Camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve encompasses a range of options from established campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. Pinon Flats Campground, located within the national park, provides direct access to the massive dunes and mountain views. Nearby alternatives include Zapata Falls Campground, Great Sand Dunes Oasis, and dispersed camping along Medano Pass Primitive Road. The area sits at the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley, bordered by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating a unique landscape where alpine forests meet desert sand dunes. According to reviews, Pinon Flats offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, with one camper noting it as "one of the most remote locations in the US far from city lights."

The camping season varies by location, with Pinon Flats and Zapata Falls open year-round, while Great Sand Dunes Oasis operates from April through October. Summer brings warm days with temperatures often exceeding 80°F, while nights remain cool due to the 8,200-foot elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Strong winds frequently sweep across the dunes, particularly in spring. Cell service is limited throughout the area, with spotty coverage reported at most campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended for Pinon Flats, especially during peak summer months. Bear-resistant food storage is required at many sites, with bear boxes provided at Pinon Flats Campground.

The camping options accommodate various preferences and equipment needs. Pinon Flats offers tent and RV sites without hookups, while Great Sand Dunes Oasis provides full-service RV sites with electric, water, and sewer connections, plus cabin rentals. For those seeking a more primitive experience, dispersed camping is available along Medano Pass Primitive Road, which requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate. The Dunefield backcountry camping area offers a unique opportunity to camp among the dunes themselves, though permits are required and no facilities are provided. Campers report that mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, particularly near Medano Creek, which flows seasonally at the base of the dunes.

Best Camping Sites Near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (157)

    1. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    93 Reviews
    Gardner, CO
    7 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
    7 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
    10 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
    13 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."

    7. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    9 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    2 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."

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

    9 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    7 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
    13 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. UFO Watchtower

    11 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2296

    $15 / night

    "The area was very clean and although it's right off the highway the camping spots are tucked far enough away to where it's no bother."

    "This spot is surrounded by beautiful Colorado mountains! The wind was very strong in June, if you use a canopy, try to use some strap tiedowns so your canopy frame does not bend."

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Recent Reviews near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

842 Reviews of 157 Great Sand Dunes National Park & 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 & Preserve

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

What to do:

  • Hiking the Dunes: The nearby Pinon Flats Campground is a great base for exploring the sand dunes. One camper noted, "From the campground, you can easily hike up to the creek and the east face of the dunes within 15-30 minutes."
  • Visit Zapata Falls: Just a short drive from Zapata Falls Campground, you can hike to the falls. A reviewer mentioned, "The hike to the falls is short and worth it."
  • Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies. A visitor at Sacred White Shell Mountain said, "What a fantastic stop!! You don't get this at KOA!!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Great Sand Dunes Oasis rave about the views. One said, "The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Zapata Falls Campground stated, "Clean bathrooms close by, and a bear locker!"
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. A visitor at Rabbit Hole Ranch shared, "Everyone was super friendly!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. 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, lack certain amenities. A reviewer noted, "Bathrooms were locked and no host on site today maybe due to holiday."
  • Tight Campsites: At places like Mosca Campground, some sites can feel cramped. One camper mentioned, "A lot of RVs like to peep on tent campers and make snide comments."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Sand Dunes Recreation, which has pools and hot tubs. A parent said, "Great restaurant and bar at the pool area."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A family at Alamosa KOA enjoyed the "pancake breakfast on Saturdays."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, a camper at Pinon Flats Campground advised, "The bugs were awful and with free electricity we could hide in our camper with AC."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers at Great Sand Dunes Oasis noted that while the sites are level, they can be closely spaced. One said, "The sites were so closely spaced that there was no room for a picnic table."
  • Book in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Sand Dunes Recreation mentioned, "We booked only one hour before arriving."
  • Enjoy the Amenities: Many RV parks, like Alamosa KOA, offer great amenities. A camper said, "Staff is great, views are good and the Sand Dunes are 1/2 hr away."

Camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Colorado, is an adventure waiting to happen. With the right preparation, you can enjoy all the beauty and fun this area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offers a wide range of camping options, with 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and 40 free dispersed camping spots.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Great Sand Dunes National Park & 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 & Preserve?