The Camping Addict

Alvarado campground is located on the side of a mountain amid the fresh scent of fir and spruce in the San Isabel National Forest near Westcliffe, Colorado. The campground winds up the mountain surrounded on all sides by Ponderosa, Aspen, Lodgepole and Gambel oak. Some sites have a spectacular view of the valley below and others have mountain views. The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness is close by, and the camp is a great base for hiking, horseback riding, or ATV sports.

The Alpine Lodge is located right in the campground and offers both a restaurant and lounge—rare feature at a rustic mountain camping area. Firewood is available from the lounge for a fee. Fifty RV and tent camp sites are available for $13 to $16 per day with a 14 day maximum stay. Vault toilets and running water is provided, but there are no hot showers for campers, so even though the Lodge is nearby the camping is fairly primitive. Reservations can be made in advance through www.reserveamerica.com.

Tags: Alvarado campground | Campsite | Outdoors | Recreation