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Pinon Flats Campground

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You absolutely can’t beat the views at Piñon Flats… for realsies.

As the sun sets, watch the light dance over the massive sand dunes, creating a Technicolor display you didn’t even know was possible. Subtly snow-capped mountains in the background make this place even more magical, and you’ll hardly want to blink it’s so beautiful. While you’re at the Great Sand Dunes, you’re going to want to check out Medano Creek, and maybe even climb up the dunes. With this campground, both of those glorious activities are literally in your backyard. There are lots of sites here, but you’ll want to reserve early (especially if you want a prime spot on Loop 1, where the best views are)--because this place gets jam-packed.
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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Great Sand Dunes National Park

  • Explore the banks of the Arkansas River at Sweetwater - we have beavers in front of the House, otter sightings, eagles, osprey & tons of hummingbirds
  • The suspension bridge over the Arkansas to the Individual Tent Sites.
  • Explore the banks of the Arkansas River at Sweetwater - we have beavers in front of the House, otter sightings, eagles, osprey & tons of hummingbirds
90%
(155)

Sweetwater River Resort

67 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents31 acres · Cotopaxi, CO
Sweetwater River Resort is located right on the Arkansas River, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort. Sweetwater River Resort is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing. Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself. Sweetwater is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge, Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge and Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!
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from 
$35
 / night
  • Penitente Canyon Tin Can Camp
  • Penitente Canyon Tin Can Camp
  • Penitente Canyon Tin Can Camp
97%
(31)

Penitente Canyon Tin Can Camp

5 sites · Lodging200 acres · Center, CO
Nestled in the heart of the San Luis Valley at the entrance to Penitente Canyon and Special Recreation Management Area and 50 minutes to Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors welcomes all guests to come and enjoy their cabins at Tin Can Camp. Tin Can Camp is located within 200 acres of Colorado State Trust Land at roughly 8,000 feet above sea level. The landscape is arid high desert with scattered groves of piñon and juniper trees. The camp serves as a convenient home base for launching adventures across the San Luis Valley to various local Hot Springs, archeological sites, and other small town local attractions. For the more adventurous guests, there is recreation right from Tin Can Camp with The Valleys largest trail system and climbing area less than a mile away and access to the vast expanse of the Rio Grande National Forest. The cabins are "micro homes" outfitted with modern conveniences. Each cabin has solar power, a propane heater, a compact kitchen with a sink, water jugs, and pump, two full size loft beds, a small table with chairs, an incinerator toilet, and a covered porch. Incinerating toilets are self-contained waste management systems that burn human waste instead of flushing it into a sewer or septic system. These toilets use propane gas to incinerate waste at high temperatures, reducing it to a small amount of sterile ash. Incinerating toilets are commonly used in locations where traditional plumbing is impractical, such as remote cabins and environmentally sensitive areas. They are valued for their efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and the elimination of the need for water or chemical treatments. There is odor associated with the incineration process. Guests should know there is no water available on the property. You will need to bring water for all your needs. This includes cooking, washing, drinking, and for putting out fires. Guest should plan 2 gallons of water per person per day. A public well/pumphouse is at the intersection of County Road 38A and Road 40G (37.836363, -106.271551)(inoperable as of 7/11/2024- BLM working to fix it). Tin Can Camp is adjacent to the future Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve, and the property has spectacular views of the Milky Way Galaxy. Each cabin has a fire ring for guests to relax and enjoy the dark nighttime sky. Wood collecting on the property is not permitted, so guests must bring their own firewood. As mentioned, the property is located at the entrance to Penitente Canyon. Penitente Canyon is a Nationally-renowned climbing destination with more than 400 climbing routes. Penitente Canyon also has 30+ miles of non-motorized trails for mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian activities and guest have direct trail access from camp! Guests can ride mountain bikes directly from the property. There are numerous recreation, sightseeing, historical and cultural, and agricultural tourism opportunities in the nearby Rio Grande National Forest, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Gas, ice, water, and some groceries can be found nearby at the La Garita Trading Post, which has operated since 1913. The La Garita Trading Post is in a historic log cabin and serves the best local-beef burgers in the San Luis Valley.
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$60
 / night
  • High Peaks Campground
  • This is a back-in only site. If you have a Class C or higher, you can pull forward and back out easily.
  • High Peaks Campground
97%
(735)

