Pinon Flats Campground

Camped in site #38 & had beautiful views of dunes. Like everyone else says, come prepared with everything you need & it definitely gets hot out there so hike early. My site had some shade but was glad I had more. I was there in late Aug & had no problems with bugs. Cool nights & a million stars. Hard to grasp just how large the dunes are until you are there Would def camp here again & wish I had HCV to go in the backcountry.

We tent camped at Pinon Flats on Sunday, October 20th in the first loop. (High: ~45F, Low ~20F). We arrived around sunset and less than half the sites were occupied.

Most sites in the first loop have decent views of the dunes, we were able to grab a site with a decent view even after arriving as late as we did.

Each site has it's own picnic table and fire pit. The restroom facilities were very well maintained and clean. (Flush toilets, running water).

To be known: The wind was pretty relentless all night which made for a very chilly night (Real feel was probably closer to ~10F)

Watch for cactus if you hike around your campsite!

The park is like no other, a desert, surrounded by green mountains full of pinon, Ponderosa, and juniper trees. The campground is situated with amazing views from many sites. The winds can be harsh here, so be prepared, though we have camped here many times when it was still. Elk, muleys, bobcats, and antelope are some of the wildlife we have seen here. It gets hot, sand really reflects heat, so take a LOT of water when heading out on the dunes or the trails. Want to be inspired, this is the place. There is a great little store inside the campground, decent prices and a lot of supplies, food, camp chairs, etc.. but no beer! There are flush toilets, a great evening show by rangers on some nights, water spigots for potable water.

Walking along Medano Creek, splashing around with my dog was a blast! So fun to surf the dunes and hike the trails. Campgrounds are tight but clean and nice. Only spent one night here then heaed to a nearby BLM campground. You will love the views and various scenery. The drives in this area are phenomenal, especially with the rapidily changing weather. Saw a triple rainbow on our drive in after a massive thunderstorm. Hours later is was very sunny, windy, and warm. Each season here is a very different experience, so be sure to come back throughout the year.

Don't camp in the dunes during a lightening storm!

The weather is very changeable. Don't be discouraged by stormy weather, it'll likely be followed by an epic sunset.

Don't forget a sled!

BUGS! In the summer months be prepared for lots of mosquitos. Bring bug spray and you should be fine. I hiked the dunes at both dawn and dusk and it was absolutely beautiful and a great time to avoid the bugs as well. During the day it can get extremely hot, so I suggest you stay cool and relax at your campsite or enjoy the river, if it's flowing.