Pinyon Flats Campground - Great Sand Dunes National Park
M
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2016

Good Campground With Spectacular Views

This campground was a pleasant surprise. Nice sites with some amazing views. My friend and I got to the campground very late the first night and found my reserved spot had been taken by someone else. Luckily enough I found a different one not that far away. It was well after midnight by the time we got setup. Then the group next to us (all of whom were very drunk) were being very loud and acting like idiots. So my friend went over to their area and told time to please keep it down it is after quiet hours. They eventually quieted down. The next morning we woke up to the most spectacular view I have ever seen. The sand dunes and all there glory were lit up by the morning sun. It was fantastic! The camp manager stopped by later and we told him what had happened. He proceeded to tell us that we could have come and gotten him and he would have happily kicked the noisy people out and moved the people in our spot. We told him it was fine and went to find another site in the non reservation area. We found a very nice (but very sunny) spot. And spent the rest of the day wandering around the park and playing in the creek. Overall it was a good time and I would highly recommend the sites, just be warned that it does get louder than most other areas I have been to. A lot of people use it for quick excursions or overnights so lot of turnaround.

I would advise bringing some shade (umbrella or other) and lots of cool things to drink. Also definitely rent a sled from the nearby shop. We didn't and wish we had. It looked really really fun. Overall it was a very nice park and worth the frustration the first night. Lesson learned on finding (and befriending) the camp manager who is usually more than willing to help you out and give you tips about the part.