Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

About

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers camping in the San Luis Valley at an elevation of approximately 8,200 feet. The primary facility is Piñon Flats Campground, located one mile north of the Visitor Center. This main campground features paved road access, potable water, flush toilets, and dishwashing sinks. Sites accommodate tents and RVs up to 25 feet in length, though no hookups are available. Reservations are required and available through recreation.gov. The campground operates from April through October. Many sites provide views of the dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Temperatures swing 30 to 40 degrees between day and night due to the arid climate. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Cellular reception varies across the area. Alternative camping includes 21 first-come, first-served sites along Medano Pass Primitive Road, which require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Backcountry backpacking permits are required for the National Park portion, while the National Preserve does not require permits for certain areas. Pets are permitted in camping areas.