Camping near 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!