Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gardner, CO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Gardner is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Gardner, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$20 - $80 / night
"It's a biologically diverse area in Southern Colorado, where high winds that blow through the Rockies deposit sand at the Southernmost tip . We made camping reservations about six months in advance."
"Access to dunes trails, and off road track. Dump station nearby visitor center with free air station. T-Mobile available at most sites, but good by the visitor center and primitive road access."
$25 - $169 / night
"It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean."
"It's slight hidden behind a bigger RV andodge campground. It was beautiful views from ANY tent site you got. It had bathroom n accessible showers if needed. Firewood. Friendly hosts and snacks."
$20 / night
"This was our last night camping in Colorado and it was beautiful!"
"This area in Colorado is one of the most unique places I've seen in a while."
$36 - $250 / night
"Lovely weather while I was here very early December 2021. 60s for highs and close to freezing at night. the dry camping loop and loops A B and C are closed for the season."
"The campground provides a nice visitors center, two small lakes (one non-wake), a sand beach, paved and unpaved bike trails, fishing, a kids fishing pond, trails, and electric or no-hook-up camping."
$25 / night
"The family has property in Colorado city and we still love to come to local mountain! Great fishing, clean, quiet, & plenty of space"
"We lucked out on a first come-first served spot on a Friday - spot #10 is tent only, by a creek and several private trails. The camp was quiet with a vault toilet nearby."
"The Dyrt map says Mt Blanco road but Apple Maps says lake Como road. They both branch off highway 150."
"Campground Review:
We chose this BLM campground because it is right outside of Great Sand Dunes National Park. There are several sites along Lake Como Road. "
$30 - $33 / night
"My husband was a little concerned when we left the highway for a dirt county road, but his concerns quickly changed as we enjoyed the beauty and wonder of the Colorado mountains!"
"Large area to park away from others!"
"Although with the COVID-19 virus going around the folks camping seem to be a little light and it does fill up fairly well on weekend campers it's a diamond in the rough for a place to be away from the"
"The lake and national forest are nearby. The mountains tower over us. The drive out was wonderful and the road is excellent... even pulling a 42' RV!"
$35 / night
"Loved the setting and the short walk to Lake Isabel as well as the empty picnic area across the creek."
"The sites are a little close together and positioned so it you have a trailer where your awning comes out is in direct view of the other campers. Also we brought our kayaks to enjoy the Lake."
"A couple of friends embarked on an overland trip in Colorado's high country. Medano Pass Primitive Road is a wellknown 4x4 trail near the Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa, Colorado."
"The road starts in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and runs over the mountain and exits on RT 69, or if you want an easy up and hard way down the mountain start off RT 69 and go to the dunes."
ScoutFound easily and down road from Great Sand Dunes NP & Medano Creek. BLM (dispersed) spot off Mt Blanca Rd, was quiet and peaceful. Was surprised how many other campers were enjoying nearby sites. Plenty of room to enjoy site without feeling crowded. A nice site, enjoyed evening fire. Some sites have rock fire rings, so was pleased. Nearness to Great Sand Dunes was a huge plus. Would recommend this dispersed site. Alamosa nearby for supples & food, etc.
ScoutYou need a backcountry permit to camp at Medano Pass road. Signs indicate this before you enter the road and again a few hundred yards down the road.
ScoutThe map location and coordinates are not correct. I was unable to find the spot. Likely supposed to be north of listed location. See dispersed sites just north.
RangerLots of people all on top of one another. Not my cup of tea but that’s kind of what you get for Memorial Day weekend.
RangerFound this spot on our way out from the sand dunes and it was perfect! Quiet and secluded so can’t complain. Right down from the trailhead. Easy drive, can get a little bumpy but nothing an all wheel drive can’t handle.
RangerTwo-loop campground with a small store that sells firewood etc. I lucked into site #67 after changing plans due to inclement weather. The sites in the 60's are on the west end of the loop and have fantastic views of the dunes with all the color variations as the sun moves. There are two flush bathrooms on the loop, with no showers. There is a wash sink outside the bathroom.
Some sites are only tent-friendly with parking parallel to the sight and then walking up to a tent area. Other spots work for smaller vans, trailers, etc. and most are short in depth but double-wide drives to position the vehicle beside the trailer. The Visitor Center is a couple miles away as is the picnic area and trail to the dunes. There is a trailhead that leaves directly from the upper loop of the campground that leads to an overlook or backcountry camping.
LegendThis hike up the dunes was brutal but it was so worth it! Endless spots to pitch your tent or just part your sleeping bag down for the night!
TravelerGreat views, better stars. Do not route via Apple Maps, it will try to take you through a private road. Don’t follow the “major trail” signs, just find the side road this spot is on and drive up and you’ll find it. You will have to travel like 5-10mph for the last like mile. High clearance not required
GuideStayed at this campground 2 nights - the view, the sunset, San Louis Valley. The Great Sand Dunes National Park was overcrowded. Weather moves very fast through this valley. We had snow and sunshine within a couple of hours. Love this campground!
Camping near Gardner, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike, stargaze, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping around Gardner, CO, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Gardner, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 137 campgrounds and RV parks near Gardner, CO and 36 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gardner, CO is Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 91 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Gardner, CO.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Gardner, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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