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The best camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Great Sand Dunes adventure.

The best camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Great Sand Dunes adventure.

Camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park

98% (62 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Great Sand Dunes adventure.

Come play in North America’s tallest sand box.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Great Sand Dunes National Park

97%
(657)

High Peaks Campground

22 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Moffat, CO
Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the highest Alpine Valley! Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With 360 mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, Meteor showers!!! Previously known as High Desert Ranch Campground, this land was originally part of a large ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. In 2021, we were featured in USA Todays Ten Best for star gazing! My property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! You will be surrounded by ranch land and state land with Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. Accommodations for those with livestock, just make sure you chat in advance your initial message. Close to BLM, and National Forest as well as 3 hot springs within 20 miles and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!
from 
$28
 / night
94%
(423)

Rabbit Hole Ranch

102 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Alamosa East, CO
The Rabbit Hole Ranch offers beautiful unobstructed views of the majestic Blanca Massif and the Great Sand Dunes and is just a (gorgeous) 35 minute drive from both to include Zapata Falls. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-see, and I am grateful for the opportunity to offer you a place nearby to set up camp and go exploring. Alamosa, the largest town in the SLV, is just 20 minutes away. With a population of around 9,800 Alamosa has that small town feel and has the goods and services you will need. Camping here at the Rabbit Hole Ranch is primitive and dispersed (no numbered sites) and there 30 acres available for you to use. Typically, you will experience a rare kind of solitude and silence that feels…. other-worldly, with incredible sunrises and sunsets filling the enormous skies. On holidays, however, expect it to be busy. Our two Great Pyrenees are here to help keep you and your pets (and our chickens) safe. Please help make their jobs easier by not leaving any food or trash in or around tents. Please keep your pets on leash or under control until you’re comfortably certain they get along with all four of our dogs. This year we have a new Great Pyrenees to greet you, his name is TheoVon and he is huge! Returning this season is KayLee also a GP and and Finn, who is a little Benji lookin rescue from Alaska who just LOVES everybody. And then we have our latest addition, Kya, Shes a rescue as well and spent way too much time in an apartment before coming to stay with us, This will be her first season with us and she is 1 1/2 years old. A more energetic dog than what were used to around here but so far so good! Hopefully you happy campers can help us socialize the new dogs! Quiet time begins at 10:00 pm. Note: Holidays still offer the excellent location and spectacular views, but are likely to be less quiet and far more busy. We do not strictly enforce quiet time during holidays.
from 
$48
 / night
95%
(76)

Sandhill Desert Ranch

2 sites ¡ Tents45 acres ¡ Mosca, CO
If you're looking to take a deep breath away from the busyness of life, Sandhill Desert Ranch is waiting for you. Gaze over the campfire the Great Sand Dunes as the sun sets behind you. Wake up early to go sand boarding or hiking at the National Park, then take a refreshing dunk in Zapata Falls before you head back to camp to relax. Don't forget to look up as night falls again - the stars in the San Luis Valley are out of this world!
from 
$28
 / night
86%
(7)

