The best camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

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.

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.

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.  

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.