Alvarado is located where the Sangre de Cristo range meets the Wet Mountain Valley, a 35-mile wide grassland with a ranching history. The campground is a short drive from the twin towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, and it sits just outside the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, so this campground can be very popular in the summer. It consists of several loops and spurs in a dense spruce-fir forest with scattered aspen groves. The sites are 2-50 feet apart and shaded.

There are 43 sites for tents and RVs up to 40 feet, four walk-in tent sites (sites 44-47) and three horse sites. There are no hookups. Picnic tables, fire rings, grills and tent pads are provided. Vault toilets are available. There is no drinking water. Leashed pets are permitted. The facilities are wheelchair-accessible.

Reservations are accepted for 27 of the sites at 877-444-6777 and recreation.gov. Cash or check only. Open late May-mid-October.