Base Camp Family Campground

20 sites ¡ RVs20 acres ¡ Alamosa, CO
Welcome To Your Base Camp Whether your adventure brings you here for just one night, or the entire summer, this is the view you want to wake up to! We have... •Largest Pull Through Sites In The Area-100' x 40' •Big-Rig-Friendly, 60 degree angled sites •Large Private Showers •Best 360 Degree Views •Full Hookups •Free Wi-Fi •Laundry •Close To All Local Attractions •Sandboard & Sand Sled Rentals - https://slv-adventures.square.site •65 Degree Average Summer Temperatures Base Camp Family Campground is operated by the Baker Family. Josh Baker first lived in Southern Colorado in the early 90's as a child, but his parents moved the family away after a short time. His desire to move back here as an adult prompted him to start bringing his own family to Colorado for vacations. They purchased land in the valley in 2014 and moved to Colorado in 2020. They are using all they've learned from years of RVing adventures, to continue the park's mission of providing a clean, affordable, spacious, well-run camping facility, and to be a centrally located "base camp" and hub of information for everything this unique area has to offer. You may feel it when you first enter the valley...this is a special place like no other. You'll be camping on Native American sacred ground, in the shadows of 14,000 ft. mountain peaks, in the largest high-desert alpine valley in the world, that is sprinkled with free-flowing artesian wells, hot springs and wet lands. Water gushes up through the desert floor from aquifers that are continually replenished from the snow that melts from the surrounding mountains. The valley gets 350 days of sunshine each year and less than 8 inches of precipitation, mostly in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Bring a sweater, even if you're here in August. Daily summer temperatures average 65 degrees, and it will get down into the 50's at night. That's perfect camping weather! For native American tribes, including the Utes, Apache, Navajos, and others, this valley is considered the source of life, a place where humans and spirit enter and leave this world. This sipapu, or place of emergence, is believed to be near the sand dunes, in the San Luis Lakes area. The valley was considered so sacred, that no war would be waged here. The tribes would pass each other in peace. Blanca Peak is considered the eastern boundary and doorway into Dinetah, the traditional Navajo homeland. Today, 30 spiritual centers, representing religions from all over the world, are located in the Crestone area at the north end of the valley. The ET Connection As if all of the mountains, deserts, hot springs, and sacred ground weren't enough, The San Luis Valley is also known as a UFO hot spot! UFO sightings have been reported as far back as the 1600's. You'll want to visit The UFO Watch tower, on highway 17, "The Cosmic Highway". Owner, Judy Messoline is a wealth of information on the subject. • EXPRESS CHECK IN - We'll send you an email the day before your arrival, with your site number, wifi password, etc. There is no need to check in at the host site when you arrive, unless you have questions. You can follow the yellow signs straight to your camp site! • DURING COLD WATER MONTHS -water faucets may be used for filling RV tanks only. Water hoses must be disconnected after filling tanks. No permanent water hose connections will be allowed. • Check In Time -1:00 PM •Check Out Time -11:00 AM ATTRACTIONS - Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge on the Rio Grande - San Luis Valley Museum - Rio Grande Scenic Railroad - Splashland Hot Springs - Blanca Vista Park - Cattails Golf Course - Luther Bean Museum - Ryan Geology Museum - Fort Garland Museum - Zapata Falls - Colorado Gators Reptile Park - Homelake Veterans' History Museum - Monte Vista History Museum - Transportation of the West Museum - Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve - Sanford Museum - UFO Watchtower - Sand Dunes Swimming Pool - Jack Dempsey Museum - Joyful Journey Hot Springs - Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center - Stations of the Cross Shrine - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Antonito Depot - Fransisco Fort Museum - Rio Grande County Museum - Conejos County Museum - Crestone History Museum - Hazard House Museum - Saguache County Museum - Valley View Hot Springs - Creede History Museum - Creede Underground Mining Museum - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Chama Depot - Taos Pueblo - Hinsdale County Museum
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$51
 / night
100%
(4)

Off the grid, mountain escape

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ Blanca, CO
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Get away from the world and enter this cozy tiny. Enjoy sleeping under the stars with Mountain View’s to start your day in the morning. 20 min drive to the beautiful national park. 15 min from Zapata Falls. Alamosa Rec center 25 min away has $3 showers. This house runs on solar power, but is limited so please plan accordingly. You have to climb a ladder to get into the loft, the size of the entrance is 22.5 inches by 22.5 inches.
from 
$32
 / night
92%
(6)

