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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

856 Reviews

Pinon Flats Campground offers pet-friendly camping within Great Sand Dunes National Park with established sites that include fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes for food storage. Dogs must be leashed at all times throughout the campground, though some visitors note that sites positioned close together can lead to noise complaints if dogs bark even briefly. Several dispersed camping options exist outside park boundaries, including Sacred White Shell Mountain, Great Sand Dunes Dispersed, and BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed areas where pets are welcome without fees. For those seeking more amenities, Great Sand Dunes Oasis provides cabins and glamping accommodations that accept pets, along with full hookups for RVs between April and October. The Sand Dunes Recreation area in nearby Hooper also offers pet-friendly cabins and RV sites.

Multiple hiking trails accommodate leashed dogs near the dispersed camping areas, though pets are prohibited on the dunes themselves within the national park. Rangers actively patrol campgrounds enforcing quiet hours and pet policies, with visitors receiving warnings or citations for violations. Mosquitoes can be aggressive during summer months, particularly around sunrise and sunset, requiring protection for both humans and pets. Wildlife encounters are possible, necessitating proper food storage in provided bear boxes. Zapata Falls offers a short pet-friendly hike to cool off, accessible via a bumpy dirt road that requires careful driving but rewards with a beautiful waterfall. When Medano Creek flows in May and early June, campgrounds fill quickly, making advance planning essential for those traveling with pets.

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

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve (116)

    1. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    94 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."

    "Dog friendly, many families were walking theirs around the loop and nearby trails. Very pleasant site"

    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!"

    "I just really enjoy the layout of this campground, the nice big bear boxes, and the park ranger who has a cat in his truck sometimes when he cruises around."

    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."

    "The campground is very close to the entrance to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the campground has a great view of the sand dunes as well. "

    4. Sacred White Shell Mountain

    55 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "The best part about this area, aside from the views & the sunsets, is the access to the sand dunes natl park."

    "You’re down the road from the dunes and about 30 minutes outside Alamosa and other stores. I used the dump station at the sand dunes canoe ground. It was only $8 to fill up water and dump."

    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. Sand Dunes Recreation

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

    "This place used to be a tilapia farm and there's still some pools around the place with large fish."

    "It was easy to travel to all the tourist destinations in the area from this location."

    7. Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

    16 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."

    8. Rabbit Hole Ranch

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

    $30 - $44 / night

    "Deja was not a fan of our playful puppy and Deja made it known that our dog was not to be around her."

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

    9. BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "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"

    "Decently close to the dunes. Beautiful mountain and sunset views! Easy road to get into camp. Tons of spots. Road definitely gets ruffer the further you go."

    10. BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150

    7 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-7074

    "This was a lovely spot , no one around and a large turnaround spot with plenty of space for our 20ft trailer ."

    "Beautiful stream right next to the sites and plenty of fire pits."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

102 Photos of 116 Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

856 Reviews of 116 Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve Campgrounds

  • Jaz C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Anna R.
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Zapata Falls Campground

    Beautiful Views!!

    This was our last night camping in Colorado and it was beautiful!

  • Kara D.
    Jul. 29, 2019

    Alamosa KOA

    What you expect...

    Clean camp, nice amenities. Dog park is a little small, but is nice to have a place for dogs. Pool was very nice. Was disappointed in our tent site as it was all gravel with brush behind us. Pics online showed nice grassy tent sites with big trees. We had dogs with us, and it sucked to only have gravel for them to sit/lie on at our site. Otherwise, friendly place!

  • Chris H.
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Pueblo South-Colorado City KOA

    Nice 1 night stay

    There’s 2 KOA’s in Pueblo, so heads up. I drove past this one thinking I was staying at the one on the north end of town. We stayed one night and it has a cool little playground for the kids, a little dog park for your dogs and full hookups, which is nice. The people at check-in are great, and they have someone drive out to your site with you, which is very nice. The sites are right on top of each other, so if you have a neighbor you can’t open your awning, and you’re close to the highway.

  • D
    Mar. 22, 2022

    The Pine Lodge

    Veterans with Service Dogs feel unwelcome

    As I start this, the manager Crystal is a very polite and wanting to make your stay is comfortable. The high point of my stay.

    If I was told sooner that my service dog was just considered a pet to the owners, I would have canceled my trip to here. It was three days when one of the owners made what I consider as a put down of me as well as my service dog. If I was told sooner than the three days, I would have canceled my trip all together and gladly lose only $20, instead if I canceled on that day I would have lost nearly $450.

    Ask any veteran if their service dog is only a pet. For those who do not realize this, but a veteran and their service dog is just one entity. The service dog being considered a pet is like telling someone with an artificial limb if that part of the vet is a"pet". The service dog is a part of the veteran and has specific duties to that veteran and is trained to do those duties to assist the veteran.

    My service dog has 8 specific jobs to help me live my life, he is never to be considered just a"pet" as I had been told. This is sent out to my brothers and sisters on just how unwanted we are going here, as well as The Lodge@ San Isabel Lake and Aspen Acres.

    Realistically, all I wanted was some sort of acknowledgement that it was an honest mistake in saying that, but when there is silence that screams louder than what words could ever say.

  • Casey W.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    Amazing stay with views of the Dunes!

    We loved this camp site! 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. Very spacious tent site with a fire pit. Our tent sleeps 6 and we had no trouble fitting in the spot.

