Getaway to Serenity: Camping Colorado Sand Dunes

Camping Great Sand Dunes: All You Need to Know for those Magical Memory Moments

It took us 25 years to finally experience a weekend camping in the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, and boy, were we sad we had waited that long! Don't miss out on the chance to stay at the Great Sand Dunes campsites and embark on some amazing Great Sand Dunes hikes.

Situated 180 miles from Colorado Springs, the Great Sand Dunes National Park offers year-round camping and visitation, but May and June are the most popular months to explore North America’s tallest sand dunes.

Dawn at Medano Creek in the Great Sand Dunes National Park

Not only can you lounge at the beach, but you can also catch a ride on the sand waves. Surfs up in the Centennial State!

We hit the jackpot when we secured a last-minute campsite on Loop 1 at Pinon Flats Campground within the park. Camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park is an incredible experience in this area because you're right in the heart of the park.

How did we get so lucky, you ask? ARVIE! This is the little app that can. Through ARVIE, we got a last-minute campground reservation due to someone else’s last minute cancellation this past weekend.

PRO TIP! ARVIE is a great way to get some of those coveted sites that someone else had to drop.  Simply enter the campground you desire and the dates you want to go. When someone drops their reservation, yours is automatically added!

How to Get to Great Sand Dunes in Colorado

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is 240 miles southwest of Denver, 180 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. Near Alamosa, this park feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

From I 25 South, take US 160 Highway to Highway 150 N. Keep driving to the park’s entrance.

If you go through Colorado Springs, there are many things to do with family in Colorado Springs.

From Denver, take an alternate route on Hwy 285 for a stunning aspen leaf viewing drive over several passes including Kenosha Pass. Continue on Hwy 17 to County Line 6.

Enjoy hiking great sand dunes Colorado style.

Things to Do at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park is a breeze with its expansive 149,000 acres to explore. Don't miss the star of the show, Star Dune, North America's tallest sand dune, towering at a staggering 750 feet from base to crest.

Sledding the Great Sand Dunes is truly unique fun.

If you're lucky enough to secure a site at Piñon Flats, the best of Grand Sand Dunes campsites within the park, you're in for a treat. These campsites are just minutes away from Medano Creek and are surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and San Juan Mountains to the west.

Check out the most stunning sunrises and sunsets! Grab a cup of joe just before sunrise, then take the 10-minute walk down to Medano Creek with a blanket in tow, and prepare to witness one of the most awe-inspiring views you'll ever see.

Star gazing takes on a whole new level at the Dunes. With its designation as an International Dark Sky Park, camping in Great Sand Dunes becomes even more special. Regardless of the moon's phase, you'll find yourself under some of the most brilliant skies ever. Camping in Great Sand Dunes is a treat both in the morning and at night.

Did you know? Sand sledding is a must-try at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Rent a sled, hit the dunes, and show off your skills on North America's tallest sand dunes.

Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park

Aim for May to early June for camping Great Sand Dunes. That's when Medano Creek comes to life after the snow melts, giving you the chance to try some body surfing and sand sledding.

If you prefer milder weather and a quieter atmosphere, spring and fall are your sweet spots. Lower temperatures and fewer crowds make these seasons ideal for a laid-back adventure.

While the Great Sand Dunes campground is open year-round, keep in mind that the valley can get pretty chilly. If you're staying at Pinon Flats campground, go for an electric hookup site, and don't forget to bundle up for a snug and comfy camping experience.

RELATED: Camping in Colorado is magical year-round, even in winter. With the right gear and know-how, these winter tent camping tips will help you conquer the cold and create unforgettable memories

Take the trail to the Great Sand Dunes from Piñon Flats Campground.

Great Dunes National Park Fees | What will it Cost

The America the Beautiful National Park pass gets you in free to explore the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve trails.

For day use, plan on $25 per vehicle. For nightly stays at the campgrounds Great Sand Dunes National Park and surrounding areas have, plan on $25-$40/night pending campsite.

The best news? Unlike Rocky Mountain National Park’s wild reservation system, none are needed at Colorado Sand Dunes National Park.

