Camping is one of the most popular activities at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This stunning landscape is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in North America, and offers visitors many unique outdoor experiences. With over 30 miles of hiking trails, a pristine lake for boating and fishing, and plenty of nature-inspired activities to explore – there’s something here for every type of adventurer!
This article will go in depth about how to prepare for camping at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve; from selecting your campsite location, understanding fees associated with camping in the park, familiarizing yourself with campground amenities available as well as firewood and ice availability. We’ll also provide tips on which best activities you can enjoy while visiting this magnificent landscape. There are also other lodging options if camping isn’t your style – these will be discussed too! Finally we conclude our article with some vital tips that would ensure you have a successful trip to the park. So let’s get started!
1. Overview of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a United States national park located in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado. At the center of this park is one of North America’s tallest sand dune fields, with some dunes reaching up to 750 feet high! The dunefield highlights this diverse landscape which includes grasslands, wetlands, forests and alpine lakes.
The park has three campgrounds – Pinyon Flats, Pinon Mesa and Point Picnic Campground. All are accessible by car and offer tent and RV camping (some with electric hookups). While each campground offers an individual experience they all provide scenic views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range as well as easy access to trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding or off-roading.
At the visitor center you can find information about ranger-led activities such as guided hikes or sunrise photography tutorials. There are also backcountry permits available at no cost for those who wish to explore beyond developed areas. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times when in developed areas like campgrounds or picnic spots within the parks boundaries.
Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings however firewood must be purchased from local vendors or brought in from outside the park – collecting dead wood within Great Sand Dunes National Park is prohibited due to potential negative environmental impacts such as soil compaction and destruction of fragile ecosystems. Ice may also be purchased from local vendors for use at your campsite cooler; wild harvesting ice from rivers or creeks within the park is not permitted nor safe due to swift moving currents often hidden beneath its surface snow packs during winter months
2. Camping in the Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers a variety of camping options within the park, from large developed campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Here is an overview of what you need to know for camping in the park:
Campground Locations
The main campground in the park is Pinyon Flats, located near the Visitor Center. It offers 44 campsites with basic facilities such as picnic tables and fire rings but no hookups or showers. The other option is Oasis Campground on Medano Pass Road, which is open seasonally and has 15 primitive sites without water or electrical hookups and one group site.
In addition to these two developed campgrounds, there are several backcountry sites throughout the park that can be reserved through Recreation.gov (please note that reservations must be made at least four days in advance). These include Piñon Flats Environmental Education Area (EEA) Group Site and Cottonwood EEA Group Site; they offer a more rustic experience with minimal amenities.
Campsite Fees
Camping fees vary depending on your chosen site; most individual campsites have a fee of $20 per night while larger groups may pay up to $60 per night for group campsites (please note that these fees do not include taxes or online booking fees). Backcountry camping permits start at $5 per person per night plus applicable taxes and online booking fees.
Campground Amenities
Most campgrounds provide basic amenities such as bathrooms, running water, picnic tables, fire rings/grills, garbage cans/recycling bins etc., but please keep in mind that these amenities will vary depending on your chosen site so it’s best to check ahead before you arrive.
Firewood & Ice
Firewood can be purchased at both Pinyon Flats ($8/bundle) and Oasis ($6/bundle), while ice is available from local stores nearby the entrance station ($3-4/bag). Please remember not to bring any firewood into the park from outside sources as this could introduce invasive species into the environment!
Camping Rules
It’s important to follow all regulations when staying overnight in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve – always respect wildlife by keeping food stored securely away from animals; never leave trash behind; practice Leave No Trace principles; use low impact methods for gathering
Campground Locations
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers three developed campgrounds for visitors: Piñon Flats Campground, Pinyon Flats Group Campground, and the Oasis Campground. All of these campgrounds have a variety of sites that can accommodate tents or RVs.
Piñon Flats is located in the park’s main area and has 91 sites with electric hookups available. The Pinyon Flats Group Campground is located near the Visitor Center and offers one group site with room for up to 75 people and 8 vehicles. Finally, the Oasis Campground is located five miles east of the entrance station on Highway 150 and has 18 tent-only sites without any utility hookups.
Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring/grill, tent pad (if needed), bear box (for food storage), potable water spigots (seasonally) at each camping loop, restrooms with running water (no showers). Pro Tip: Bring your own water if you plan to stay here during dry times!
Campsite Fees
The camping fees at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve vary based on the type of campsite you choose. All sites are available for reservation up to six months in advance, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on availability.
Standard Campsite Fees: Standard campsites cost $20/night and provide access to a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, drinking water spigot, restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers.
Group Campsite Fees: Group campgrounds cost $60/night (up to 25 people) or $90/night (26-50 people). These sites feature all of the amenities offered at standard campsites plus additional parking space and a group picnic shelter.
Backcountry Camping Fees: Backcountry camping costs $15/person per night plus an additional fee for each person traveling in your party. This includes access to several designated areas within the park where visitors can set up tents or hammocks away from established campgrounds but still within easy reach of water sources.
Campground Reservations Fee: A one time fee of $10 will apply when making reservations online or through the call center; however, no additional fees are applied when changing or canceling reservations before check-in date.
Campground Amenities
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers a variety of campsite amenities to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. Most campgrounds provide potable water, accessible restrooms, and garbage containers. Many also feature picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof storage lockers. Some campgrounds even offer RV hookups with power outlets.