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Mosca Campground

    Amazing views

    We stayed here for two weeks and every day there were new breathtaking views all around. You feel as if you are walking the top of the world when exploring the area, the entire San Luis Valley gives this feeling. The lake is beautiful and has a beautiful view of the Great Sand Dunes National Park to the north and Mt. Blanca to the east. Camping is by permit, so stop anywhere you can get a Colorado hunting or fishing license and get a State wildlife area permit, they're $43 per person, but if you're age 18-64 you're required to have an SWA permit to camp in Colorado State wildlife areas. The permit is good from April 1st through March 31st of each year, and yes they are yearly permits, so try to get them in April. The campground has electric hookups, but no water. So pack in your water, vault toilets on loops B and C, RV dump station, and dumpster at exit of campground areas. You can stay 14 days every 45 days. Zapata falls nearby is a MUST visit and there is a pay to camp campground there. Cell service is spotty for Verizon, not sure about other carriers.

  • J
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Woods & River RV Park

    Beautiful setting on Rio Grande River with walking trails and large RV spot

    WE LOVED OUR TRIP TO THIS RV PARK.  NESTLED ON THE RIO GRANDE RIVER AND PLENTY OF LARGE COTTONWOOD TREES PROVIDING SHADE AND A REPRIEVE FROM THE WARM AFTERNOON SUN.  LESS THAN ONE MILE FROM DEL NORTE WITH SHOPS AND DELICIOUS MICRO BREWERY AND MICRO BAKERY (WHICH OPENED THE DAY WE ARRIVED).  HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FOR FAMILIES AND PETS.

    PLAYGROUND FOR KIDS HAS A FUN ZIPLINE AND LOTS OF TRAILS TO WALK THE DOGS.

  • Craig & Linda L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2022

    Cool Sunshine RV Park

    Great campground

    We should have arrived and checked in by 3:30pm. But had a lack of gas issue. Passed up $5.90 stop. Has the range to go the 19 mile to next station for $4.78. But did not figure in the Frigging HEAD WIND, Went from 11 mpg to 3 and 4 mpg. Was 1.5 miles short. OnStar dispatch with in 5 minutes of our stop. 2.5 hr later back on Road. During down time call Cool Sunshine RV park to tell them we were still coming. Said sorry for our delay but gave us our spot no# C15, gate code to open gate. Had our welcome packet taped to office door with all others info about park. They said they were going to run my card for rest of our stay. Green Grass between and around park. Flat gravel roads and deep camp sites there are pull through down center of park. No pool. But two horse shoes puts, corn holes boards, some game called GA-GA pit. Like Dodge ball, but all in circle. Small finced dog park. Nice gate coded bathroom and showers. And Laundry room!

Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

Discovering the beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve with your furry friend is an adventure waiting to happen. With several pet-friendly campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes while ensuring your pet has a great time too.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities at nearby campgrounds

  • At Pinon Flats Campground, you’ll find clean facilities, including flushing toilets and drinking water, making it convenient for both you and your pet.
  • Zapata Falls Campground offers a beautiful setting with nearby hiking trails, perfect for exploring with your dog.
  • Great Sand Dunes Oasis features full hookups and a camp store, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay with your pet.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

  • Enjoy hiking with your dog at Zapata Falls Campground, where the short hike to the falls is a must-do for pet owners.
  • At Sacred White Shell Mountain, you can explore wide-open spaces and enjoy the stunning views while your dog runs freely.
  • The UFO Watchtower offers a unique experience with stargazing opportunities, making it a fun spot to relax with your pet after a day of adventure.

Tips for camping with dogs near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, especially when visiting Mosca Campground, where amenities are limited.
  • Keep your dog leashed at all times, particularly at Alamosa KOA, where the campground can be busy with other campers and pets.
  • Be mindful of the weather and provide shade for your dog at Sand Dunes Recreation, as it can get quite hot during the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Great Sand Dunes National Park and what are the restrictions?

Dogs are allowed in Great Sand Dunes National Park but with significant restrictions. They must be leashed (maximum 6-foot leash) at all times and are only permitted in developed areas like roads, parking lots, picnic areas, and the main campground. Dogs are strictly prohibited on hiking trails, in the backcountry, and on the dunes themselves to protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems. For RV travelers, Pueblo South-Colorado City KOA offers a small dog park for exercising your pet before or after your park visit. Blanca RV Park provides full hookups for those staying with pets, though it's located along the main road through the valley.

Where can I find dog-friendly camping options at Great Sand Dunes National Park?

Several pet-friendly camping options exist near Great Sand Dunes. Great Sand Dunes Oasis offers spacious tent sites with fire pits and clean bathrooms, with some sites featuring views of the dunes. For RV travelers with dogs, Alamosa KOA provides a dedicated dog park area, though small, along with amenities like a pool and clean facilities. Free dispersed camping is available at BLM sites near the park for those seeking more rustic options. Just remember that while these campgrounds welcome pets, you'll still need to follow the park's pet restrictions when visiting the dunes themselves.

What pet-friendly hiking trails and activities are available at Great Sand Dunes?

Pet-friendly activities at Great Sand Dunes are limited but still enjoyable. While dogs aren't allowed on hiking trails or the dunes themselves, you can walk your leashed pet along the roads, parking areas, and in Pinyon Flats Campground. Many visitors enjoy the Dunes Overlook pullout with leashed dogs for scenic views. For actual hiking with your dog, consider nearby alternatives like Zapata Falls Campground, which offers beautiful trails where pets are welcome. Mosca Campground near San Luis Lake provides pet-friendly walking opportunities with stunning views of both the dunes and valley. Always carry water for your dog, as the area can be hot and dry with limited shade.

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