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Camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

845 Reviews

Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado lets you camp among massive sand dunes and diverse landscapes. Pinon Flats Campground inside the park puts you close to the dunes with good facilities for most campers. If you want fewer people around, Zapata Falls Campground is nearby and gives you access to a cool waterfall. Spring and fall are the best months to visit since summer gets too hot for comfort. You'll need permits if you plan to camp in the backcountry areas of the park. Check on current fire rules before your trip, as restrictions are common throughout the year. Since the park is far from towns, bring all your food, water and gear with you. Wind can be strong in this area, and the temperature drops dramatically at night compared to daytime. Always look up current weather and park notices before heading out to make your trip go smoothly.

Map showing campgrounds near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, ColoradoExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve (156)

    1. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    93 Reviews
    Gardner, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $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."

    2. Zapata Falls Campground

    70 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-7074

    $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."

    3. Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    54 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2222

    $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."

    4. Sacred White Shell Mountain

    54 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "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. "

    5. Mosca Campground

    25 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 587-6900

    "We stayed here for two weeks and every day there were new breathtaking views all around."

    "We woke up early and hiked along the wetlands nature trails, catching an amazing sunrise with panoramic views over the lake, Great Sand Dunes and surrounding mountains."

    6. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    9 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-6395

    "The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains."

    "The hike in over the dune to a camp site with all your gear is frankly not easy, but it's short distance so it's manageable."

    7. Sand Dunes Recreation

    28 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2807

    "Close by the Sand Dunes. The showers and laundromat are pretty clean. Very cool pools and greenhouse."

    "We walked in and we were like oh geez because of the children, the greasy food, and the screams. We aren’t kid haters we just were kids 15 years ago so we still can’t stand them."

    8. Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    9 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-6395

    "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."

    9. Rabbit Hole Ranch

    12 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    15 miles
    +1 (907) 885-5556

    $30 - $44 / night

    "I expected it to be a place to just sleep after exploring nearby areas, boy was I wrong!"

    "Since there weren't clearly marked sites so we did drive around a bit until we saw what looked like remnants of a former campsite and pulled in there. "

    10. Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    16 miles

    "Gorgeous 360 views and very easy to access and dispersed enough that you aren’t too close to people but there are campers near by"

    "We kept driving until we found a spot that was both uphill and private, which definitely requires a vehicle with some height to it like an SUV rather than a sedan."

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Recent Camping Photos near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

266 Photos of 156 Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

845 Reviews of 156 Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve Campgrounds

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Lake Como Road Dispersed Colorado

    White Shell sacred mountain

    The spots below were plenty big enough. Easy to find about a quarter mile up a dirt road. The view was spectacular. Got a little cold.

  • Christopher P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park

    Nice park

    Nice trails and two lakes. Enjoyed our stay. Only ding is the showers. You have to enter a code for entry and then feed to machine with quarters for a just ok shower. These sites are pricey. Seems it could include a shower. The campground is away from day use areas so not sure why the keypad.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Cordova Pass

    Small CG near popular trailhead

    This is a set up where you park your car at the trailhead and haul your gear to your site. It’s not far to haul since all the sites are scattered together in the wooded area. Sites aren’t very private or very far apart. Good for a night.

  • Mike V.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Alamosa KOA

    Great for stargazing!

    Camp host met us at the entrance and led us to our site.

  • Jaz C.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    great spot by the sand dunes

    we arrived after dark and there were still plenty of spots. it was easy to find and the roads were in good conditions. this place had a lot of campers but the sites were very spread out. most sites had a fire pit and there was plenty of tumbleweeds to help start fires. we stayed here 2 nights when we were exploring the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and it was around 15 minutes away.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lake Deweese state wildlife area

    Incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo range

    This is posted as a free dispersed camping area. However I think a fishing license or other wildlife passes are required. Plenty of areas to choose from. We decided on a non wooded area on the north side of the lake for a great view of the mountain range. The views of the aspens turning were spectacular.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lake Creek Campground

    Tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo range

    This is a small and well laid out campground. The small Creek runs through it and it's right next to many of the camping sites. There is a downside though. Don't camp here if you want to have it the magnificent view of the sangra de Cristo range.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    North Fork Purgatiore River

    Trashy

    The camper before me didn’t bother take their trash with them. That’s highly uncalled for. It was late afternoon and I didn’t have time to look for another place.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lathrop State Park

    Clean quiet, well managed

    Just outside Walsenburg, CO, 2 small lakes. We had electric but did not use, loop D spots had some nice views of Spanish Peaks in distance (youngest peaks in Rockies), several small playgrounds for kids, SMALL shower stalls (coin op with changers available), some flush, some pit, toilets (all clean), 1 bar Verizon but were able to watch Chiefs/Chargers game on phone. Gift shop, paved trail around lake, some other hiking paths, quiet hours were kept by campers. Noticed staff made regular trips through grounds. Hogback trail moderate (perhaps on side of harder moderate, tough for older large dog--wouldn't take him on it again). Electric sites available (chose one but did not use the hookup). Did not notice ANY hwy noise in loop D.  Water spigots available at SOME sites and/or spots in campground with one designated water fill-up spot near entrance. Most if not all sites appeared level. Beware of prickly pear cactus while walking dogs, particularly at night.

Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

Camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, stargaze, or just relax, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking to the Dunes: Many campers enjoy hiking up to the Great Sand Dunes. From Pinon Flats Campground, you can easily hike to the creek and the east face of the dunes in just 15-30 minutes. One reviewer mentioned, "From the campground, you can easily hike up to the creek and the east face of the dunes."
  • Exploring Zapata Falls: A short hike leads to the beautiful Zapata Falls, which is a must-see. One visitor said, "The hike to the falls is short and worth it."
  • Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies, making it perfect for stargazing. A camper at Zapata Falls Campground noted, "You MUST take a walk down into the dunes after dark… simply breathtaking."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views from various campgrounds. One happy camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis said, "The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Pinon Flats Campground, are well-maintained with clean restrooms. A reviewer mentioned, "Busy campground with clean toilets. Well maintained and clean camping spots."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the friendly vibe at the campgrounds. A visitor at Rabbit Hole Ranch shared, "Everyone was super friendly!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A camper at Pinon Flats Campground warned, "In July, there were a ton of mosquitoes everywhere except over the sand."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Zapata Falls Campground, have basic facilities. One reviewer noted, "No running water, only vault toilets."
  • Tight Campsites: Some sites can be close together, so be mindful of noise. A camper at UFO Watchtower mentioned, "The campsites are extremely close, so be very considerate with noise!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like restrooms and picnic areas. Great Sand Dunes Oasis has a restaurant and store on-site, making it convenient for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Sand Dunes Recreation said, "Great restaurant and bar at the pool area."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and bug spray to keep everyone comfortable. A visitor at Mosca Campground mentioned, "The bugs were awful and with free electricity we could hide in our camper with AC."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Alamosa KOA advised, "Some highway noise, worth it to reserve a 'view site' because they’re farthest from the road."
  • Use Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Sand Dunes Recreation offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One camper said, "Showers and laundry available."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some RV sites can be close together. A visitor at Great Sand Dunes Oasis noted, "The sites were so closely spaced that there was no room for a picnic table or outdoor seating."

Camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and joys that come with it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve?

According to TheDyrt.com, Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve offers a wide range of camping options, with 156 campgrounds and RV parks near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve and 39 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve is Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 93 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve?

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