Stunner Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Colorado locals who truly appreciate the rugged beauty and untamed spirit of our majestic mountains, Stunner Campground in Del Norte offers an authentic, high-elevation camping experience. Situated within the vast expanse of the Rio Grande National Forest, this primitive campground provides a genuine escape from the everyday, inviting you to reconnect with nature without the usual fees associated with more developed sites. At an elevation of approximately 9,700 feet, Stunner Campground delivers breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, and a sense of peaceful solitude that is increasingly rare to find. While it embraces a more rustic approach to camping, with limited amenities, it excels in providing the raw, immersive outdoor adventure that many Coloradans seek. It’s a perfect spot for those who are self-sufficient and prioritize natural beauty and tranquility over extensive facilities. Despite being a free campground, visitors consistently highlight its relative cleanliness and the thoughtful spacing between sites, allowing for a more private and serene stay. Stunner Campground truly lives up to its name by offering stunning vistas and a memorable high-country experience.

Location and Accessibility

Stunner Campground is located near Del Norte, Colorado, with its address simply given as Del Norte, CO 81132, USA. More specifically, it sits at 9,700 feet in elevation beside the Alamosa River, approximately two miles below the top of Stunner Pass. This puts it deep within the Rio Grande National Forest, offering a truly immersive mountain environment. Accessing Stunner Campground typically involves navigating unpaved forest service roads. While these roads can be rough and bumpy, especially after inclement weather, most passenger vehicles can reach the campground with careful driving. Reviews indicate that the road throughout the campground itself can be "VERY POOR" with ruts and uneven sections, so larger RVs or trailers should proceed with caution, and smaller, self-contained units or tents might find it more comfortable. Despite the road conditions, its relative proximity to Del Norte, a charming town in the San Luis Valley, means that essential supplies are not too far away. The journey to Stunner Campground itself is part of the adventure, winding through scenic mountain landscapes that hint at the beauty awaiting you. For Colorado residents, it represents a readily accessible option for genuine high-country camping without the need for extensive backcountry travel, provided one is prepared for rougher road conditions.

Services Offered

• Campsites with Tables: Each of the approximately five campsites is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Pits/Rings: Individual fire pits or rings are available at each site, allowing campers to safely build campfires for cooking and warmth, though firewood can be limited.
• Vault Toilet: A single vault-type toilet is provided within the campground. While primitive, reviews indicate it is generally acceptable and maintained, offering a basic restroom facility.
• Adequate Parking: Each site typically offers sufficient parking space for vehicles, including trailer spaces, though maneuvering larger rigs can be challenging on the unpaved and uneven internal roads.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial to note that Stunner Campground does not have a potable water supply. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
• No Fee Camping: Stunner Campground operates as a free campground, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Features / Highlights

• Free Camping: As a no-fee campground, Stunner offers an incredibly accessible and affordable option for experiencing Colorado's high country.
• Rugged Mountain Scenery: The campground boasts stunning natural beauty, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Rio Grande National Forest and located beside the Alamosa River.
• Secluded Sites: Despite a limited number of sites (around 5), there's a good separation between them, offering a sense of privacy and seclusion often desired in primitive camping.
• Alamosa River Access: The campground's location directly beside the Alamosa River provides opportunities for riverside enjoyment, though fishing in this section of the river is limited due to naturally acidic water.
• Ghost Town Proximity: The historic ghost town of Stunner is located just east of the campground, offering a unique opportunity for exploration and a glimpse into Colorado's mining history.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding national forest is home to diverse wildlife, including bear, deer, elk, and various bird species, offering opportunities for nature observation.
• Stargazing: Given its high elevation and remote location, Stunner Campground provides an excellent environment for clear, dark night skies and spectacular stargazing.
• Primitive Charm: For those who prefer a less developed, more "back-to-basics" camping experience, Stunner offers a truly primitive and authentic outdoor adventure.

Contact Information

As Stunner Campground is operated by the U.S. Forest Service within the Rio Grande National Forest, direct contact for the campground itself might be limited. However, for current conditions, road information, or general inquiries about the area, you can typically reach the Conejos Peak Ranger District Office, which oversees this section of the forest. The general contact number for the Rio Grande National Forest (which includes the Conejos Peak Ranger District) is (719) 274-8971. It is highly recommended to call this number before your visit, especially if you are traveling during shoulder seasons, to inquire about road accessibility, fire restrictions, and any specific alerts or closures that might be in effect. The physical address for the general area is Del Norte, CO 81132, USA. Please note that there isn't a direct phone number specifically for Stunner Campground, as it is a primitive, unstaffed site. Always plan to be self-sufficient and prepared for varying conditions when visiting this type of National Forest campground.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Coloradans, Stunner Campground in Del Norte offers an authentic and accessible slice of the wild, high-country experience that defines our state. Its primary appeal for locals is undoubtedly its status as a free campground. In an era where outdoor recreation can become increasingly expensive, Stunner provides a valuable opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Rio Grande National Forest without a fee, making it ideal for budget-conscious adventurers. Despite being primitive, the basic amenities—fire pits, picnic tables, and a vault toilet—provide just enough comfort for a genuine outdoor escape. The spectacular mountain views and the calming presence of the Alamosa River create a serene backdrop, perfect for those seeking to unplug and unwind. While the rough roads and exposure to wind might deter some, many Coloradans are accustomed to such conditions and appreciate the trade-off for solitude and pristine nature. The limited number of sites ensures a less crowded experience, allowing for greater peace and quiet, especially during weekdays. For locals living in the San Luis Valley or those within a reasonable driving distance, Stunner Campground is an ideal spot for a quick overnight, a weekend of dispersed-style camping, or as a base for exploring the surrounding national forest, hiking trails, and even the nearby historic ghost town. It truly embodies the spirit of self-reliant outdoor adventure that many Coloradans cherish, offering a direct connection to the state's wild heart without breaking the bank.

Stunner Campground

Del Norte, CO 81132, USA