Dunes Desert Camp

12 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents320 acres ¡ Hooper, CO
Enjoy your own private desert playground, 320 Acres of pristine wilderness in the shadow of Blanca Peak and in sight of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Whether you want to explore the valley on a hike, bike, or All Terrain Vehicle, fly over it in a private light aircraft, or plan an expedition to the mountains, Dunes Desert Camp is your staging ground for exploring the breathtaking natural wonders of the San Luis Valley. Located just twenty miles from downtown Alamosa, Dunes Desert Camp offers remoteness and privacy coupled with the convenience of being near a vibrant metropolitan center. Get away from it all, and get back to finding yourself in the desert. We have one large Safari tent with a double bed and 5 two person dome tents fitted with camp cots Sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses and camping equipment is available to rent on site.
from 
$50
 / night
95%
(125)

Hummingbird Ranch

12 sites ¡ RVs, Tents360 acres ¡ Rye, CO
Learn more about this land:Hummingbird Ranch is a gorgeous sprawling ranch in Colorado's Spanish Peaks Country with panoramic views of the Wet Mountains and across the plains to the Spanish Peaks. Location is only 12 easy driving minutes from I25.
from 
$33
 / night
99%
(84)

Mountains, Trains, and Sand Dunes

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Fort Garland, CO
As the Scenic Passenger Train is heard in the distance you'll look up towards Mount Blanca and imagine your next adventure living among the wildflowers of this High Desert Mountain Hipcamp. After recovering from a wildfire, the ancient sage brushes that had previously made the land harsh and unwelcoming are gone, replaced with an abundance of grasses and wildflowers. Open Land as far as you can go to the East you'll follow the Coyote canyon to high mountain lookouts. There are old logging maintenance roads you should take advantage of. Hike, Bike or Motor around the local area. Fort Garland and Blanca have a community center (pool), septic dump and water fill and can provide groceries. The Great Sand dunes are about 45 minutes away. The Sand Dunes swimming pool, fed by a very hot artisan well is about an hour away. Mountain Home Lake is also within 1/2 an hour or so for fishing/water sports with a nice boat ramp. Escape from light pollution like never before, a clear night sky will make the whole trip worthwhile! Lots of wild life and you will most likely see some deer, hear the coyotes, and count the different colors of the humming birds. You can book a train ride out of Alamosa, and visit the local historic towns. The views will make it hard to leave the campsite, but there are tons of experiences and things to do in the area so make sure to do some research before you arrive.  The weather and wind can be unpredictable in the mountains, so be prepared.  There are two entrances onto the property, one at the bottom and one at the top. You can avoid some wind by camping near Lewis-Smith Rd at the lowest part of the land.  Also, the site can accommodate large trailers/RV's but just make sure to plan your entrance/exit carefully and don't go to far down the hills.  Just choose a wise spot to park if in a big rig.  There are some small tires around that you can use to sit on or if you dig a hole that you fill in before leaving you can make a temporary toilet.  Make sure to haul out all your trash and leave the site cleaner than it was when you arrived and respect the land.  If you do come across a mess from the previous camper and clean it up, just let us know and we will give you a refund for the night. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
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$24
 / night
97%
(347)

Nature is FREE

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Blanca, CO
... Learn more about this land: We have scraped areas , sites 3 & 4. Sites 1 and 2 are raked not scraped. We are offering free Duck and chicken eggs for breakfast or dinner. As well as a free bundle of wood for a fire. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST AND WEATHER ALLOWS. ***Now a bathroom is available*** Want to ride atvs or park and stretch or do some yoga in front of the mountain ? Do it here cheaper than the rest ! I do offer firewood and other extras. Ducks and Chickens onsite for kiddos, also have kiddos. Live the offgrid life for short time. Safe travels ! All areas are MANY yards from each other. Terrain is scrapped for tents but be aware cactus is everywhere. Please check weather for area because the wind can get fierce. Great night views of the stars and 360 view of mountains as well as being at the base of one. Sand dunes and waterfall just 15 minutes away . Please respect the wildlife and property. Pet/420 Friendly. We do NOT charge to camp, charges are for a GATE FEE. You are paying the gate fee THRU HIPCAMP NOW... NO PAYMENT on arrival. Best if GPS is used, but address given after booking. IF AT NIGHT, STAY TO YOUR LEFT ON DRIVEWAY, CONTINUE LEFT TILL YOU SEE NUMBERED SPOTS. FOR DAYTIME, LOOK FOR 3 LARGE WIND TURBINES INFRONT OF A BLUE AND WHITE HOUSE.
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$17.50
 / night
93%
(234)

Campe Diem!

