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Camper submitted image from Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National PreserveView 5 Photos
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Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free and hike-in only, Medano Lake Backpackers Camp sits at roughly 10,500 feet inside Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, reached via a steep, sustained climb that takes most parties four to five hours with full packs. Reaching the trailhead requires a 4WD vehicle, either from the north or through Medano Pass. Campsites are not at the lakeside itself but to the right of the trail as it crests. Wildlife in the area includes bears, deer, marmots, and elk, so proper food storage is essential. Campfires are permitted and pets are allowed, though the rugged terrain above the lake is not recommended for dogs or young children.

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Map & DirectionsMedano Lake Backpackers Camp is located in Colorado near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

37.85577851329996 N
105.48400416484081 W

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Medano Lake Backpackers Camp

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5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2018

The challenge is worth the reward!

For backpackers only - this may seem like a short distance from the trailhead, but it is a steep incline the entire way up. With packs, it took us close to 5 hours with short breaks. The top is at around 10,500 feet. You can't camp directly by the lake, you have to go to the right of the top of the trail. Once by the lake, it's a little hard to see the continued trailhead up to the top of Mt. Herard, but just look for the cairns (trail markers/stacked rocks) that will guide you. Again, the top to Mt. Herard doesn't sound like a long distance, but there is bouldering and scrambling involved and will take longer than you think. I do not recommend taking dogs to the top or children.

We saw all kinds of wildlife, including 2 bears. Be sure to hang your food a good distance away at night or when you aren't around! Woke up to deer, saw plenty of little marmots, the local beaver, and lots of trout in the lake! So beautiful. On the other side of Mt. Herard, we also spotted a few Elk relaxing. Temperatures weren't bad at the beginning of July. With the proper clothing and gear, we didn't get too cold. Watch the movement of the clouds or storms coming in if you plan to hike up Mt. Herard. It could get very dangerous if you're caught up there in a storm.

Do this trip! It's breathtaking and quiet - there weren't many people up there at all for our 4 days. It was very peaceful and again, rewarding. Please note that you must have a 4WD vehicle to access the trailhead either from the North or through Medano Pass from the Great Sand Dunes. You will not make it without 4WD.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve by Jeana P., July 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve by Jeana P., July 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve by Jeana P., July 9, 2018
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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Medano Campground?

Medano Lake Backpackers Camp is a primitive backcountry site with no developed amenities. As a true wilderness camping experience, there are no facilities such as bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, or potable water. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies including water purification methods for using lake water. This campground follows backcountry regulations requiring proper waste disposal (pack it in, pack it out) and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Permits may be required for overnight stays.

Where is Little Medano Campground located in Great Sand Dunes?

Medano Lake Backpackers Camp is located high in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve at approximately 10,500 feet elevation. It's accessed via a steep backcountry trail that begins at the Medano Pass Primitive Road trailhead. The campground is situated near Medano Lake but not directly adjacent to it - campsites are positioned to the right of the lake in designated areas to protect the fragile alpine environment. The hike to reach this remote backcountry campground involves a continuous steep incline from the trailhead.

What hiking trails are near Medano Campground?

The main trail accessing Medano Lake Backpackers Camp is the Medano Lake Trail, a challenging path with continuous steep elevation gain totaling around 10,500 feet. The trail takes approximately 5 hours to hike with a full backpack. From the campground, hikers can explore the alpine terrain surrounding Medano Lake, with potential for day hikes to nearby peaks and ridgelines in the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The area offers spectacular high-country scenery with views of the dunes below, making the difficult ascent worthwhile for experienced hikers.

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