Description

You absolutely can’t beat the views at Piñon Flats… for realsies. As the sun sets, watch the light dance over the massive sand dunes, creating a Technicolor display you didn’t even know was possible. Subtly snow-capped mountains in the background make this place even more magical, and you’ll hardly want to blink it’s so beautiful. While you’re at the Great Sand Dunes, you’re going to want to check out Medano Creek, and maybe even climb up the dunes. With this campground, both of those glorious activities are literally in your backyard. There are lots of sites here, but you’ll want to reserve early (especially if you want a prime spot on Loop 1, where the best views are)--because this place gets jam-packed.
Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
47 sites
Up to 40 guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking
Hiking
Horseback riding
Swimming

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Pinon Flats Campground.

Beach
Cave
Desert
Forest
Hot spring
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
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14 Reviews

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Drop some Pinon Flats Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Shana
Shana B.
recommends this listing.
February 4th, 2021

Camped in site #38 & had beautiful views of dunes. Like everyone else says, come prepared with everything you need & it definitely gets hot out there so hike early. My site had some shade but was glad I had more. I was there in late Aug & had no problems with bugs. Cool nights & a million stars. Hard to grasp just how large the dunes are until you are there Would def camp here again & wish I had HCV to go in the backcountry.

Hipcamper Julian
Julian B.
recommends this listing.
November 7th, 2019

We tent camped at Pinon Flats on Sunday, October 20th in the first loop. (High: ~45F, Low ~20F). We arrived around sunset and less than half the sites were occupied.

Most sites in the first loop have decent views of the dunes, we were able to grab a site with a decent view even after arriving as late as we did.

Each site has it's own picnic table and fire pit. The restroom facilities were very well maintained and clean. (Flush toilets, running water).

To be known: The wind was pretty relentless all night which made for a very chilly night (Real feel was probably closer to ~10F)

Hipcamper Sheena
Sheena H.
recommends this listing.
February 5th, 2019

Watch for cactus if you hike around your campsite!

Hipcamper Patrick
Patrick M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
May 27th, 2018

The park is like no other, a desert, surrounded by green mountains full of pinon, Ponderosa, and juniper trees. The campground is situated with amazing views from many sites. The winds can be harsh here, so be prepared, though we have camped here many times when it was still. Elk, muleys, bobcats, and antelope are some of the wildlife we have seen here. It gets hot, sand really reflects heat, so take a LOT of water when heading out on the dunes or the trails. Want to be inspired, this is the place. There is a great little store inside the campground, decent prices and a lot of supplies, food, camp chairs, etc.. but no beer! There are flush toilets, a great evening show by rangers on some nights, water spigots for potable water.

Hipcamper Erica
Erica E.
didn't provide a recommendation.
April 7th, 2018

Walking along Medano Creek, splashing around with my dog was a blast! So fun to surf the dunes and hike the trails. Campgrounds are tight but clean and nice. Only spent one night here then heaed to a nearby BLM campground. You will love the views and various scenery. The drives in this area are phenomenal, especially with the rapidily changing weather. Saw a triple rainbow on our drive in after a massive thunderstorm. Hours later is was very sunny, windy, and warm. Each season here is a very different experience, so be sure to come back throughout the year.

Hipcamper Sara
Sara L.
didn't provide a recommendation.
February 20th, 2018

Don't camp in the dunes during a lightening storm!

Hipcamper Caitlin
Caitlin F.
recommends this listing.
November 20th, 2017

The weather is very changeable. Don't be discouraged by stormy weather, it'll likely be followed by an epic sunset.

Hipcamper Taylor
Taylor M.
recommends this listing.
August 1st, 2017

Don't forget a sled!

Hipcamper Callie
Callie P.
recommends this listing.
July 17th, 2017

BUGS! In the summer months be prepared for lots of mosquitos. Bring bug spray and you should be fine. I hiked the dunes at both dawn and dusk and it was absolutely beautiful and a great time to avoid the bugs as well. During the day it can get extremely hot, so I suggest you stay cool and relax at your campsite or enjoy the river, if it's flowing.

Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park
State
Colorado
Country
United States
Phone Number
1-877-444-6777
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
37.733° N, 105.517° W
Unknown price
Tent Only: 11 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)
Unknown price
RV / Trailer: 14 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)
Unknown price
Tent / RV / Trailer - Group: 3 Sites
(Up to 40 people per site)
Unknown price
Tent / RV / Trailer: 19 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)