70 sites ¡ RVs, Tents72 acres ¡ CO
Do you want a large, private, uniquely situated, pet friendly CampSpot™ to yourselves or family with a BATHHOUSE where it can be so quiet and some days there are stars for as deep as you can see? We have about 300 of those days and nights. Usually can stay longer on Sundays! We are 72 acres of piñon trees, some small animal life and crickets tucked against a mesa just a few minutes from town. Bring your shoe prints! We have sandboards! $15 per day! We are approximately a 35 minute beautiful drive from the National Sand Dunes around Mt. Blanca. (14'r). 2 minutes from the Mountain Home State Wildlife Park and reservoir where you can fish swim chill cookout etc. You can bike, hike, Swim, jet ski or fish at the newly stocked reservoir. Firewood must be purchased at the campsite. Pet friendly!
from 
$22
 / night
84%
(43)

Dreamweaver's Sanctuary

21 sites ¡ RVs, Tents4 acres ¡ Crestone, CO
Dreamweaver’s Sanctuary is an evolving artist collaborative project and homestead that focuses on sustainability, creativity, spiritual growth, with mindful community values. We host events and workshops, prepare meals, and we are now offering Usui-Tibetan/Holy Fire and Crystal Reiki for those looking to balance and replenish the Mind, Body and Soul. Expect surprises as we are always incorporating new and fun ideas to enhance your experience and bring unity to the locals of Crestone. In addition to this project, we invite you to join us for Hip Camp. Rustic Camping in Crestone, Colorado with the most majestic views. About the land: Imagine setting up camp in the high desert of Colorado, resting in the quiet of nature, and awakening to birds singing to you as you lay nestled in an ancient Cottonwood Grove. Next you open your eyes to the Majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, overlooking the Great Sand Dunes. Enjoy a fresh and power packed smoothie to break your overnight fast or join us in our off-grid rustic zen community kitchen and prepare what you so choose. Find yourself a comfortable spot and spend some time in meditation or join others in our Meditation Tent, engage in a peaceful and mindful conversation with other campers, enjoy a garden walk or book a Crystal or Holy Fire Reiki Session. Did we mention the sunsets!? In the evening stargazing is a favorite, as Crestone is a Dark Sky Community. And all of that is just here at the sanctuary! Venture out and find hiking trails, take a short drive and enjoy your day at the sand dunes, enjoy local Hot Springs or visit one of Crestone’s many spiritual centers or temples. While we hope you will choose to stay with us, keep in mind that this is a family friendly environment and we welcome pets. Note that we are 4:20 friendly, but kindly discourage the use of non-recreational substances and the misuse of alcohol on the premises. We have outdoor solar shower amenities and composting toilets and outhouses. There is a water and tea station available. Wifi is available but only near our Tech Deck. We look forward to welcoming you to Crestone!
from 
$28
 / night
97%
(73)