Is Great Sand Dunes National Park worth a visit? Yes, hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park is just as incredible as camping. From water splashing fun to sand sledding and hiking, the Great Sand Dunes National Park deserves a spot on everyone's must-do list.

camping great sand dunes

Camping Great Sand Dunes NP at Piñon Flats Campground Loop 1

Great Sand Dunes National Park Camping

Our group of six had an enchanting two-night, three-day adventure in this magical national park. We camped at Piñon Flats Campground in the park at the end of May. With Medano Creek partially full, we enjoyed puddle jumping to the dunes and cooling off in the creek when the sun was at its peak. Hiking Great Sand Dunes National Park was at the top of our list, and we explored several trails, including the exhilarating summit of High Dune.

Within a few hours of Colorado Springs and Denver, Great Sand Dunes hikes are easily achievable in a single day. We highly recommend securing a reservation or opting for dispersed camping to turn it into a memorable event. The stunning sunrises and sunsets alone make the extra effort entirely worthwhile!

Can you camp anywhere in the Great Sand Dunes National Park?

Unfortunately, no! Within the park, you must camp at Piñon Flats Campground, which are the official Great Dunes campsites. However, there are numerous dispersed and campground options outside of the park.

You won't need a permit to camp at Piñon Flats, but you'll definitely need a reservation. These campsites are highly sought after, especially those in Loop 2 with shaded spots and electric hookups. We recommend using an app like ARVIE to secure your site if you missed out on the reservation bandwagon in January.

Campground Options | Camping Great Sand Dunes

Piñon Flats Campground

This is the only campsite in the park. Reservations fill quickly but open up as well. There are always last minute cancellations if you like to fly by the seat of your pants.

With two loops, there are 88 camp sites that allow up to 8 people per site.

Recently updated flush toilet bathrooms and running water sinks make this campground feel 5 star.

For the most shaded campsite options, look at loop 2. Loop 1 has a few amazing campsites that overlook Medano Creek and dunes.

We lucked out and got one of the few shaded outer loop sites, comfortably allowing us to have three tents and an awning over our picnic table.

Each campsite has a bear locker that must be used. There are bears in the area so lock away any products with scent including sunscreen, toothpaste and deodorant.

Zapata Falls Campground

This small campground sits at 9,000 feet by the Santo de Cristo mountains. Super close to the famous Zapata Falls, snag one of 23 rustic campsites for quick access to hiking Great Sand Dunes National Park. Mostly tent camping sites, there are a few spaces where small RVs can park.

NOTE! This campground is no longer first come, first served as of April 2022. You must make reservations at recreation.gov.

Zapata Falls Campground is open year round, and while they don’t plow the road leading up there, many vehicles make it up there fine, packing down the road as they go.

RELATED READING: Winter Camping Tips for Colorado

Snag the perfect spot for camping Great Sand Dunes.

Dispersed Camping

There are several established dispersed camping areas for camping Great Sand Dunes. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace Principles when dispersed camping, ensuring you follow Colorado’s current fire policies.

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Hotels and Cabins Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Camping is the sole overnight option within the park. However, the Great Sand Dunes Lodge is conveniently located just 3.5 miles from the park's entrance. If camping isn't your cup of tea, the surrounding area offers numerous vacation rentals for a more luxurious experience.

Stay cozy warm watching the sunrise over Great Sand Dunes with Rumpl!

Sunrise at Great Sand Dunes

No matter where you stay near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, plan at least one morning to watch the sunrise. You’re in for treat watching the sun bounce off the surrounding mountains, glowing on the sand and creating the most magnificent shadows.

Tips for the Best Sunrise Moments

  • Bring a warm blanket. Between the Dagmi waterproof sherpa blankets and the Rumpl large blanket, stay toasty warm when the wind picks up right before dawn.

    Get 15% off all Dagmi Waterproof blankets when you use code “COHH”

  • Hot beverages make everything better. Yeti tumblers are the best way to keep hot drinks hot. I love camp coffee, it always tastes better outside!

  • Bring a small backpack and water bottle. You’ll want to do some hiking before heading back to your Great Sand Dunes campsites. Once the sun rises, it gets warm fast!

  • Layers are best. Throw a pair of joggers over shorts and wear a short sleeve under favorite Patagonia puffer. Trust me, you’ll be happy to shed it all as you climb the dunes.

Hiking Great Sand Dunes National Park

While tackling the ultimate dune - Star Dune - is worthy of your time and effort, there are more accessible hikes that give you similar stellar views and potentially some wildlife encounters.

Getting ready to head to High Dune

Hike to High Dune

Mileage: 3 miles Elevation: 600+ feet

After a fantastic sunrise, we decided to give the High Dune the high five. Starting around 7 am, we lathered on the sunscreen and began our ascent from Medano Creek.