High Peaks Campground

22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, CO
Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the highest Alpine Valley in the world! This campground sits close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. You can also see the San Juan mountain range to the east in the distance. San Juans are part of the NW rim of the Continental Divide. Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With unlimited mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, Meteor showers!!! Previously known as High Desert Ranch Campground, this land was originally part of a large ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. In 2021, we were featured in USA Todays Ten Best for star gazing! My property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! You will be surrounded by ranch land and state land with Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. Accommodations for those with livestock, just make sure you chat in advance your initial message. Close to BLM, and National Forest as well as 3 hot springs within 20 miles and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!
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from 
$38
 / night
  • Rabbit Hole Ranch
  • Rabbit Hole Ranch
  • Rabbit Hole Ranch
93%
(477)

Rabbit Hole Ranch

108 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Alamosa East, CO
The Rabbit Hole Ranch offers beautiful unobstructed views of the majestic Blanca Massif and the Great Sand Dunes and is just a (gorgeous) 35 minute drive from both to include Zapata Falls. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-see, and I am grateful for the opportunity to offer you a place nearby to set up camp and go exploring. Alamosa, the largest town in the SLV, is just 20 minutes away. With a population of around 9,800 Alamosa has that small town feel and has the goods and services you will need. Camping here at the Rabbit Hole Ranch is primitive and dispersed (no numbered sites) and there 30 acres available for you to use. Typically, you will experience a rare kind of solitude and silence that feels…. other-worldly, with incredible sunrises and sunsets filling the enormous skies. On holidays, however, expect it to be busy. Our two Great Pyrenees are here to help keep you and your pets (and our chickens) safe. Please help make their jobs easier by not leaving any food or trash in or around tents. Please keep your pets on leash or under control until you’re comfortably certain they get along with all three of our dogs. This year we have a new Great Pyrenees to greet you, his name is TheoVon and he is huge! Returning this season is KayLee also a GP and and Finn, who is a little Benji lookin rescue from Alaska who just LOVES everyone. :) Quiet time begins at 10:00 pm. Note: Holidays still offer the excellent location and spectacular views, but are likely to be less quiet and far more busy. We do not strictly enforce quiet time during holidays.
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from 
$33
 / night
  • Base Camp Family Campground
  • Base Camp Family Campground
  • Base Camp Family Campground
90%
(24)

Base Camp Family Campground

20 sites · RVs20 acres · Alamosa, CO
Welcome To Your Base Camp Whether your adventure brings you here for just one night, or the entire summer, this is the view you want to wake up to! We have... •Largest Pull Through Sites In The Area-100' x 40' •Big-Rig-Friendly, 60 degree angled sites •Large Private Showers •Best 360 Degree Views •Full Hookups •Free Wi-Fi •Laundry •Close To All Local Attractions •Sandboard & Sand Sled Rentals - https://slv-adventures.square.site •65 Degree Average Summer Temperatures Base Camp Family Campground is operated by the Baker Family. Josh Baker first lived in Southern Colorado in the early 90's as a child, but his parents moved the family away after a short time. His desire to move back here as an adult prompted him to start bringing his own family to Colorado for vacations. They purchased land in the valley in 2014 and moved to Colorado in 2020. They are using all they've learned from years of RVing adventures, to continue the park's mission of providing a clean, affordable, spacious, well-run camping facility, and to be a centrally located "base camp" and hub of information for everything this unique area has to offer. You may feel it when you first enter the valley...this is a special place like no other. You'll be camping on Native American sacred ground, in the shadows of 14,000 ft. mountain peaks, in the largest high-desert alpine valley in the world, that is sprinkled with free-flowing artesian wells, hot springs and wet lands. Water gushes up through the desert floor from aquifers that are continually replenished from the snow that melts from the surrounding mountains. The valley gets 350 days of sunshine each year and less than 8 inches of precipitation, mostly in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Bring a sweater, even if you're here in August. Daily summer temperatures average 65 degrees, and it will get down into the 50's at night. That's perfect camping weather! For native American tribes, including the Utes, Apache, Navajos, and others, this valley is considered the source of life, a place where humans and spirit enter and leave this world. This sipapu, or place of emergence, is believed to be near the sand dunes, in the San Luis Lakes area. The valley was considered so sacred, that no war would be waged here. The tribes would pass each other in peace. Blanca Peak is considered the eastern boundary and doorway into Dinetah, the traditional Navajo homeland. Today, 30 spiritual centers, representing religions from all over the world, are located in the Crestone area at the north end of the valley. The ET Connection As if all of the mountains, deserts, hot springs, and sacred ground weren't enough, The San Luis Valley is also known as a UFO hot spot! UFO sightings have been reported as far back as the 1600's. You'll want to visit The UFO Watch tower, on highway 17, "The Cosmic Highway". Owner, Judy Messoline is a wealth of information on the subject. • EXPRESS CHECK IN - We'll send you an email the day before your arrival, with your site number, wifi password, etc. There is no need to check in at the host site when you arrive, unless you have questions. You can follow the yellow signs straight to your camp site! • DURING COLD WATER MONTHS -water faucets may be used for filling RV tanks only. Water hoses must be disconnected after filling tanks. No permanent water hose connections will be allowed. • Check In Time -1:00 PM •Check Out Time -11:00 AM ATTRACTIONS - Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge on the Rio Grande - San Luis Valley Museum - Rio Grande Scenic Railroad - Splashland Hot Springs - Blanca Vista Park - Cattails Golf Course - Luther Bean Museum - Ryan Geology Museum - Fort Garland Museum - Zapata Falls - Colorado Gators Reptile Park - Homelake Veterans' History Museum - Monte Vista History Museum - Transportation of the West Museum - Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve - Sanford Museum - UFO Watchtower - Sand Dunes Swimming Pool - Jack Dempsey Museum - Joyful Journey Hot Springs - Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center - Stations of the Cross Shrine - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Antonito Depot - Fransisco Fort Museum - Rio Grande County Museum - Conejos County Museum - Crestone History Museum - Hazard House Museum - Saguache County Museum - Valley View Hot Springs - Creede History Museum - Creede Underground Mining Museum - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Chama Depot - Taos Pueblo - Hinsdale County Museum
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from 
$51
 / night
  • Hummingbird Ranch
  • Hummingbird Ranch
  • Hummingbird Ranch
94%
(170)

