Roadside camping is permitted at 21 campsites in Great Sand Dunes National
Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Piñon Flats
Campground. These designated sites are free of charge and first-come, first-
served. All 21 sites fill on summer weekends. Passable only in the warmer
months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. This road crosses
areas of deep sand, traverses Medano Creek nine times, and passes through
excellent habitat for bighorn sheep.

Roadside camping is permitted at 21 campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Piñon Flats Campground. These designated sites are free of charge and first-come, first-served. All 21 sites fill on summer weekends. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. This road crosses areas of deep sand, traverses Medano Creek nine times, and passes through excellent habitat for bighorn sheep.

A full-size SUV, Jeep or truck with 4WD is required to access Medano Pass Primitive Road campsites

4WD Medano Pass Primitive Road

Campsites along the road generally have tall trees for shade.

Truck pulling off into campsite along Medano Pass Primitive Road

Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites

## Overview

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in the San Luis Valley of
south-central Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The dunes lie on the
eastern edge of the valley at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The
dunefield is part of the nearly 150,000 total acres of the park and preserve
that also protects alpine lakes, tundra, six peaks over 13,000 feet, ancient
spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and
wetlands. The park is part of a fragile, dynamic system that influences and
sustains the tallest dunes in North America.

President Herbert Hoover established the park unit as a national monument by
presidential proclamation on March 17, 1932 through the Antiquities Act. The
Works Progress Administration constructed the Superintendent’s Residence, now
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But otherwise, GRSA did
not see a great deal of development during the New Deal. Park development did
not occur in earnest until Mission 66.

During this period, the NPS was able to construct a Visitor Center, the Pinon
Flat Campground (88 sites), a picnic area, five comfort stations, six single
family residences and a triplex, while also building or improving roads and
trails through the park. The Visitor Center shows the motivation of the
Western Office of Design and Construction to configure designs to
corresponding regions using principles of “regional modernism.” Built in the
Pueblo Revival style, the Visitor Center mimics adobe construction through
modern materials and forms blended with traditional materials and forms seen
during the CCC-era in Cecil Doty’s work.

Following Mission 66, Congress designated nearly 91% of the monument as
wilderness in 1976, which certainly limited the park’s ability to further
develop visitor and administrative facilities. GRSA became a national park and
preserve in 2000, which also included a transfer of land from the Rio Grande
National Forest.  
  
The dunes have long stood as a landmark for travelers from ancient North
Americans to Southern Ute, Jicarilla Apaches, Navajos, early explorers, gold
miners, homesteaders, ranchers, farmers and migrant field workers, to you -
today's park visitor.

## Recreation

Great Sand Dunes' wide range of natural features provides endless outdoor
recreational activities. The park is perfect for kids, who love exploring the
dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a
popular place in the summertime. Kids and adults alike love to splash in the
cool water.  
  
Many kid-friendly, ranger-led activities and a junior ranger program are
available.  
  
Many miles of hiking and backpacking trails lead through the park's forests
and alpine terrain, including the Mosca Pass Trail, Dunes Overlook/Sand Ramp
Trail and Indian Grove Trail.

## Facilities

Reservations are required to stay in Pinon Flats campground. The campground
offers 88 campsites. The park recommends making a reservation in advance,
especially for peak summer months from May through September. Private first-
come, first-served camping is also available just outside the park boundary.
For more information about camping, visit
www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

**Due to the historic design, the campground may not be able to accommodate
all large, modern size vehicles.** Most sites are small and unlevel, review
photos and measurements carefully when choosing a site.

During visitor center operating hours, you can see a park film, experience
interactive exhibits, speak with a helpful ranger and visit the Western
National Parks Association store. Kids of all ages can pick up a Junior Ranger
booklet or participate in the Junior Ranger Explorer program.

## Natural Features

Great Sand Dunes are the magnificent centerpiece of a natural system that
includes high mountain peaks, sparkling streams, vast grasslands and lush
forests.  
  
The campground is situated among pinon pines and sagebrush beneath the
majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most sites have beautiful views of the
snow-covered peaks.  
  
A wide variety of grasses and wildflowers can be found throughout the area,
and mule deer are commonly seen in and around the campground.

## Nearby Attractions

Zapata Falls is just south of the national park off Highway 150. A short but
slippery 1/2-mile hike leads to a 25-foot high cascade. Simply driving to the
trailhead provides an excellent view of the entire dunefield and San Luis
Valley, especially at sunrise or sunset. San Luis State Wildlife Area is
located at the western edge of Great Sand Dunes National Park. It features a
large natural lake popular for boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and
fishing.

## Charges & Cancellations

This is not a staffed facility.

Campground hosts may be available for assistance. Visitors are responsible for
knowing their site number and proceeding to the correct site after 2:00 PM.
Early check in is not available.

A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at the campground during their
reservation, and does not cancel their reservation. Because this is an
unstaffed location, the site will be held for the duration of the reservation
and the visitor will not receive a refund for time not spent in the site. Due
to the limited number of sites in Pinon Flats Campground, please cancel or
change your reservation if you can not use it, so other campers have an
opportunity to stay.

