Best Tent Camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve in Colorado

Searching for a tent campsite near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve? Find the best information on tent camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO (25)

    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Rabbit Hole Ranch

    1. Rabbit Hole Ranch

    12 Reviews
    71 Photos
    146 Saves
    Mosca, Colorado

    Camp in the San Luis Valley below snow-capped mountains and surrounded by sage brush and cacti in this high alpine desert. Nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains at 7500’ in elevation, this dispersed campsite gives you magnificent views and a feeling of peaceful privacy.

    Easy access to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mt. Blanca, Zapata Falls, and Hooper Hot Springs.

    This area is great for photography, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and solitude.

    This place gets busy on holidays but we’ll find a place for you!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    $30 - $44 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    2. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    8 Reviews
    50 Photos
    338 Saves
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado

    Explore any part of the 30 square mile dunefield you wish; there are no designated trails in the sand. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for free loan at the Visitor Center. Summer air temperatures are pleasant at this high elevation, but during afternoon hours the sand surface can reach 150F degrees, and dangerous thunderstorms can develop. Plan to hike the dunes in early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion, burned feet, or fatal lightning strikes.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Market
    • Firewood Available
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1

    4. Dispersed Sand Area 1

    3 Reviews
    5 Photos
    83 Saves
    Crestone, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Campground

    6. Davenport Campground

    7 Reviews
    39 Photos
    103 Saves
    Beulah, Colorado

    Overview

    Davenport Campground was one of the first Forest Service campgrounds, and is near the now-abandoned Squirrel Creek Campground, the very first Forest Service campground in the country. In 2010, Davenport was rebuilt to evoke the original 1920s design. Adirondack shelters and a common cooking shelter with stone fireplaces were built and old-style log picnic tables add to the historic character of this campground. The campground offers access to an array of hiking, mountain biking, motorcycle and off-road vehicle trails.

    Recreation

    The 4.5-mile Squirrel Creek Trail is open to hiking, biking, horseback riding and motorcycle riding. This trail meets the original Squirrel Creek Campground site where a major flood, in 1947, washed out the never-reopened road and campground. Silver Circle, Second Mace, and South Creek Trails can be accessed nearby, too. Anglers enjoy casting for brook trout in Squirrel Creek.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits in a grassy meadow surrounded by aspen and spruce trees at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Squirrel Creek runs alongside this scenic facility in the Wet Mountains of southern Colorado.

    Nearby Attractions

    Bishop's Castle, a replica of a medieval castle, is about 2 miles from the campground, just off Highway 165. The always-in-progress structure is an interesting display of labor-intensive masonry and intricate wrought ironwork. Beautiful Lake Isabel is less than 10 miles away. Visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking and fishing in the stocked lake. Several mountain trails weave through the area. Pueblo Mountain Park in Beulah Valley is about 7 miles east. This scenic park offers hiking trails, educational programs and a stone labyrinth.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hummingbird Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Hummingbird Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Hummingbird Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Hummingbird Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Hummingbird Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Hummingbird Ranch

    7. Hummingbird Ranch

    6 Reviews
    12 Photos
    146 Saves
    Rye, Colorado

    Hummingbird Ranch is a gorgeous sprawling ranch in Colorado's Spanish Peaks Country with panoramic views of the Wet Mountains and across the plains to the Spanish Peaks. Our location is only 12 easy driving minutes from I25 and just 2.5 hours south of Denver (45 minutes south of Pueblo) and offers 360 acres of the most pristine Colorado wilderness in North America. 

    The stellar cascading view of Spanish Peaks Country to the west offer a unique and unmatched level of natural beauty. The refreshing waters of Apache Creek that flows through the property and shaded tree lined camping areas make it a true Colorado camping wonderland to fall in love with! Celebrate life and love in what must surely be one of the most magical places to camp and enjoy the outdoors in all of Colorado.

    Website: http://hummingbirdranch.co/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HummingbirdRanchColorado/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird.ranch/

    Google Maps: https://g.page/HummingbirdRanchColorado?gm

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table

    $30 - $33 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
    Camper-submitted photo from Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
    Camper-submitted photo from Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    8. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    23 Saves
    Moffat, Colorado

    Each campsite is 5-10 acres. Miles of running trails and an outdoor gym are available to guests. Each campground is equipped with a fire pit, log benches, charcoal grill, and hammock posts. Tents, sleeping bags, hammocks, And more are available to rent by reservation. Spectacular 7600 ft 360-degree high desert views.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Pass OHV
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Pass OHV

    10. Hermit Pass OHV

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    30 Saves
    Westcliffe, Colorado

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

    In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
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Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

657 Reviews of 25 Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Dunes Recreation
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Sand Dunes Recreation

    Great stop otw to Great Sand Dunes

    Everything was as described. They are open during the winter. The showers were hot and clean! Lovely views to wake up too!

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Dec. 15, 2024

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Wild and Untamed

    Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. 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 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 lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.

    Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.

    The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.

    Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!

  • sportzfytv A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/

  • sportzfytv A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/

  • Chad H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel
    Oct. 15, 2024

    St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel

    Fall Aspen leaves.