Hummingbird Ranch

12 sites · RVs, Tents360 acres · Rye, CO
Learn more about this land: Hummingbird Ranch is a gorgeous sprawling ranch in Colorado's Spanish Peaks Country with panoramic views of the Wet Mountains and across the plains to the Spanish Peaks. Location is only 12 easy driving minutes from I25. Come experience the dark Colorado skies and quiet secluded campsites with scenery all around...
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$33
 / night
  • Sunrise was amazing!
  • sunrise on Mt. Blanca
  • Sunrise was amazing!
99%
(97)

Mono Loco Flats

3 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Fort Garland, CO
Mono Loco Flats sits on a Mesa nestled in the Sangre de Cristo mountains near Sangre De Cristo creek and La Veta Pass. Growing up in Southern Colorado I was fortunate to explore this zone as a kid and I feel fortunate that I can share Mono Loco Flats with others. Set up camp and enjoy sweeping views of Mount Blanca and the surrounding Sangre De Cristo mountain range. This 15 acre camp is situated just off highway 160 for easy access, approximately 25 minutes from The Great Sand Dunes Natianal park and Zapata Falls. Mono Loco Flats is an excellent home base for exploring the San Luis Valley. Sangre de Cristo Creek is a short hike or drive to the south. Fort Garland is a 10 minute drive. This Mesa provides 360 panoramic views with epic sunrise and sunset views of Mount Blanca. Wild horses and prong horned antelope may wander the Mesa as you enjoy your camp. The natural beauty of these three campsites are worth protecting so please if you pack it in, pack it out. This is a dry camp with no toilet or garbage facilities. Please treat this land with respect so that future campers may enjoy the land free of rubbish. All three campsites are accessible with any type of vehicle and the long driveway and turnaround can accommodate any trailer or RV up to 20'. So please come and enjoy the Sangre De Cristo mountains at Mono Loco Flats:) @monkeypuzzlespace = Mono Loco Flats on Instagram
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$25.20
 / night
  • View from site #2 looking towards the Sangre De Christo mountain range and the Cherry creek trail head.
  • Mountain Bird Alpine Desert
  • View from site #2 looking towards the Sangre De Christo mountain range and the Cherry creek trail head.
100%
(120)

Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, CO
Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing. Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching. New for 2024, The flushable toilet and shower are now operational. The shower house is located in the center of the loop with sites 1,2,3 on the south side of the building. It has an on demand water heater, there is also a a flushable toilet located in the same space. An important note about the toilet, Do Not flush anything other than toilet paper please. DO NOT flush feminine hygiene products, napkins or hand wipes or anything other than toilet paper. These type of things plug and burn up the pump while pumping out the tank. This will cause the toilet to be unusable. ATTENTION: THE SHOWER HOUSE AND TOILET WILL BE SHUTTING DOWN AND GETTING WINTERIZED OCTOBER 1ST UNTIL MAY 1ST. No fireworks are permitted at any time.
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from 
$30
 / night
  • A beautiful rainbow
  • Dreamweaver's Sanctuary
  • A beautiful rainbow
85%
(102)

