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Sand Dunes Base Camp
Hosted by Aaron · San Luis, Colorado
2 sites · RV, Tent · 10 acres
Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
Within a 30-minute drive from the Entrance Station.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
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RV/tent sites (dispersed)
2 sites
Sand Dunes Base Camp
77%
(113)Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
Reviews
77% Recommend113 ratings · 79 reviews
The campsite offers stunning views and is conveniently located near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts. However, many campers have faced challenges finding the exact location due to unclear directions and lack of signage, with some unable to contact the host for assistance. The terrain can be rough, with some areas being inaccessible for vehicles without high clearance. Despite these issues, the natural beauty and proximity to attractions remain the site's main draws.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Not recommend
· June 2026
Tent ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
Was unable to locate the site. I texted the host in the app asking for clarification on where the site was and did not get a response. What may have been the site was inaccessible to my AWD mid-SUV due to the side of the dirt road being 1-2 feet high of dirt. I did not even bother trying to pull into what may have been the site since my vehicle would have bottomed out. Ended up getting a last minute hotel room instead. Reading more reviews after this it appears many people have had the same issue.
Not recommend
· May 2026
Tent ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
The site coordinates were not exact, making it very unclear where to park and set up camp. A sign or something would be helpful on where it is. The host was unresponsive to both text and call, making it impossible to get any information. Just book a different site.
Tremendously gorgeous views! Very quiet area with pretty clear directions to site. A fire pit is available, we made s'mores and had a great time. Once we went to bed we did hear (likely) coyotes howling in the distance and with small critters rustling near the tent, nothing dangerous or unusual for the type of area. Definitely would recommend especially for the quick access to the Great Sand Dunes Nat’l Park!!
Mixed feelings
· September 2025
16 ft campervan ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
It would have been a really awesome spot if not for the 18 inch or so wall to get off the road into the lot. I'm positive I was at the right place (coordinates matching both phone and garmin and was at the second lot west of the intersection). If you can get up there, recommend. Otherwise find something else
Due to washout - we drove back and forth trying to find a the entrance. Some sort of identifier would have been helpful.
Plenty of space on the campsite, free 1 bundle of firewood and outdoor toilets. Amazing views, places like these are my favorite Hipcamp sites. Thanks Steven!
Not recommend
· May 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
The campsite had no privacy from the highway. Bit of a drive to town if you need to go number 2, the shrubs won’t cover you..
Neighbors are too close to use the bathroom and not be seen.
Not recommend
· October 2022
Tent · With pets ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
I wish I read more reviews before booking. Reached out to the host because we couldn't find the campsite. He was unhelpful and then stopped responding. Despite him not answering and the inaccuracy of the directions provided directions in the app (it's the first lot on the left, not the second), we believe we found the site after driving around a bit. The site was next to a major road with trucks and had so many cactus, as well as rocks that there were no acceptable areas to set up a tent. We ended up driving home instead of staying at the site because it was so sketchy. An unmarked and unmaintained plot of land on the side of the road with a unresponsive host and a strict refund policy should not be a hip camp. It's a shame considering the northern views the site has to offer.
Not recommend
· September 2022
Couldn’t enter campsite. Awful host
22 ft campervan · Group trip ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
We arrived in the evening after a long day of hiking to find an 18” mound of dirt in front of the entrance of the campsite. The road had been recently grated and the host was aware but did not inform us. We were in a camper and there was no way to enter the campsite. You absolutely need a 4x4 with tall clearance to use this campsite. A sedan’s bumper could not clear this mound.
The host left of stranded without another option for a place to stay the night. He even denied my refund request. This host does not look after the property, lies and does not take responsibility for his negligence.
Recommends
· September 2022
20 ft travel trailer · Group trip ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
Beautiful views and plenty of space! Directions are spot on!
Great location with AMAZING 360 deg views. Close to Sand Dunes NP & easy to find. Would definitely recommend.
Not recommend
· August 2022
Tent ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
Do not recommend. We could not locate the plot of land specified in the host notes and we drove all around the plots of land. We also called the number and no one picked up. We ended up going somewhere else.
Recommends
· June 2022
Tent · With kids ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
The privacy and views were amazing. Thank you for letting us stay.
Recommends
· June 2022
Tent · Group trip ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
Loved this site. Amazing views of the Blanca Mountains and minutes from the Sand Dunes. Unforgettable night sky!
Aaron was super nice. Greeted me when I arrived and offered chicken/duck eggs for dinner or breakfast which was nice.
Worked well for my situation, stopped to see the sand dunes np. Stayed for one night in my car. Beautiful sunset. It was slightly windy but that’s the general area/season you won’t escape it in the area unless you get a hotel.
Couldn’t find the camp ground. Directions were confusing. Ended up driving 15 mins toward a free BLM campground that is actually closer to the Great Sand Dunes anyway.
Recommends
· November 2021
Group trip ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
A little challenging to find but once we did spot is great! If you google search the coordinates the address works from there. Not a private spot to use restroom but a beautiful lot for sure!
Recommends
· November 2021
Great convenient site close to the Great Sand Dunes! This was a great convenient spot close to the dunes. We arrived to the dunes late in the day so we were relieved to know our campsite was so close by. The stars at night were phenomenal and the views during sunset and sunrise were absolutely lovely. We had a couple strong winds blow through but we have a pretty strong reliable tent that held up- though it made it too sketchy to have a fire.
Notes: the coordinates are not accurate when put into google maps and the space could be a bit better marked. We drove back and forth several times trying to make sure we were in the right spot.
There is a close by road and lots of dwellings in view. It’s not the most private space, but it was extremely quiet and pretty dark at night.
Overall, we would camp here again but be a bit more prepared for the high winds after we had to chase down our cooking gear a few times!
Mixed feelings
· September 2021
Great views, too rough of surface for tent in my opinion.... easy to find!
September 2021
Not the best for a tent, but awesome for a van
This location had a wonderful view of the mountain nearby and with a clear sky at night you can see every single star in the sky. Breath-taking views.
The wind can be a struggle for tent camping, and the location can be difficult to find at first. Aaron was helpful in us finding it though!
Recommends
· August 2021
Group trip ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
If you're looking for a quiet spot with incredible views, look no further! We had nearly uninterrupted views of the Sangre de Cristo range, were ~20-minute drive to Great Sand Dunes NP, and enjoyed our time here.
Recommends
· August 2021
Group trip ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
It was great
Recommends
· August 2021
Group trip ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
Perfect location close to the Sand Dunes and hiking trails!
Recommends
· July 2021
Group trip ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
Everything was as described. Great location, great site, highly recommend
Recommends
· June 2021
Group trip ·
Sand Dunes Base Camp
Beautiful views! Hard to believe how quiet and special this place would be.
Recommends
· June 2021
Great spot just be ready for the wind!
We had two sites for a bumper pull and 5th wheel. No response to emails before arrival or since. The land is not graded for trailers and we broke an axel. We didn’t stay there and he is not responding to HipCamp.
There is a ton of free beautiful BLM land near the park. No reservations needed. Not sure I will use HipCamp again, now that I know that have no recourse for things like this.
This spot was very clean and had gorgeous surrounding views like advertised. No campfire ring.
Really cool location fairly secluded and great views! Would stay there again.
Location
San Luis, Costilla, Colorado, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Aaron E.
Joined in March 2018Things to do nearby
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