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Piñon Flats Campground: Basecamp for Dune Adventures

Camp beneath the towering dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Great Sand Dunes National Park's popular Piñon Flats Campground.

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Nestled in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Piñon Flats Campground offers a convenient and scenic base for exploring the towering dunes and surrounding landscapes. Open from April to October, the campground provides a comfortable stay with easy access to park attractions.

A brief summary to Piñon Flats Campground

Local tips

  • Reservations are essential, especially during peak season (May-September). Book well in advance through Recreation.gov.
  • Arrive prepared for dry camping, as there are no hookups available. Bring plenty of water.
  • Utilize the bear lockers to store food and scented items to avoid attracting wildlife.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions. Even in summer, temperatures can fluctuate, and afternoon thunderstorms are common.
  • Consider visiting during the week to avoid weekend crowds. Weekdays offer a more peaceful camping experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the Great Sand Dunes National Park entrance, continue 5 miles north on the park's main road. The campground entrance will be on your right. Keep in mind that an entrance pass is required to enter the park; the standard pass is $25 per vehicle, valid for one week. This fee is in addition to the camping fee, which ranges from $20-$80 per night. Reservations are required to camp at Piñon Flats Campground. There are no additional tolls or mandatory access fees.

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Discover more about Piñon Flats Campground

Piñon Flats Campground, located one mile north of the Visitor Center in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, is the only campground located within the park and a popular choice for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the unique landscape. Open seasonally from April through October, it offers 88 campsites, all of which are reservable through Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and campsites book up quickly, especially during the summer season. The campground is situated among piñon pines and sagebrush, with many sites offering views of the dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Individual campsites can accommodate up to 8 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles. Each site is equipped with a fire grate, picnic table, and a bear locker for safe food storage. Restrooms with sinks, flush toilets, a dishwashing sink, and potable water spigots are available in all three loops. There are no showers in the campground, but outdoor rinse showers are available at the Dunes Parking Lot during the summer months. While some sites offer moderate shade, others are more exposed. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length can be accommodated in some sites in Loop 1 and Loop 2, but there are no hookups. A dump station and water hoses are available in warmer months near the campground. Keep in mind that each loop is one-way driving traffic with tight turns, so large vehicles may have difficulty navigating. From the campground, visitors can easily access the main attractions of Great Sand Dunes National Park, including the towering dunes themselves, as well as hiking trails and Medano Creek. The campground also provides access to the Medano Pass Primitive Road for visitors with high-clearance 4WD vehicles.

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