, Camping

Fishing, Hunting, Camping

Nearly two million acres running alongside 200 miles of the Continental Divide offer outdoor, sport, and wildlife enthusiasts an endless array of activities and landscapes, from snowy peaks to sub-alpine lakes to desert vistas to the headwaters of the mighty Rio Grande. The Rio Grande National Forest encompasses four wilderness areas: the South San Juan, Weminuche, La Garita, and Sangre de Cristo. An ancient home to the mysterious Anasazi, the forest also encompassed the Wheeler Geologic Area and a range of other fascinating sites and scenes for outdoor recreation lovers.  Breathtaking fall color and deep, powdery winter snows make this park a treasure all year round. Anglers return to the Rio Grande National Forest every year from across the region for its high-altitude fishing opportunities.

Camping

There are many camping opportunities in the San Luis Valley.  Check out our listings for full-hookup commercial campgrounds. If you are looking for a more remote campsite, explore the options at the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Rio Grande National Forest, and San Luis Lakes State Park.

Fishing

There are plenty of opportunities for great fishing in high mountain lakes and streams as well as downstream rivers and reservoirs in the Conejos Peak, Del Norte, Creede, and Saguache Ranger Districts. The five major species of fish found in the forest include Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and the Rio Grande Cutthroat.  All persons fifteen years of age or older are required to have a Colorado fishing license.  Visit the Division of Wildlife site for fishing information, rules and regulations, and applications and licenses.  Check out our page on Ice Fishing.

Related Articles:

Fishing Conejos River

Fishing The Rio Grande

Hunting

The Rio Grande National Forest allows big game, small game, and waterfowl hunting in Conejos Peak, Creede, and Saguache Districts.  Six species of big game animals are hunted in the forest, including elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, black bear, bighorn sheep, and mountain lion. Special permits are required (by drawing) to hunt cow elk, antelope, and sheep. For more information, contact Area 17, WS Region Office, 719-587-6900, 722 South Road 1 East, Monte Vista, CO 81144. 

Visit the extensive and official Rio Grande National Forest website and find specific information such as camping, trails, current conditions, maps, brochures, passes, and permits. 

Del Monte Gun Club

The Del Monte Gun Club is centrally located in the San Luis Valley, nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges. They offer sporting clays, traps, and the “what cha call it” stand.

Why not think about setting up an appreciation shoot for your clientele or maybe a business retreat? They will work with you on group rates and meals if needed. Or just come out with the family and try your hand at shooting. They also have expanded the electrical plug-in locations for RV trailers. So come by and stay a weekend or a few days and have some great shooting fun. You are also just a few miles from many attractions to view and take in here in the San Luis Valley. They are open to the public and open for shooting most weekends.

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Alamosa Economy Campground

Full hook-ups, dump station, open year round, showers, go cart course, pets welcome. Now with WI-FI and weekly/monthly rates!

Alamosa KOA Campground

Open May 1-October 15. The Alamosa KOA also has pancake breakfasts on Saturday & Sunday mornings.   RV and tent sites Grills and fire rings Cabins ...
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yes Good for Kids
Base Camp Family Campground

13 RV sites & 12 tent sites, Wi-Fi, pets allowed, showers and Rv Dump for guests. 

yes Good for Kids
Cool Sunshine RV Park

Cool Sunshine RV Park is in the center of downtown Alamosa, the “hub” of the San Luis Valley.  We are centralized to many recreational and tourist hotspots, ie The G ...
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Great Sand Dunes Oasis

Sites for tents, RVs, groups up to 90 people, full hookup, LP gas, dump station, showers, rec room, café, gift store, groceries, gasoline, pets welcome. At entrance to Gr ...
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Great Sand Dunes Piñon Flats Campground

Pinyon Flats Campground at the Great Sand Dunes is a great place to camp.  88 individual sites located along two loops.  Restrooms have sinks, flush toilets and ...
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Medano Pass Primitive Road - 4WD

Medano Pass Primitive Road is a 22-mile route between the Great Sand Dunes and Colorado State Highway 69. The road is only passable with 4WD vehicles with high clear ...
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Rio Grande National Forest

The Rio Grande National Forest is considered to be one of the true undiscovered jewels of Colorado. For the outdoor enthusiast, the Rio Grande National Forest offers ampl ...
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Rustic Rook Resort Glampground

Fully furnished glamping tents - under 20 mins. from The Great Sand Dunes NP entrance. A hot breakfast & s'mores are included everyday! Enjoy views of the massive 14, ...
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San Luis Lakes Wildlife Area

The lakes, wetlands, and low dunes offer many opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing, or just picnicking.  Winter offers cross ...
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San Luis State Wildlife Area

Neighboring the Great Sand Dunes National Park, this wildlife area is ideal for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related recreation. Please Note: A valid hunti ...
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San Luis Valley Trail Guide

Whether you are looking for a challenging alpine adventure or a casual hike with beautiful Colorado scenery, we’ve compiled 17 of our favorite San Luis Valley Trails. &nb ...
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Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area is a breathtakingly rugged and beautifully preserved area located immediately to the Northwest of Alamosa. Standing tall behind the G ...
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The Great Sand Dunes National Park

Against the backdrop of rugged 14,000' peaks in the Sangre de Cristo mountains—the 30 square mile sand dune field, with no designated trails—invites you on an adventure. ...
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The Rio Grande

Float the Rio By the time the Rio Grande reaches Alamosa, it has slowed down to a leisurely pace. This makes the waters perfect for floating! This stretch is also popula ...
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