Dreamweaver's Sanctuary

21 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Crestone, CO
Dreamweaver’s Sanctuary is an evolving artist collaborative project and homestead that focuses on sustainability, creativity, spiritual growth, with mindful community values. We host events and workshops, prepare meals, and we are now offering Usui-Tibetan/Holy Fire and Crystal Reiki for those looking to balance and replenish the Mind, Body and Soul. Expect surprises as we are always incorporating new and fun ideas to enhance your experience and bring unity to the locals of Crestone. In addition to this project, we invite you to join us for Hip Camp. A rustic camping experience in Crestone, Colorado with the most majestic views. About the land: Imagine setting up camp in the high desert of Colorado, resting in the quiet of nature, and awakening to birds singing to you as you lay nestled in an ancient Cottonwood Grove. Next you open your eyes to the Majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, overlooking the Great Sand Dunes. Enjoy a fresh and power packed smoothie to break your overnight fast or join us in our off-grid rustic zen community kitchen and prepare what you so choose. Find yourself a comfortable spot and spend some time in meditation or join others in our Meditation Tent, engage in a peaceful and mindful conversation with other campers, enjoy a garden walk or book a Crystal or Holy Fire Reiki Session. Did we mention the sunsets!? In the evening stargazing is a favorite, as Crestone is a Dark Sky Community. And all of that is just here at the sanctuary! Venture out and find hiking trails, take a short drive and enjoy your day at the sand dunes, enjoy local Hot Springs or visit one of Crestone’s many spiritual centers or temples. While we hope you will choose to stay with us, keep in mind that this is a family friendly environment and we welcome pets. Note that we are 4:20 friendly, but kindly discourage the use of non-recreational or illegal substances and the misuse of alcohol on the premises. We have outdoor solar shower amenities and composting toilets and outhouses. There is a water and tea station available. Wifi is available near our Tech Deck. - Cosmic Kids Yoga 11:30 am in Vimana - Sacred Fire Offering @ Sunset Daily in Vimana Crestone is a very special place and we look forward to meeting you here!
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from 
$28
 / night
  • the twin bridges! One is historic-don't see many of this style left...
  • Twin Bridges Campground
  • the twin bridges! One is historic-don't see many of this style left...
95%
(69)

Twin Bridges Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Coaldale, CO
Overnight, Seasonal, and Extended Stay Camping, we are open year-round. We have 30/50amp sites (shade and partial shade) around our lake, 20 amp in the "upper campground," and dry camping (full facilities) along the Arkansas River (Gold Medal fishing) with access for all campers for fishing and floating. Many of our sites are great for star-gazing, watching meteors, looking for fireflies, and seeing the birds zip on by. We are conveniently located on Hwy 50, in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and have all sorts of rental options for your outdoor adventure needs. Whether you want to pitch a tent, try out the glamping experience, enjoy the convenience of an RV, or rent one of our fully equipped RVs, we have the perfect spot for you. We have four entrances marked by sail flags into the campground, two by the lake, one near the bathhouse, and one by the post office (on our property). The map of the Arkansas River has our campground listed! Adventure awaits with home to the highest mountain peaks in Colorado and the river and 102 miles of Trout Gold Medal Water. There is access to white water rafting, guided fishing, and fishing lessons. There are at least 5 hot springs within 60 miles of Twin Bridges Campground. Salida is considered the white-water rafting capitol of the US by some and has a whitewater park and surfing wave. Salida area is also home to a ton of hiking (14'ers anyone?) and mountain biking trails. The Royal Gorge is a quick 30 minute drive with restaurants and other fun near Canon City. The Sand Dunes are 90 minutes and Monarch Ski Area is 45, we have some of the best bird watching! Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-peewee, Cassin's Kingbird to name a few.
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from 
$22.50
 / night
  • You need to be well rested to enjoy all that the Great Sand Dunes and the San Luis Valley have to offer.
  • Dunes Desert Camp
  • You need to be well rested to enjoy all that the Great Sand Dunes and the San Luis Valley have to offer.
97%
(53)

