Established Camping
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The accessible campsites in Pinon Flats Campground are undergoing renovation to bring ADA sites into compliance with current standards. Renovations are set to start in August 2025. Sites will be opened if dates of construction change or as soon as construction has been completed. Thank you for your patience during these updates.
Pinon Flats Campground, near Great Sand Dunes National Park, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some stunning views. With sites nestled among piñon trees, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for camping.
This campground is a hit for its proximity to the majestic sand dunes, making it easy to hike right from your site. Visitors rave about the clean facilities, including well-maintained restrooms, and appreciate the camp store stocked with essentials like firewood. As one camper noted, “The camp store was also well-stocked,” which is a nice touch when you need to grab something last minute.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby trails offer quick access to the dunes and the creek, allowing for plenty of exploration. Many campers recommend taking a stroll into the dunes after dark for a breathtaking view of the night sky. Just be prepared for the mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months, and bring some bug spray along.
While some sites can feel a bit close together, the overall vibe is friendly and respectful. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Pinon Flats Campground provides a unique experience that combines the beauty of the dunes with the tranquility of the surrounding nature.
Description
National Park Service
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Overview
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The dunes lie on the eastern edge of the valley at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The dunefield is part of the nearly 150,000 total acres of the park and preserve that also protects alpine lakes, tundra, six peaks over 13,000 feet, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is part of a fragile, dynamic system that influences and sustains the tallest dunes in North America. President Herbert Hoover established the park unit as a national monument by presidential proclamation on March 17, 1932 through the Antiquities Act. The Works Progress Administration constructed the Superintendents Residence, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But otherwise, GRSA did not see a great deal of development during the New Deal. Park development did not occur in earnest until Mission 66. During this period, the NPS was able to construct a Visitor Center, the Pinon Flat Campground (88 sites), a picnic area, five comfort stations, six single family residences and a triplex, while also building or improving roads and trails through the park. The Visitor Center shows the motivation of the Western Office of Design and Construction to configure designs to corresponding regions using principles of regional modernism. Built in the Pueblo Revival style, the Visitor Center mimics adobe construction through modern materials and forms blended with traditional materials and forms seen during the CCC-era in Cecil Dotys work. Following Mission 66, Congress designated nearly 91% of the monument as wilderness in 1976, which certainly limited the parks ability to further develop visitor and administrative facilities. GRSA became a national park and preserve in 2000, which also included a transfer of land from the Rio Grande National Forest.The dunes have long stood as a landmark for travelers from ancient North Americans to Southern Ute, Jicarilla Apaches, Navajos, early explorers, gold miners, homesteaders, ranchers, farmers and migrant field workers, to you - today's park visitor.
Recreation
Great Sand Dunes' wide range of natural features provides endless outdoor recreational activities. The park is perfect for kids, who love exploring the dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a popular place in the summertime. Kids and adults alike love to splash in the cool water. Many kid-friendly, ranger-led activities and a junior ranger program are available. Many miles of hiking and backpacking trails lead through the park's forests and alpine terrain, including the Mosca Pass Trail, Dunes Overlook/Sand Ramp Trail and Indian Grove Trail.
Natural Features
Great Sand Dunes are the magnificent centerpiece of a natural system that includes high mountain peaks, sparkling streams, vast grasslands and lush forests. The campground is situated among pinon pines and sagebrush beneath the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most sites have beautiful views of the snow-covered peaks. A wide variety of grasses and wildflowers can be found throughout the area, and mule deer are commonly seen in and around the campground.
Nearby Attractions
Zapata Falls is just south of the national park off Highway 150. A short but slippery 1/2-mile hike leads to a 25-foot high cascade. Simply driving to the trailhead provides an excellent view of the entire dunefield and San Luis Valley, especially at sunrise or sunset. San Luis State Wildlife Area is located at the western edge of Great Sand Dunes National Park. It features a large natural lake popular for boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.
Charges & Cancellations
This is not a staffed facility. Campground hosts may be available for assistance. Visitors are responsible for knowing their site number and proceeding to the correct site after 2:00 PM. Early check in is not available. A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at the campground during their reservation, and does not cancel their reservation. Because this is an unstaffed location, the site will be held for the duration of the reservation and the visitor will not receive a refund for time not spent in the site. Due to the limited number of sites in Pinon Flats Campground, please cancel or change your reservation if you can not use it, so other campers have an opportunity to stay. Rules and Reservation Policies
Fee Info
The entrance fee for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is $25 for 1-7 days. This fee is not included in the camping fee. Interagency passes are accepted at the entrance station. If you do not have an interagency pass, you may purchase pass in advance or pay upon arrival.
Location
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in Colorado
Directions
From Highway 160, turn north on Highway 150 and follow for 16 miles to the entrance of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Continue 5 miles north on the park's main road to reach the campground entrance. From Highway 285, turn south onto CO-17 and follow for 36 miles (58 km). Turn east onto Lane 6 and follow for 16 miles (26 km) to Highway 150. Turn north onto Highway 150 and follow for 2.6 miles (4 km) to the entrance of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Continue 5 miles (8 km) north on the park's main road to reach the campground entrance.
Address
11500 Highway 150
Mosca, CO 81146
Coordinates
37.74465 N
105.50659 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonFair
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileFair
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 12 min from Pueblo
- 2 hrs 51 min from Colorado Springs
- 3 hrs 6 min from Santa Fe
- 3 hrs 44 min from Denver
