Stunner Campground
4.467 reviews15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140
Stunner Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required at this site.
About this campground
Perched high in the Rio Grande National Forest at 9,700 feet, Stunner Campground offers a true escape into Colorado's rugged wilderness. This intimate, five-site campground provides adventurers with essential amenities including sturdy picnic tables, fire pits for evening gatherings, and a vault toilet facility. While the campground accommodates trailers with ample parking spaces, visitors should prepare for rustic road conditions that add to the authentic backcountry experience. The exposed alpine setting means you'll feel every mountain breeze, making this an ideal spot for those who appreciate nature's raw beauty over manicured comfort.
Stunner Campground offers dispersed camping with no fees, suitable for both tent and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceYour camping experience at Stunner comes with a haunting backstory that echoes through the surrounding peaks. Just beyond your tent lies the remnants of Stunner ghost town, a testament to the boom-and-bust dreams of Colorado's mining era. Once bustling with prospectors convinced they'd struck it rich, the town ultimately fell victim to barren mines and the insurmountable challenge of transporting goods across these unforgiving mountains. Today, weathered structures stand as silent witnesses to broken dreams, though portions remain on private property, adding an air of mystery to your mountain retreat.
Weather and SeasonsStunner Campground's high-altitude location creates a dramatic seasonal tapestry that transforms throughout the year. Winter brings a crystalline wonderland with bone-chilling temperatures that test even seasoned campers. As spring awakens the mountains, frequent snowfalls can surprise visitors well into May. Summer unveils the campground's gentler side with warm days perfect for exploration, though evening temperatures still demand warm layers. Be prepared to share your summer adventures with local insects and the distant hum of off-highway vehicles echoing through the valleys. Fall arrives early at this elevation, painting the landscape in golden aspens before winter's return.
ElevationAt 9,700 feet above sea level, Stunner Campground places you firmly in Colorado's high country, where the air grows thin and the views expand endlessly. This elevation brings crisp, clean air and stunning vistas, but also demands respect from visitors. Take time to acclimate, stay hydrated, and listen to your body as you adjust to the altitude. The reward for this adjustment is camping among the clouds, where morning mists dance through the pines and evening alpenglow paints the peaks in shades of rose and gold.
Natural Features and SceneryStunner Campground immerses you in a pristine mountain forest where towering conifers create a natural cathedral around your campsite. One lucky site offers glimpses of the Alamosa River winding through the valley below, its waters telling their own geological story through naturally occurring acidity that has shaped this unique ecosystem. While the river's chemistry limits fishing opportunities, it creates a fascinating natural laboratory for those interested in mountain ecology. The surrounding forest opens to reveal the ghostly remains of Stunner town, where nature slowly reclaims what prospectors once built, creating a poignant blend of human history and wilderness renewal.
Geological RegionNestled alongside the Alamosa River just two miles below the summit of Stunner Pass, this campground occupies a strategic position in the Rio Grande National Forest's diverse geological landscape. At 9,700 feet, you're camping in a transition zone where subalpine forests give way to alpine meadows, and where ancient volcanic activity has left its mark on the surrounding peaks. The Alamosa River has carved its path through millennia of geological history, creating the valley that now cradles your wilderness retreat while offering a front-row seat to the powerful forces that shaped Colorado's spectacular high country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly stated in the source materials.
Sites SizeUser reviews mention decent-sized campsites.
Sites PrivacyFour sites are situated on the edge of the forest, while the fifth one is more open and offers a view of the river, according to user reviews.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose the more open site for river views and the forest-edge sites for privacy.
Best CampsitesOne campsite is more open and offers a view of the river. Other campsites are on the forest edge.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days per user review
Groups
Group camping sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground road is described as poor condition. Campsites vary between forest-edge locations and one open site with river views.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from late-May to mid-October.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst come, first served as confirmed by user reviews, with only 5 campsites available.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Stunner Campground offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as picnicking, wildlife viewing, viewing plants, scenic drives, OHV road riding, and fishing (limited due to naturally acidic water). Big game hunting is also possible.
Fishing
Fishing is near the Alamosa River but is severely limited due to naturally acidic water between Stunner Campground and Terrace Reservoir.Wildlife viewing
Frequent wildlife sightings are implied through the campground's secluded and natural location.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, though snow is common during colder weeks based on weather data.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be kept within metal fire rings, and extinguished until 'Dead Out' and cold to the touch before leaving.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM daily as per operational hours.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available, and stream water must be purified before consumption. Bugs are noted to be significant in mid-summer, and wind may be a concern due to lack of natural site protection. The area is bear country.
Active alertsMotorized access may be limited by snow and seasonal closures from March 15th to May 15th.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Conejos Peak Ranger District, 15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140, Phone: 719-274-8971. Contact for current conditions or emergencies.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers must pack out all trash according to regulations. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Alamosa River, which is naturally acidic, limiting its fishing potential.
Common complaintsPoor road conditions within the campground, lack of wind protection at campsites, and canyon road noise amplified on weekends.
Campground Map
15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140
Driving directions1/4 mile North of La Jara, CO, take Rd. 15 west 10.6 miles to Forest Road 255, turn left (dirt) and go 11.4 miles to Forest Rd. 250. Continue straight on Rd. 250 and go 18.4 miles to 'Y' (Forest Rd. 380). Bear right onto Rd. 380 and go 0.4 miles to campground sign. Turn left, 0.3 miles to campground.
Motorized access may be limited by snow and annual seasonal road closures from March 15th to May 15th. The roads include paved and dirt sections, with the possibility of poor road conditions within the campground as per user feedback.Nearby places
La Jara, CO (approximately 40 miles, travel time varies based on road conditions)
Nearby supplies
La Jara, CO offers the nearest location for supplies including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel. Distance is approximately 40 miles.
Camper Reviews
4.5
7 reviews
Stunner Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the campground as secluded, quiet (except for OHV traffic), clean, and free of charge. Some complaints include poor road conditions, wind exposure, and bugs during summer.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
"This campground is wonderful. It's dispersed camping, so there's no fee to camp." "The Forest Service obviously takes great care of this campground." "Beautiful, secluded, and quiet when the OHV...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
"Road throughout the campground is VERY POOR." "Lots of traffic here on the weekends." "Not quiet as the canyon amplifies road noise from the surrounding gravel roads." "Not many sites, and none are...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water, as none is provided. Vault toilet is clean. Expect bugs during summer. Respect speed limits (20 mph) on Forest Service roads.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months see increased OHV traffic and bugs, while fall provides a quieter atmosphere. Winter access may be limited due to snow.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This campground is wonderful. It's dispersed camping, so there's no fee to camp." "Beautiful, secluded, and quiet when the OHV crowd isn’t rolling through." "Road throughout the campground is VERY...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Four of the campsites are on the edge of the forest, while one offers a view of the river. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned explicitly in the reviews or official sources.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet, as per regulations. No specific reviews about pet experiences are provided.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025