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Great Sand Dunes National Park
Come play in North America’s tallest sand box.
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.
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.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Great Sand Dunes National Park
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 Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Reservations are required for all 88 campsites at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
- All campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance, either online or by phone.
- 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.
Read more...Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp anywhere in Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, you cannot camp anywhere you please. There are designated camping areas and campgrounds available for visitors. The Pinon Flats Campground is a popular option within the park, and dispersed backcountry camping is allowed in specific areas with a permit. For more unique camping experiences, you can find various options on Hipcamp near the Great Sand Dunes, including cabins, RV sites, and tent camping on private land.
Can you stay overnight at Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Yes, you can stay overnight at Great Sand Dunes National Park. There are several camping options available, including the Piñon Flats Campground, which is located within the park and offers 88 individual sites. You can also camp in the backcountry of the park, but you'll need to obtain a free backcountry permit from the visitor center. Additionally, there are private campgrounds and Hipcamp options nearby.
Can you car camp in Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Yes, you can car camp in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The park has a campground called Piñon Flats Campground, which accommodates tents and RVs. There are no hookups for RVs, but the campground has restrooms, potable water, and picnic tables. You can find more information about car camping in Great Sand Dunes on Hipcamp.
Additionally, there are private campgrounds and Hipcamp sites near the park that allow car camping.
Do you need a permit to camp in Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Yes, you need a permit to camp in the backcountry of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Backcountry camping permits are required for overnight stays in the dunefield outside of the day-use area. You can obtain a permit at the park's visitor center during their operating hours. Keep in mind that backcountry permits are not required for camping in the designated Pinon Flats Campground, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis or through reservations during the peak season (May through September).
How do I get a campsite reservation at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve?
Securing a Great Sand Dunes National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Great Sand Dunes National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Great Sand Dunes campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve?
Most Great Sand Dunes National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Great Sand Dunes National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Great Sand Dunes campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —