Pinon Flats Campground
Dave V.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2016

Wonderful views from nearly every site!

Pinon Flats Campground is a National Park Service campground nestled in the grass of the high plains at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, Great Sand Dunes and along the Medano Creek.

Nearly every site is a good one. There are 88 regular tent/RV sites divided evently between the first two lower loops and 3 group sites in the upper loop. Check out the National Park Service's webiste: https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/pinonflatscampground.htm
for more complete information.

If you are not reserving a site, get there early...and early or mid-week serves up better selections. Weekends are packed during the summer.

There is plenty to occupy your time if you are a hiker, brought your MTB, or your snow saucer. Hiking to the top of the Dunes is invigorating, but taxing. I highly recommend utilizing trekking poles and bring plenty of water. Mid-summer, I would also encourage you not to wear open toe sandals, as the sand gets blistering hot. Reported summer temps are between 80-140 degrees. Evenings were cool and we bundled up.

The views from the campsite are breathtaking, wildlife abundant, and stargazing is, well... stellar! In mid-summer the mosquito's were thick but with topical agents, we were fine at dusk.

The panoramic view from atop the Dunes were fantastic! Give yourself an hour to make the climb, especially if you have some little ones. Tote that snow saucer for a wild ride down the Dune, beware that speeds can get frighteningly fast...but hey, its sand.

Storms rolled in over the Dunes unannounce each day but blew in, over and out quite rapidly. Sunsets were captivating and colorful. Medano creek was shallow but refreshing by mid-July...but is a wild playground in May and June with snowmelt runoff from what we heard.

While camping there, hike the trails, hike the Dunes, visit the Visitor's Center...and definitely make time to drive up and hike into Zapata Falls, which is about eight miles outside of the GSDNP&P. There is a small sign along the road coming in, drive a dusty 3+ mile gravel road up to the parking area and hike the remaining half mile. Pack your sandals or water shoes. The waterfall is secreted inside a mountain crevase and you must walk the frigid mountain water in. Yes, your feet will go numb...but it is worth it...a 30ft cascade at 9400 foot elevation.

This trip was a highlight and we anticipate a longer return stay...a definite must do!