As this a dune, there are no formal paths to take. However, there are some tips that make the High Dune summit a fun experience.

  • Wear socks and hiking shoes. While it might seem that bare feet or water shoes would work, sand rubbing against bare skin gets old really quick.

  • Sunscreen is necessary. Hats are important. Sunglasses really make a difference.

  • Start EARLY. It gets hot very quick.

This hike typically takes about 90 minutes from start to finish. Choose to switchback up the smallest dunes, to the right of the Piñon Flats Campground. Walking along the ridges gave us clarity for where to head next.

As one would assume, this is sand hiking. The earlier you start the hike, more “cemented” the sand is from the early morning cool hours. Many choose to night hike the dunes for this reason.

Hiking Sand Dunes National Park to Big Dune

Star Dune Hike

Mileage: 7 miles Elevation: 980"‘

Similar to High Dune, you have two starting points: head left from the summit of High Dune on the First Ridge or begin at the base of the dune along Medano Creek bed.

This hike is straightforward—just head up towards the top. In sandy terrain, footprints and trails vanish as quickly as they appear. While there's a map link on All Trails for the general hike trail, the best advice is to grab your shoes and head toward the dune. You'll likely find yourself accompanied by a few fellow hardcore hikers.

Fellow hikers have mentioned this is an arduous hike that is worth all the sand. Plan about 2 hours from the top of High Dune to Star Dune. *We’ve heard it’s a great night hike!

PRO TIP! Wear gaiters! While our gang wasn’t up for a 7 mile sandy hike, it’s on our MUST DO HIKE list next time we visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Montville Nature Trail

Mileage: .5 miles Elevation: 88’ Route: Loop

Plan to hike Montville Nature Trail on an early morning adventure to the dunes, chasing that sunrise magic—it's a total treat! Totally worth dragging ourselves out of the sleeping bags at 5 am, firing up the Jetboil for a piping hot cup of coffee, and casually strolling down the half-mile trail.

And, if you need more persuasion, let's talk nature. As we wandered in the early morning light, a bunch of deer were just chilling nearby, giving us the lowdown on the day. Camping at Great Sand Dunes, especially at Pinon Flats, sets you up for these chill and unforgettable moments!

For more hiking Sand Dunes trails, check out these informational boards in Pinon Flats Campground.

Sand Ramp Loop

Mileage: 6.7 miles Elevation: 508’ Route: Out & Back

The Sand Ramp Trail is no walk in the park, but it's a hidden gem for sure!

Walk up the road past Pinon Flats campground to hike this all-sand trail. Trees, bushes, bugs doing their thing before the dunes take the stage.

Quick heads-up: bring more water than you think you need because it gets hotter than a skillet in the noonday sun.

Walking in the sand is no cakewalk—it's a challenging trek through the entire hike. Every step in this sandy wonderland is a test of endurance, so brace yourself and tackle it head-on.

Sledding at Great Sand Dunes National Park

One of the top activities with kids and teens at the Great Sand Dunes is racing down the dunes on sand sled or sand board. April through mid-October is the best time of year for this sport and the key to having the most fun is knowing the time of day to go as well as what to wear and bring for optimal fun. 

Tanya and her family have hit the dunes twice for sledding, once in June and once in October. Learn all the best tips for a successful day sledding down the dunes.

Rent sand sleds or sand boards outside the park. Oasis Store is right outside the park, rentals starting at $20/day. Kristi Mountain Sports and Sand Dunes Recreation also rent boards.

Enjoy one heck of a ride down the dunes after you’ve done one hell of a hike up them! Staying inside the Great Sand Dunes campground allows you early and late access to these dunes. Mid day sledding is HOT!

Enjoying some dusk dipping in Medano Creek at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Swimming and Water Hopping in Medano Creek

Camping at Great Sand Dunes Park offered us a delightful perk – easy access to Medano Creek. No matter the time of day, we were a mere 10 minutes away from this fantastic feature of the park.

Typically flowing between late April and early June, depending on the year's rainfall and snowfall, we hit the jackpot with a rushing stream at the end of May. Near the day parking lot, numerous families with all kinds of inflatables created a non-typical beach day in Colorado.

PRO TIP! If you're making the Great Sand Dunes National Park a day trip, there are showers, bathrooms and changing stalls near the parking lot.

