Alvarado Campground

Hello, fellow Coloradoans! For those of us who live and breathe the mountain air, the call of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is often irresistible. If you're seeking a quiet, natural escape where the rustle of pines and aspens replaces city sounds, Alvarado Campground in Westcliffe, Colorado, might be on your radar. Nestled at the very base of these majestic peaks, this campground offers a rustic, immersive experience for those who appreciate true wilderness and direct access to some incredible trails. However, it’s important to come prepared and with realistic expectations, as Alvarado prioritizes natural beauty and outdoor activity over extensive amenities.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Alvarado Campground, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your next Colorado adventure. We understand that local campers have diverse preferences, and Alvarado, while beautiful, is certainly not for everyone. We'll delve into its serene location and accessibility, outline the services and features you can expect, and provide essential contact information. Our goal is to give you a complete picture, acknowledging both the natural splendor and the practical considerations, so you can plan a successful and enjoyable trip into the heart of Colorado's stunning landscape.

Prepare to discover a campground that offers profound quiet and unparalleled access to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, a place where the trails beckon and the mountain air invigorates. Let's explore what makes Alvarado Campground a unique choice for those seeking a genuine Colorado outdoor experience.

Alvarado Campground is located on Co Rd 140, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USA, within the San Isabel National Forest. Its elevation of approximately 9,000 feet places it squarely in the cool, refreshing air of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, providing a welcome escape during warmer months. This prime location means it sits directly at the base of these impressive peaks, offering a gateway to high-elevation adventures.

Accessibility to Alvarado Campground is generally straightforward by car. From Westcliffe, Colorado, visitors can take State Route 69 south for about 3 miles to the campground sign (County Road 140), then turn right and follow for approximately 1.8 miles to a stop sign. Continuing straight for another 2.8 miles leads to another stop sign (County Road 141). A left turn onto County Road 141 for 2.1 miles will bring you to the campground. It’s worth noting that County Road 141 becomes dirt/gravel after about 0.4 miles, so be prepared for unpaved roads. The campground is also a short drive from the twin towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, offering basic amenities like groceries and gas, should you need to resupply.

While accessible, campers should be aware of the specific conditions and rules regarding vehicles. The campground typically allows two vehicles per site, with an additional fee for extra vehicles. However, restrictions may apply to the combination of vehicles and trailers (e.g., a car and a tiny trailer might not be allowed together if it exceeds the site's capacity of 2 vehicles/1 RV per site), so it's always best to clarify specific vehicle allowances with the ranger district or during reservation to avoid issues upon arrival. Its setting amidst pines and aspens, with some sites near a creek, provides a serene and scenic approach to this quiet mountain retreat.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: Alvarado Campground offers 50 campsites suitable for both tents and RVs (up to 40-45 feet, though spur length for RVs is often no more than 29 feet). There are also four walk-in tent sites and three dedicated equestrian sites.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring/grill for campfires (subject to fire restrictions), and some lower sites also have lantern posts.
• Vault Toilets: Accessible vault toilets are provided throughout the campground. Reviews generally indicate these are well-maintained and clean.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available from a hand pump, typically operational from late May to mid-October. It's advisable to check current water availability, as sometimes there can be issues. Some campers note the water can be mineral-rich or chlorinated, so bringing your own drinking water is an option.
• Trash Receptacles: Trash collection services are available, though some reviews mention a single trash receptacle on the far side of the park, requiring a bit of a trek.
• Camp Hosts: A camp host is typically on-site, offering assistance and managing the campground. Reviews indicate varying experiences with hosts, from very friendly and helpful to less accommodating.
• Equestrian Facilities: Three designated equestrian sites are available, with space for portable corrals (no permanent corrals are provided). Certified weed-free hay, cubes, or pellets are required.

Features / Highlights:

• Quiet & Peaceful Atmosphere: A consistent highlight is the campground's quiet environment, perfect for those seeking solitude and a break from noise.
• Stunning Mountain Setting: Nestled at the base of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the campground offers a beautiful backdrop of pine and aspen forests, with some sites providing views of the Wet Mountain Valley below or being situated along Alvarado Creek.
• Direct Trailhead Access: Several trailheads are located right next to the campground, offering immediate access to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. These include trails like Cottonwood, Comanche, Goodwin, and Venable, leading to high-elevation lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.
• Equestrian Access: The campground's equestrian loop and direct trail access make it ideal for horseback riding enthusiasts.
• Diverse Hiking Opportunities: Trails cater to various difficulty levels, from easy strolls to challenging climbs, with some trails leading into the non-motorized wilderness areas.
• Motorized Trail Access: The Rainbow Trail, accessible nearby, is open to ATVs and motorcycles, providing options for motorized recreation.
• Wildlife Viewing: Being in a natural forest setting at the base of the mountains, there are opportunities for wildlife observation. Campers should be aware that it is bear country and adhere to bear-resistant food storage regulations.
• Cool Mountain Air: At 9,000 feet, Alvarado offers a refreshing escape from the heat, providing comfortable camping conditions during the summer months.
• Proximity to Westcliffe/Silver Cliff: The nearby towns offer basic services and a quaint small-town Colorado experience.

Contact Information:

Address: Co Rd 140, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USA

Phone for general inquiries (San Carlos Ranger District): (719) 269-8500 or +1 719-269-8500

For reservations, which are accepted for many sites:

Reservations via Recreation.gov: 1-877-444-6777 or visit recreation.gov (Search for "Alvarado Campground - Lake Isabel")

In conclusion, Alvarado Campground offers a distinct and often rewarding experience for Colorado locals seeking a truly quiet and rustic mountain escape at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. While some reviews highlight challenges with amenities like the lack of showers and water hookups, and occasional issues with specific rules or interactions with hosts, these points often reflect the expectation of a more primitive, wilderness-adjacent camping experience. For us Coloradoans who prioritize genuine outdoor immersion and direct trail access over extensive creature comforts, Alvarado presents a compelling option.

Its key suitability for locals lies in its serene, forested setting, which provides a genuine sense of peace and immediate access to a vast network of hiking and equestrian trails leading into the stunning Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The opportunity to camp amidst pine and aspen at 9,000 feet, with a creek running through some sites, is undeniably appealing. While campers should arrive fully prepared for self-sufficiency, understanding and embracing the campground's focus on natural preservation and outdoor activity will lead to a more positive experience. For those who value the quiet beauty of our mountains and are ready to abide by regulations designed to protect this precious environment, Alvarado Campground offers a profound connection to the heart of Colorado's backcountry, making it a place where true outdoor enthusiasts can find their peace.

Alvarado Campground

Co Rd 140, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USA