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San Luis State Wildlife Area: A High Plains Oasis

Discover diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and outdoor adventures at San Luis State Wildlife Area near the Great Sand Dunes.

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Nestled near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis State Wildlife Area offers a diverse landscape of wetlands, grasslands, and desert shrublands. It's a haven for birdwatching, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

A brief summary to San Luis State Wildlife Area

Local tips

  • Bring your own water, as there is no potable water available at the campground.
  • A valid hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area (SWA) pass is required for everyone 16 or older to access the area.
  • The campground is popular, especially during the summer. Reservations are recommended, particularly from Memorial Day through July 4th.
  • Be prepared for wind, as the campground is located in an open area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Alamosa, drive 13 miles north on Highway 17. Turn right (east) onto County Lane 6 N and continue for 8 miles. The San Luis State Wildlife Area will be on your left. Note that the entrance is an abandoned entrance. There is no fee to enter the SWA, but a valid hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older. Parking is available at the campground and near the lake.

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Discover more about San Luis State Wildlife Area

San Luis State Wildlife Area (SWA), formerly San Luis State Park, is a 3,317-acre protected area in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. Located near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the SWA provides a quieter alternative for camping and access to outdoor recreation. The landscape features a striking contrast between dunes covered with saltbush and rabbitbrush, and grassy wetlands that attract a variety of wildlife. The area is known for its birdwatching opportunities, with waterfowl and shorebirds frequenting the restored wetlands. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in San Luis Lake, when water levels permit, and hunting during established seasons in designated areas. The Mosca Campground within the SWA offers campsites with electrical hookups, fire grills, and picnic tables. While the campground provides amenities, visitors should bring their own water, ice, and firewood. The SWA is open year-round, but some areas may be closed seasonally to protect nesting birds.

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