Great Sand Dunes Camping: Best Campgrounds, Tips & Travel Guide

Contact Information

Why This Place is Special

• • Star Dune and High Dune, the tallest sand dunes in North America
• • Sandboarding and sand sledding down massive dunes
• • Medano Creek's seasonal surge flow phenomenon in late spring
• • Piñon Flats Campground with direct dunefield access
• • International Dark Sky Park designation for astronomy
• • Medano Pass Primitive Road for high-clearance 4WD vehicles

Ideal For

Facilities & Amenities

• • Parking
• • Restrooms
• • Drinking water
• • Information center
• • Wheelchair access
• • First aid
• • Souvenir shops
• • Seating areas

Rules & Restrictions

• • No driving standard vehicles off paved roads without high clearance and 4WD
• • Pets must be kept on a leash at all times (maximum 6 feet)
• • Pets are not permitted in the backcountry dunefield area or inside the visitor center
• • No drones allowed anywhere within the national park boundaries
• • No gathering firewood within the park; buy local firewood to prevent pest introduction
• • No glass containers allowed near Medano Creek or on the dunefield

Safety Information

• • Sand temperatures can exceed 150°F (65°C) in summer; wear sturdy shoes and avoid hiking the dunes at midday
• • Lightning strikes are a severe threat on the dunes during afternoon thunderstorms; seek shelter in a hard-topped vehicle if clouds build
• • The dunefield sits at 8,200 feet elevation; drink plenty of water and pace yourself to prevent altitude sickness
• • Keep a safe distance from wildlife, particularly mule deer and black bears, which frequent the campground areas
• • Store all food, trash, and scented items in bear-proof lockers provided at the campsites
• • Winds can reach over 40 mph; protect your eyes with sunglasses or goggles and shelter camera equipment