Dunes Desert Camp

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents320 acres · Hooper, CO
Enjoy your own private desert playground, 320 Acres of pristine wilderness in the shadow of Blanca Peak and in sight of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Whether you want to explore the valley on a hike, bike, or All Terrain Vehicle, fly over it in a private light aircraft, or plan an expedition to the mountains, Dunes Desert Camp is your staging ground for exploring the breathtaking natural wonders of the San Luis Valley. Located just twenty miles from downtown Alamosa, Dunes Desert Camp offers remoteness and privacy coupled with the convenience of being near a vibrant metropolitan center. Get away from it all, and get back to finding yourself in the desert. We have one large Safari tent with a double bed and 5 two person dome tents fitted with camp cots Sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses and camping equipment is available to rent on site.
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from 
$65
 / night
  • Wet mountain Getaway
  • Wet mountain Getaway
  • Wet mountain Getaway
88%
(8)

Wet mountain Getaway

3 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Beulah, CO
80 acers of stunning high desert foothills, canyons and planes located just 20 minutes from Pueblo. Nestled right up against the Sandre De Cristo wet mountain range in Beulah Co. Come experience the amazing star gazing, hiking and arrowhead hunting. Secluded yet just 2 miles from highway 78. Beautiful views of Pikes peak and the front range to the north and planes to the east. Mule deer, elk, wild turkey and antelope are frequently seen on site as well as hundreds of other wildlife species. Genreal store and fuel station located just minutes away in the Beulah valley.
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from 
$30
 / night

More to explore nearby

98%
62 ratings · 14 reviews
Avatar
Shana B.recommends
February 4, 2021
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.
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Julian B.recommends
November 7, 2019
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)
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Sheena H.recommends
February 5, 2019
Watch for cactus if you hike around your campsite!
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Patrick M.
May 27, 2018
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.
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Erica E.
April 7, 2018
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.
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Sara L.
February 20, 2018
Don't camp in the dunes during a lightening storm!
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Caitlin F.recommends
November 20, 2017
The weather is very changeable. Don't be discouraged by stormy weather, it'll likely be followed by an epic sunset.
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Taylor M.recommends
August 1, 2017
Don't forget a sled!
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Callie P.recommends
July 17, 2017
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.
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Shannon A.
March 27, 2017
We got a group campsite that held up to 40 people in July. It was amazing being able to invite a huge group and most trekked the 4 hour drive to meet us in the dunes. There was more shade provided by trees than anticipated. Many large picnic tables, fire pit, and a couple of grills. Very well laid out for people to talk near the campfire at night and not disturb those sleeping in the tents. We had a lot of deer hang out with us through out the day, and bugs as well. So bring the bug spray!
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Ellen R.recommends
March 17, 2017
The amazing dunes are created by wind. We slept in the tent in 35mph winds. It got much quieter when we removed the rain fly, which was whipping erratically again the tent.
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Mark S.
July 20, 2016
Bring bug spray. Mosquitoes everywhere! Went through 3 cans in 3 days. Sites are somewhat small and rangers are really anal/adamant about not going off the pad. I'm not a fan of that policy, but it is what it is. We stayed in Site 65, which was slightly bigger than others and near the bathroom (but not too close). We didn't have some of the best views like the ones around the outside of the road, but we also had fewer mosquitoes. Trees/shade are somewhat at a premium, and campsite is very busy so plan well in advance if you want to stay here. It's about a 1 mile or so walk to the dune field area, but there is a part that gets you there. Go up the dirt road at least to the point of no return to get away from the people if you can.
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Johnathan V.
September 24, 2015
Unless you have a high clearance vehicle to access the backcountry or you have a permit to backpack and camp in the dunefield, this is pretty much the only campground in the park. The camp is very much an improved campsite with fully functional bathrooms and running water. The dune field is a short walk away, but the campsite is far from any town, so make sure you have everything you need. Summer days can be hot and nights can still be cold, so pack accordingly. I would recommend bringing a canopy or something for shade if you plan on hanging around the campsite at day as there aren't a lot of trees and it can get hot. Otherwise, this is a very nice campground.
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Mitch W.
May 1, 2015
Be sure to come stocked up on beer, food, and firewood. There is a general store where you check in, but I recall spending almost $100 for the campsite, a couple of 18s of 'cheap' (see: bad) beer, and enough firewood for one night.

Top parks near Pinon Flats Campground

Heron Lake State Park
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Top cities near Pinon Flats Campground

Denver
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Salida
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