We packed water shoes and hiking shoes for our Great Sand Dunes camping adventure, and trust me, the water is CHILLY when the sun takes a break. Don't forget a towel to keep those goosebumps in check.

Check current water flow and conditions of Medano Creek.

The key to camping success? Striking the right balance with your gear – not too much, not too little. After years of camping experience, we've nailed down the perfect mix of essentials for creating memorable moments.

Click BELOW for your FREE Camping Packing List and never forget that “one thing.”

Magical evenings at the Great Sand Dunes National Park

Sunset at Great Sand Dunes National Park

If your troop is anything like mine, the idea of rising at 5 am for a sunrise is a hard pass. Yet, propose a post-dinner sunset hike to the dunes, and everyone's on board!

Don't forget the bug spray for your evening adventure near Medano Creek; it's a haven for the most bothersome bug bites.

We opted for hiking shoes and spontaneously explored the dunes. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the dunes transformed with captivating shadows and hues.

PRO TIP! Bring headlamps. Once the sun bids adieu, the stars take center stage, and darkness falls swiftly.

One of the sweetest perks of snagging Great Sand Dunes campsites is the night sky. If you can swing it, book some nights during the New Moon. The sheer number of stars that illuminate the sky is beyond description. You won't grasp the extent of everyday light pollution until you're lounging in an ENO chair, savoring the vast expanse of nature.

Heading up the rocky path to Zapata Falls near the Great Sand Dunes National Park

Zapata Falls | Nearby Waterfall Hike

Mileage: 0.9 miles Elevation: 213’ Route: Out & Back

While a highly popular waterfall hike with natural beauty, our experience leaves us hesitant to deem it a must-do. However, acknowledging that our time at the falls might not be the norm, let's dive into the pros and cons of hiking Zapata Falls.

What People Say…

  • Stunning waterfall views

  • Short and easy walk

  • Proximity to Great Sand Dunes National Park

Our experience painted a different picture…

  • Large groups navigating a very rocky path

  • More dogs than people, leading to dog-related challenges

  • Individuals attempting to climb the very icy falls without proper clothing

  • Bottleneck at the cave entrance causing long waits in very cold water

It's possible we had an off day. Many hikers adore this waterfall hike, so perhaps give it a shot and see if your experience differs from ours.

Do you love waterfall hikes in Colorado? These 27 ones can’t be beat!

Memory Making Moments at Great Sand Dunes National Park

No matter the adventure you pick at Great Sand Dunes National Park, excitement is guaranteed. Whether it's camping for easy access to hikes, sand sledding, and water hopping, or just a one-day escapade, this park caters to families and solo adventurers alike!

Now, if you're pondering what to do for a long weekend of camping, here are 16 ways to soak in nature, reclaim some calm, and return to the "real world" renewed. Camping at Great Sand Dunes provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and recharge.

Curious about all the ins and outs of camping in Colorado? We had a ton of questions too when we first started camping. Decades later we have combined our collected camping knowledge and wrote the ultimate guide to Colorado camping, where you’ll find everything you need to know to pitch your tent for the perfect wilderness escape.

Our Ultimate Guide to Camping in Colorado

With decades of combined camping experience, here are many of the topics and FAQs we cover in our super helpful, practical guide:

What You Should Know About Camping in Colorado: 

  • Types of Camping in Colorado

  • Three Types of Campgrounds

  • When You’d Rather Sleep Off the Ground

  • Practicing Leave No Trace

  • What to Do if You See a Bear, Bear Awareness and Safety Tips

  • Quick Tips for Camping

Where to Camp in Colorado:

  • How to Book a Campground

  • Apps to Upgrade Your Camping Game

  • Our Favorite Scenic Campgrounds with Nearby Hikes

Campsite Set Up and Camp Meals: 

  • Setting up Your Campsite

  • Setting Up Your Camp Kitchen for Success

  • Additional Gear Needed for Dispersed Camping

  • Favorite Camping Recipes - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • How to Build a Proper Campfire

  • Cooking Over a Campfire

  • Camp Coffee Tips

Extras:

  • Camping Gear Essential Checklist

  • Camp Bin Checklists

  • In Case of Emergency & Plan B

  • Your Personal Packlist

  • Know the Signs of Altitude Sickness

  • Building and Putting Out Campfires

  • DIY First Aid Medical Kit

Melodie Monberg