    Small park, plenty of room to relax. Trash receptacles close. Creek on the south side of park. Many pit toilet. Camp host during operation. Both times we stayed here the host was very helpful and friendly.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
    Oct. 13, 2024

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    Great Spot

    Was able to find a really nice open spot with amazing views of the mountains. Was big and spacious enough for me and my friend to camp in our vans. No one around for miles!

  • Angela E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Cotton Creek Trailhead

    Beautiful and peaceful 💚

    The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!

  • DL M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountainside 4WD High-Clearance Dispersed Campsites
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Mountainside 4WD High-Clearance Dispersed Campsites

    Tree sheltered sites along

    I walked up the road about three miles on the way to the lake because the beginning of the road was way to rough for my van with large rocks about 6 inch diameter.  There were lots of people disperse camping on the hilside above Como Road.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joyful Journey Hot Springs
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Joyful Journey Hot Springs

    Costs a lot more than listed

    We were charged $170 for a site in the middle of a gravel parking lot. It included dinner, breakfast and use of the hot springs. The WiFi didn’t reach us, but worked in the buffet style cafeteria-like dining area. Way overpriced for the experience!

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Cutty’s Resort - Hayden Creek
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Cutty’s Resort - Hayden Creek

    Great All Around

    We had a great time. Our family and another reserved two sites next to each other. The pools on site were perfect for the kids. On site mini golf was a blast. The views in the campground were awesome. Aside from the aforementioned, there was a small store on site with ice and wood (can't bring your own wood) and the food they served at the mess hall was fire.

  • Brittany R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust

    Came for the daily soak - stayed for the camping

    This place was great! We originally planned just to do a daily soak before heading to our next campsite but ended up just staying here because we enjoyed it so much. The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen. We participated in the clothing optional experience but didn’t feel like we had to. Great people all around from guests to staff. Highly recommend!

  • .! E !.
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Acres Campground
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Aspen Acres Campground

    Perfect Spot

    Stayed One night for Tent Camping, came with everything needed. Clean bathroom and showers. Great scenery and amazing night sky view.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Zapata Falls Campground
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Zapata Falls Campground

    Labor day mountain camping

    Nice campsite. Bathrooms were locked and no host on site today maybe due to holiday. Plenty of hiking nearby. Hike to the falls is short and worth it. You can also hike further up to the lake.

  • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    Great Location

    We booked here last minute on a holiday weekend and we were thankful they had a spot for us! The campground parking area is just that. It’s a place to park for the night, with full hook ups. No wifi. The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible! The bath house was clean. There is a store and restaurant in property. They also have cabins to rent. . My only complaint…this is a dark sky area with expansive views of the sky and the opportunity to see the Milky Way. This is not something g I get to see at home! However, all the giant campers had their bright lights on at night and it really messed with viewing of the sky. I wish there was a rule of no outside lights at night. It’s unnecessary! If you are one of those people that leave your lights on when you go in for the night, please reconsider!

  • Lisa M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Oasis
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    Close to the park but basic campsites

    We spent one night here so we could go to the park. Nice enough campground with level spaces and full hook ups. We paid $54. Area also has cabins and a lodge as well as a store with a little restaurant. The showers were amazing at this place. Nice hot copious amounts of water and very clean. About 4 miles from the park entrance. Sandunes were pretty cool, but unless you want to hike to the very top of them, you could easily only spend two hours at the most here. 

  • W D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead

    Quiet camping and stars

    Several good spots with fire pits right near the trailhead. A few bugs in late August but nothing terrible. Very quiet except for the sound of the rushing creek. Verizon cell service was between 1 and 3 bars LTE depending on your line of sight to the tower. Road in is rougher towards the end but definitely doable in any SUV

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

    great spot!

    This is a terrific find! level, shaded, right by nice size creek. perfect for exploring and quiet. we were in tent but saw several largeRV. some traffic but never heard another person. were a few spots right next to us but we were the only ones there . several a long road though nicely spaced out. small gas station close for gas and ice if needed otherwise about 45 min for supplies. ark river couple miles great spot to enjoy also rafting close etc.stayed couple extra days we just enjoyed the quiet. was also very clean and maintained. will definitely be back!


Drive Time


Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

Tent camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. With various campgrounds to choose from, campers can enjoy the beauty of the area while having access to essential amenities.

Tips for tent camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during busy weekends, as seen at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed, where early arrivals found plenty of options.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; for instance, reaching Hermit Pass OHV requires a vehicle that can handle challenging terrain.
  • Bring bug repellent, as mosquitos can be a nuisance at locations like Dispersed Sand Area 1, where campers reported a significant presence of bugs.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Many sites, such as Rabbit Hole Ranch, allow pets, making it a great choice for those traveling with furry friends.
  • Campgrounds like Medano Lake Backpackers Camp offer the freedom to have campfires, enhancing the camping experience under the stars.
  • Facilities like toilets and trash disposal are available at Rabbit Hole Ranch, ensuring a more comfortable stay.

Local activities for tent campers

  • Explore the breathtaking views and hiking opportunities near Great Sand Dunes Dispersed, which is close to the national park.
  • Enjoy the solitude and starry nights at Dispersed Sand Area 1, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Experience the thrill of off-roading and scenic drives around Hermit Pass OHV, where the rugged landscape provides a backdrop for adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve is Rabbit Hole Ranch with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve?

    TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.