Rules and Reservation Policies

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The dunes lie on the eastern edge of the valley at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The dunefield is part of the nearly 150,000 total acres of the park and preserve that also protects alpine lakes, tundra, six peaks over 13,000 feet, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is part of a fragile, dynamic system that influences and sustains the tallest dunes in North America.</p>

<p>President Herbert Hoover established the park unit as a national monument by presidential proclamation on March 17, 1932 through the Antiquities Act. The Works Progress Administration constructed the Superintendent’s Residence, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But otherwise, GRSA did not see a great deal of development during the New Deal. Park development did not occur in earnest until Mission 66.</p>

<p>During this period, the NPS was able to construct a Visitor Center, the Pinon Flat Campground (88 sites), a picnic area, five comfort stations, six single family residences and a triplex, while also building or improving roads and trails through the park. The Visitor Center shows the motivation of the Western Office of Design and Construction to configure designs to corresponding regions using principles of “regional modernism.” Built in the Pueblo Revival style, the Visitor Center mimics adobe construction through modern materials and forms blended with traditional materials and forms seen during the CCC-era in Cecil Doty’s work.</p>

<p>Following Mission 66, Congress designated nearly 91% of the monument as wilderness in 1976, which certainly limited the park’s ability to further develop visitor and administrative facilities. GRSA became a national park and preserve in 2000, which also included a transfer of land from the Rio Grande National Forest.<br><br>The dunes have long stood as a landmark for travelers from ancient North Americans to Southern Ute, Jicarilla Apaches, Navajos, early explorers, gold miners, homesteaders, ranchers, farmers and migrant field workers, to you - today's park visitor.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Great Sand Dunes' wide range of natural features provides endless outdoor recreational activities. The park is perfect for kids, who love exploring the dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a popular place in the summertime. Kids and adults alike love to splash in the cool water. <br/>
<br/>
Many kid-friendly, ranger-led activities and a junior ranger program are available.<br/>
<br/>
Many miles of hiking and backpacking trails lead through the park's forests and alpine terrain, including the Mosca Pass Trail, Dunes Overlook/Sand Ramp Trail and Indian Grove Trail.<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Reservations are required to stay in Pinon Flats campground. The campground offers 88 campsites. The park recommends making a reservation in advance, especially for peak summer months from May through September. Private first-come, first-served camping is also available just outside the park boundary. For more information about camping, visit www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/camping.htm. </p><p><strong>Due to the historic design, the campground may not be able to accommodate all large, modern size vehicles.</strong> Most sites are small and unlevel, review photos and measurements carefully when choosing a site.</p><p>During visitor center operating hours, you can see a park film, experience interactive exhibits, speak with a helpful ranger and visit the Western National Parks Association store. Kids of all ages can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet or participate in the Junior Ranger Explorer program.</p><h2>Natural Features</h2>
Great Sand Dunes are the magnificent centerpiece of a natural system that includes high mountain peaks, sparkling streams, vast grasslands and lush forests. <br/>
<br/>
The campground is situated among pinon pines and sagebrush beneath the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most sites have beautiful views of the snow-covered peaks. <br/><br/>
A wide variety of grasses and wildflowers can be found throughout the area, and mule deer are commonly seen in and around the campground.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Zapata Falls is just south of the national park off Highway 150. A short but slippery 1/2-mile hike leads to a 25-foot high cascade. Simply driving to the trailhead provides an excellent view of the entire dunefield and San Luis Valley, especially at sunrise or sunset.  
 
San Luis State Wildlife Area is located at the western edge of Great Sand Dunes National Park. It features a large natural lake popular for boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>This is not a staffed facility. </p>

<p>Campground hosts may be available for assistance. Visitors are responsible for knowing their site number and proceeding to the correct site after 2:00 PM. Early check in is not available.</p>

<p>A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at the campground during their reservation, and does not cancel their reservation. Because this is an unstaffed location, the site will be held for the duration of the reservation and the visitor will not receive a refund for time not spent in the site. Due to the limited number of sites in Pinon Flats Campground, please cancel or change your reservation if you can not use it, so other campers have an opportunity to stay.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow">Rules and Reservation Policies</a> </p>

The entrance fee for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is $25 for
1-7 days. This fee is not included in the camping fee. Interagency passes are
accepted at the entrance station. If you do not have an interagency pass, you
may purchase pass in advance or pay upon arrival.

Panoramic view with sunflowers and green fields in the foreground, sand dunes lit by the sun with soaring mountains in the background.

Dramatic shadows play on the sand dunes with tall, snow-covered peaks towering.

Pinon Flats Campground, tent on the right with sand dunes on the left.

Golden hour. A lone tree in a field of golden grass with the sand dunes in dramatic shadow with mountains behind.

Rolling sand dunes with snowy mountains in the background.

Phenomenal Dark Sky Viewing From Great Sand Dunes NP

Night sky with the Milky Way over dark sand dunes.

Person standing with back to the camera, arms spread wide, facing the sand dunes.

Comfort Station, Pinon Flats Campground

Rolling sand dunes against a summer blue sky with a few clouds.

Person poses in front of sand dunes.

Person walking the ridge of a sand dune, leaving footprints in the sand.

Amphitheater, Pinon Flats Campground

Nighttime. Glowing tent on dark sand dunes. A few stars and clouds in the sky.

Pinon Flats Campground

Open 24/7 year round! There are no timed entries or reservations to visit. The
tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of
grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless
night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park!

Open 24/7 year round! There are no timed entries or reservations to visit.

The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park!

Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites

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Pinon Flats Campground