Campgrounds

Area Camping and Lodging - follow this link for campgrounds and lodging near the park and in area communities

 

Many campsites have a view of the dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

NPS/Patrick Myers

Pinyon Flats Campground is a National Park Service campground located one mile north of the Visitor Center. Loop 1 (44 sites) is first-come, first-served year round. The 44 sites in Loop 2 and 3 group tent camping sites are available for reservation in warmer months.

Map of Campground (.pdf file, 283kb)

Dates Available for Reservation in 2013

• Loop 2 sites are reservable up to six months in advance for dates between May 9 -September 2.
  
• Group tent campsites A, B, and C are reservable up to one year in advance for dates between April 17-October 7.

See below for detailed information on the campground.

Contact the National Recreation Reservation System online, via email, phone: [phone], or Fax: [phone].

When Medano Creek is flowing well and school is out, expect Loop 2 sites to be booked and Loop 1 sites to be full by mid-day every day of the week. Plan your visit on a weekday during late spring to avoid especially large crowds and full parking areas.

For reservations or questions about your reservation, please contact the National Reservation System via the numbers or links above. For specific questions about the campground, please call the Visitor Center at 719-378-6395, or send an email.

General Campground Information

Pinyon Flats Campground has 88 individual sites located along two loops. Individual sites are $20 per night, whether reserved or first-come, first-served. Restrooms have sinks, flush toilets, and a sink for dishwashing. Each site has a fire grate and picnic table. Some sites have large cottonwood or conifer trees for shade, while others are more out in the open with smaller pinyon trees. A few sites can fit RVs up to 35 feet in length; see more information on RVs below. Loop 1 (44 sites) of the campground is open year-round; one restroom is winterized. Campsites have a maximum capacity of six people, two tents, and two vehicles (including towed vehicles/trailers). A 50% discount applies to Golden Age and Golden Access pass holders.

Loop 1 Campsites

Loop 1 (sites #1-#44) of the campground are first-come, first-served year-round. Sites may be acquired 24 hours a day if they are available. When the ranger kiosk is open, please check-in there; otherwise, please self-register. Saving campsites for people coming later is not permitted. Six people, two tents, and two vehicles (including towed vehicles/trailers) maximum at each site. Check-out time is 1:00 pm.

Loop 2 Campsites

Loop 2 (sites #45-#88) are reservable up to six months in advance for dates between May 9-September 3, 2013. Sites must be reserved at least 4 days in advance; any sites not reserved will become available as first-come, first-served. Six people, two tents, and two vehicles (including towed vehicles/trailers) maximum at each site. Check-in any time after 1:00 pm, but must check-in by 10:00 am the following day or lose the entire reservation. Check-out time is 1:00 pm. Link to make a reservation on recreation.gov.

Other area campgrounds and lodging are usually available, except on May and June weekends during Medano Creek's seasonal flow, and summer holiday weekends.

RVs: Some sites in Loop 1 and Loop 2 can accommodate RVs or camping trailers up to 35 feet in length. However, there are no electrical, sewer, or water hookups. A dump station and water hoses are available in warmer months near the campground. Drivers with RVs longer than 35 feet will find it difficult to turn corners or clear tree branches, and should consider other area campgrounds. RVs, trailers, and pop-ups will not fit and are not permitted in the group tent camping sites. Link to find driveway lengths for Loop 2 sites and make a reservation on recreation.gov.

Group Tent Camping

Group tent campsites A, B, and C are reservable up to one year in advance for dates between April 17 - October 7, 2013. Groups of 15-110 people may be accommodated if space permits. The month of May and summer weekends book up very quickly. Group sites must be reserved at least four days in advance. Sites A and B fit 10 vehicles each; Site C fits 7 vehicles. RVs, pop-ups, and trailers do not fit and are not permitted in the group tent camping sites. Check-out time is 1:00 pm. Link to make a reservation on recreation.gov.

Click on each site for a photo:

Group Site A (20-40 people, $80 per night)
Group Site B (20-40 people, $80 per night)
Group Site C (15-30 people, $65 per night)

Firewood: Please do not bring firewood in from other regions. Help protect our public lands by buying local firewood in or near your destination campground. Firewood can spread insect pests and diseases that kill native trees. See more information on forest damage caused by firewood transport (.pdf file, 510 kb).

Regionally harvested firewood is available at the Visitor Center during business hours; at Pinyon Flats Campground during the busy summer season; and at the Oasis Store (privately owned, just outside the main park entrance). Collecting firewood is illegal in the national park.

Pets: Pets are welcome in the campground. Please keep them leashed and under control at all times and clean up after them.

Black bears are potential visitors in the campground area. Safeguard yourselves and the bears by storing all food and aromatic items in the bearproof boxes provided. Try to minimize food odors in your site and vehicle. Do not leave food, coolers, or trash in unattended sites.

 

Some campsites in Pinyon Flats Campground have an open view of the dunes and mountains, while others have tall trees and shade.

NPS Photo

Campground Regulations: Please do not feed wildlife. All animals within the park, including birds, are protected by law. Feeding wildlife is dangerous for you and unhealthy for them. Please use bear boxes located in each site to store food. Tents must be pitched within the rock wall boundaries of each site. Please use tent pads where provided. Do not trench or dig in your site. Vehicles must be parked on pavement with a limit of two per site. Please contact the campground hosts if you have you have more than two vehicles for alternate parking. Fires are permitted, but gathering wood is illegal. Please bring your own wood, or purchase firewood at the campground store, open summer evenings near site #45, or in the visitor center the rest of the year. Trash should be taken to the dumpster located near the amphitheater. To protect yourself, your property, and the park's bears, do not leave it in your site. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am., and generator hours are 7 am to 8 pm. Please be courteous.

 

Fall colors along the Medano Pass Primitive Road

NPS Photo

Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites

 

Backpackers get advice from a ranger at Music Pass, Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

NPS Photo

Backpacking is also available in the national park and preserve.