Camping at Sand Dunes

Camping at Sand Dunes

Staying at The Great Sand Dunes National Park

The biggest question you'll have upon visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park is likely deciding what to do first! With so many different activities many choose to stay the night under the stars nearby, or even within the National Park itself. Regardless of what is favored for your visit, we recommend planning ahead and booking a reservation to assure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. The good news? That's why we're here. Read on to see our recommendations for staying the night near (or on top of) the tallest sand dunes in North America.

Camping within the Park

Piñon Flats Campground

Views of both the Great Sand Dunes and neighboring Sangre de Cristo are enjoyed at the Great Sand Dunes on-site campground, Piñon Flats. Operated by the National Forest Service through the Visitor's Center, this site offers unbeatable convenience and proximity to the Sand Dunes Park. Individual, group, and select RV sites are available here but be sure to reserve your spot before making the trek to the park. You can do so online here

Backpacking and Camping on the Dunes

Backpacking and camping within the park are free to do provided you have a camping permit and can follow the rules set by the National Forest Service. Obtaining a permit requires your party lead to speak to a Forest Service Ranger, more information can be found here.

More Ways to Stay

Located in the heart of the San Luis Valley, Alamosa has a multitude of accommodations hosting visitors to their perfect experience. Whether your searching for rest and rejuvenation or a backpacking journey on mountaintops, we have just what you need.


Start Planning Your Next Trip

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Alamosa Economy Campground

Full hook-ups, dump station, open year round, showers, go cart course, pets welcome. Now with WI-FI and weekly/monthly rates!

Alamosa KOA Campground

Open May 1-October 15. The Alamosa KOA also has pancake breakfasts on Saturday & Sunday mornings.   RV and tent sites Grills and fire rings Cabins ...
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Cool Sunshine RV Park

Cool Sunshine RV Park is in the center of downtown Alamosa, the “hub” of the San Luis Valley.  We are centralized to many recreational and tourist hotspots, ie The G ...
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Great Sand Dunes Oasis

Sites for tents, RVs, groups up to 90 people, full hookup, LP gas, dump station, showers, rec room, café, gift store, groceries, gasoline, pets welcome. At entrance to Gr ...
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Great Sand Dunes Piñon Flats Campground

Pinyon Flats Campground at the Great Sand Dunes is a great place to camp.  88 individual sites located along two loops.  Restrooms have sinks, flush toilets and ...
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Joyful Journey Hot Springs

Joyful Journey Hot Springs is a quiet, peaceful spa retreat located at the northern gateway to the San Luis Valley is a favorite destination for the healing, re ...
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Sand Dunes Recreation

  Sand Dunes Recreation is open year-round hot spring, but it is so much more! During the early 1930's hot water was struck near Hooper while drillers were exp ...
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The Great Sand Dunes National Park

Against the backdrop of rugged 14,000' peaks in the Sangre de Cristo mountains—the 30 square mile sand dune field, with no designated trails—invites you on an adventure. ...
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Zapata Ranch and Conservancy Preserve

Zapata Ranch is an authentic working cattle and bison guest ranch owned by The Nature Conservancy, covering more than 100,000 acres and bordering the Great Sand Dunes Nat ...
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