San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area

Formerly, San Luis State Park, San Luis Sate Wildlife Area offers exceptional views of San Luis Lake, the Sand Dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If camping around the area, San Luis offers modern campgrounds, which are generally less crowded than at nearby Great Sand Dunes.

Located just around the corner from the Great Dunes, San Luis State Park is a visual gem. You can see the Dunes from this scenic park near Alamosa.

The main attraction is camping and the lake, which has attracted visitors since the 1920s. San Luis Lake is usually open for motor boating, but low water levels this year has closed it to motor boats. Nearby Zepata Falls has a primitive campground and 1/2 mile hike to a waterfall.

San Luis State Park Campground — Campsites are nice and scenic, with lots of jack rabbits around.

Activities at San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area

Biking: Four miles of wide, gravel trails.

Boating: Motor boating, personal watercraft, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing are popular when the lake is at normal water levels. Currently, the lake is closed to motor boats due to low water levels. 890 surface acre lake. The lake is open to hand-launched boats.

Camping: Yes; 51 sites with electrical hook-up, sheltered tables, fire grills, nearby water hydrants and a dump station. $20/night

Fishing: Open year round for trout fishing, water levels permitting. Sometimes the lake dries out.

Hiking: Share with bike trails or try nearby Zepata Falls for a short hike, or hike up the Sand Dunes for an exhausting morning or afternoon.

Hunting: Big game, waterfowl and small game is permitted during established seasons in the wildlife area north of San Luis Lake. The wildlife area is closed annually from Feb 15 until July 15.

Swimming: Not permitted in lake.

Water Skiing: Permitted if water conditions exist.

San Luis State Park has a nice beach and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.