Secluded Mountain Property

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents35 acres ¡ La Veta, CO
Great Mountain Views. Lots of mature trees, very secluded and beautiful with breathtaking scenery with lots of wildlife. There are only four separate camping sites on this large 35 acre mountain property. Beautiful and secluded 35 acres camping property with lots of lush trees and amazing Mountain views. These Beautiful Mountain camping spots are only 1 hr 56 min south of Colorado Springs. Located at the foot of Sheep Mountain and little Sheep Mountain in Gardner, CO Hike and explore this beautiful 35 acres property. There are ATV trails through out the area, So bring your ATVs and ride the miles of mountain roads. Bring your RV, camper, tent or truck and set up camp on one of our four designated camping spots on the property. There are many great level areas to choose from on your camping site. Enjoy the night sky next to your fire pit and see every star in the sky with no lights to be seen. If you need to run your generator... No problem. (You can run your generator from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm). This quite very secluded mountain property is the perfect get-a-way form all the lights and noise from every day city living. This property is what real camping is all about. Please be considerate as they may be a few other campers nearby on the property. 46 min -  Drive to Walsenburg Reservoir and Lathrop State Park Home to Horseshoe Lake and Marin Lake. Lathrop State Park is a Colorado state park located 3 miles west of Walsenburg. The state purchased the property in 1962 and opened Colorado's first state park here later that same year. It is named after Harold Lathrop, the first director of state parks 1 hr 30 min - Drive to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It’s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife 1 hr 57 min - Drive to Zapata Falls Zapata Falls is a waterfall located in the San Luis Valley near the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on Bureau of Land Management land adjacent to Rio Grande National Forest and south of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Alamosa County, Colorado. The waterfall has a drop of about 30 feet. Prices may vary on holiday weekends. Including Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Mountain Road Disclosure: The Sheep Mountain property it’s located in a mountainous area. There are 7 miles of dirt and mountainous roads from the highway to the property. Although the dirt roads are maintained there may be grooves and ruts in some areas due to weather. Please be advise that trucks and four-wheel vehicles will have a much easier time navigating these roads. Other vehicles may need to slow down and take it easy through some potentially rough areas. PROPERTY UPDATE: DUE TO THE RECENT WIND STORM, SOME TREES WERE UPROOTED AND BLOWN OVER ON THE PROPERTY. TREES WERE REMOVE FROM THE ROAD AND CAMP SITES. SOME ARE STILL DOWN IN THE AREA. WE ARE WORKING WITH LOCAL CONTRACTORS TO HAVE THEM CUT DOWN FOR FIREWOOD AND MOVED OUT OF THE WAY. THE DOWNED TREES DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE ABILITY FOR YOU TO BRING YOUR RV OR TENT TO SETUP CAMP. FEEL FREE TO GATHER THE DOWNED TREES AND BRANCHES TO USE FOR FIREWOOD. THANKS YOU AND WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR STAY.
from 
$34
 / night

The best camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park guide

Overview

About

Located at the base of Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a mixture of forests, wetlands, high peaks, and its namesake giant sand dunes. Most visitors come to hike and sled on the highest dunes in North America, but there are also opportunities for backpacking, biking, horseback riding, off-road vehicle touring, and swimming in Medano Creek. Nestled right at the base of the dunes, Pinon Flats Campground is the park’s only overnight spot, aside from the permitted backcountry camping allowed on the dunes themselves. Pinon Flats is incredibly popular, and campsites often book up well in advance.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations are required for all 88 campsites at Great Sand Dunes National Park. 
  2. All campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance, either online or by phone.
  3. Campground reservations can be hard to get on weekends in May, early June, and on summer holiday weekends. If you’re flexible, visit on weekdays.

When to go

Great Sand Dunes National Park is open year-round, but the campground is only open from April through October. The park is busiest when Medano Creek is at peak flow, typically from late May through early June. During the summer months, plan to head to the dunes first thing in the morning or in the evening, since the sand gets very hot in the middle of the day. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, visit in early spring or late fall.  

Know before you go

  1. Campsites at Pinon Flats are only suitable for tents and RVs up to 25 feet in length, though not all campsites can accommodate RVs or trailers.
  2. Each site has a fire grate and picnic table. Drinking water, flush toilets, and a dishwashing sink are available in each campground loop. No hookups, showers, or laundry are available at the campground. 
  3. Firewood, snacks, and basic camping supplies are available at the Campground Store.

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