Dispersed tent camping options near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve range from desert flats to mountain forest settings at elevations from 7,500 to 10,500 feet. Many sites lack cell service and require visitors to bring all supplies, including water. Weather conditions can be extreme with summer temperatures reaching 90°F during the day and dropping to 40°F at night.
What to do
Night sky viewing sessions: The area offers exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution. At The Dunefield, campers report spectacular viewing conditions. "The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way," notes Paulina B.
Mountain hiking access: Trails near Dispersed Sand Area 1 provide routes to several 14,000-foot peaks. "Short drive from here to willow creek trailhead," mentions Jake M. who used the site as a base for climbing Challenger Peak and Kit Carson.
Creek exploration: Several camping areas feature seasonal water access. According to Noah E., who camped at Davenport Campground, "We were visited by some wildlife. A deer walked up to our site when we were making smores and we saw a snake slither in the bricks of our fire pit."
What campers like
Morning light: Catching sunrise from dispersed sites often tops camper lists. "Do yourself a favor and wake up early to watch the sunrise!!" advises Jacky D. about her stay at Rabbit Hole Ranch.
Alpine lakes: High-elevation water features provide destinations for day hikes from basecamps. At Medano Lake, campers report diverse wildlife watching opportunities. "We saw all kinds of wildlife, including 2 bears... Woke up to deer, saw plenty of little marmots, the local beaver, and lots of trout in the lake," reports Jeana P.
Unique landscapes: The combination of mountains and desert creates distinctive camping settings. "The uneven ground makes walking around the landscape seem like an optical illusion," reports Lissa L. about her experience at Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be extreme and sudden. "With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky... The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet," warns a reviewer about Great Sand Dunes Dispersed.
Water requirements: No reliable water exists at most dispersed sites. "I highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars! ...In total we brought about a gallon of water each, and by the time we hiked out the next morning we were down to the last couple of ounces," advises Kate about The Dunefield.
Road conditions: Access to many camping locations requires high-clearance vehicles. "We did not trust our minivan going through the 'unmaintained' section, we turned around and were able to find a connecting side road that had plenty of open space out there," explains Ashley W. about navigating to Great Sand Dunes Dispersed.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: For families, established sites with basic amenities provide better experiences. "Site 9 has a shelter and is close to parking lot and toilet. Lot of fire wood available," notes Kevin Y. about Davenport Campground.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Local animal encounters create memorable experiences. "We met two gorgeous Great Pyrenees dogs that hung out with us almost the entire time we stayed there! I cannot wait to come back here next year and spend more time in the most beautiful place I've ever been," shares Lissa L. about Rabbit Hole Ranch.
Bug protection requirements: Depending on season, insect repellent becomes essential. "Mosquitoes were absolutely awful so be prepared (mid July)," warns Cooper P. about Dispersed Sand Area 1.
Tips for RVers
Leveling challenges: Finding flat spots for larger vehicles requires advance planning. "We were pretty disappointed in the quality of the established areas. They were very difficult to level our smallish travel trailer and perhaps that is the problem. We were one of very few travel trailers on this road," notes John H. about his experience at Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground.
Seasonal road access: Spring conditions can limit access to higher-elevation sites. "Road goes a couple of miles for two wheel drive and further for 4WD. Numerous opportunities," advises Mike W. about Great Sand Dunes Dispersed camping areas.
Distance from services: Most dispersed tent sites near Great Sand Dunes have limited access to supplies. "Alamosa nearby for supplies & food, etc.," notes a reviewer about BLM camping near the park, which provides a good balance of remote camping with access to town within 30-45 minutes.