Camping in the park is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural scenery of the area while still having access to basic modern conveniences like toilets, running water, and electricity (depending on the site you choose). No matter what type of camping you prefer—from primitive backcountry tent sites to full service RV parks—there’s something for everyone at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve!
Firewood and Ice
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has all the essentials for a comfortable camping experience. At campgrounds throughout the park, you can purchase firewood and ice for a small fee.
Firewood is available from mid-May to late October at the Pinon Flats, Castle Creek, Mosca Campground, and Piñon Flats Oasis store. A bundle of firewood costs $7 each (credit cards are accepted). No cutting or gathering of dead wood is allowed in the park.
Ice can also be purchased at various locations within the park including: Pinons Flats Store, Castle Creek Campground Store & Cafe, Camino Real Picnic Area store & restroom building, Piñon Flats Oasis Gift Shop/Store & Restroom Building. The cost of an 8lb bag of ice is approximately $3 depending on location.
It’s important to properly dispose of your trash while camping in order to maintain a clean environment and protect wildlife from potentially hazardous materials. All trash must be packed out with you when you leave or disposed of in designated garbage cans located around the campgrounds. Additionally there are bear-proof food lockers provided at many campsites for storing food overnight so it doesn’t attract wildlife into campsites during their stay.
Camping Rules
Before setting up camp at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the campground rules. These rules help keep everyone safe while enjoying the outdoors:
All camping must be done within designated camping areas.
Fires are only permitted in provided grills or fire rings and must be fully extinguished when leaving the campsite.
Generators are only allowed between 8am – 10am, 12pm – 2pm, and 5 pm – 7 pm.
Pets must be leashed and never left unattended outside of a vehicle or tent/camper.
Discharge of firearms is prohibited in national parks according to federal law.
Littering is not tolerated; all trash should be disposed of properly in designated garbage cans or taken with you upon departure from the park.
Quiet hours start at 10pm; loud noises such as screaming, music, etc., should cease during this time out of respect for other campers’ peace and quiet.
3. Best Activities at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
With its towering sand dunes, cascading mountain streams, and majestic views of the San Luis Valley, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a stunning place to explore. From leisurely walks along the banks of Medano Creek to more adventurous activities like sand boarding or star-gazing, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in this incredible national park.
Hiking – There are a number of trails that meander through the park’s forests and dunes. The hike up High Dune provides an excellent view of the surrounding landscape, while the Mosca Pass Trail takes you past ancient petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls.
Sandboarding/Sledding – One of most popular activities at Great Sand Dunes is sandboarding or sledding on top of the massive dunes! Grab a board from one of several local vendors or bring your own for an unforgettable experience racing down these giant mounds of sand.
**Fishing & Swimming **- For anglers looking for some trout fishing action, head over to Medano Creek located near Montville Campground. Here you can cast off your line in search for rainbow trout and enjoy some swimming too as parts of this creek has deep enough water for wading into it safely (during summer).
Star Gazing – On clear nights with no moonlight interference, visitors can get spectacular views by heading out towards any open area in dark hours (not near campsite lights). The night sky comes alive with stars when seen from atop High Dune’s summit; it’s truly an unforgettable experience!
4. Other Lodging Options
If you’re looking for more permanent lodging options than camping, there are several places to stay in the immediate area of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
The closest hotel is The Zapata Ranch, located just 10 miles north of the park entrance. This hotel offers a variety of accommodation options including cabins, RV sites, and bunkhouses. There are also many other hotels in nearby towns such as Alamosa which offer a range of amenities from swimming pools to restaurants and bars.
Guests can also opt for staying at an AirBnb near the park or try their luck at booking one of the remote backcountry sites within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve itself. These highly sought-after campsites provide visitors with a unique experience away from civilization and only require reservations made ahead of time.
If you’d prefer something even more luxurious than any of these lodging options, there is always the option to glamp next to Great Sand Dunes National Park with companies like Colorado Yurt Company or Rocky Mountain Glamping. Here you can enjoy some creature comforts such as comfortable furniture, beds, heaters and even private bathrooms!
5. Tips for a Successful Trip
Before embarking on your camping trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, there are several tips you should keep in mind for a successful experience.
Clothing: Pack the right clothing depending on the season. The temperatures can vary widely depending on when you go, so make sure to bring layers and plenty of sunscreen for protection against the sun.
Food: Bring all of your food with you, as there are no restaurants or stores in the park. Make sure to store food away from wildlife by properly sealing bags and containers and storing them in bear boxes or coolers when not in use.
Firewood: Firewood is available at some campgrounds for a fee, but it is recommended that you bring any extra wood that you will need as it may be difficult to find near the park. If gathering firewood from outside sources, make sure it is dead or downed wood only as living materials cannot be removed from national parks without a permit.
Respect Nature: Do not disturb plants or animals while exploring the park – leave nature as undisturbed as possible! Stay on trails and do not feed wildlife; even something seemingly harmless like bread crumbs can have devastating effects on their health and behavior
Conclusion
Camping at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of this natural wonder. By following the camping rules, observing all firewood and ice regulations, and opting for amenities that make your stay more comfortable, you can enjoy a safe and successful trip to the park.
Be sure to take some time away from camping to explore as much of the Park’s diverse habitats as possible. From sand sledding down towering dunes to bird watching among lush wetlands, there are plenty of activities that will reward curious campers with awe-inspiring memories of their time in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
