NPS Photo by Scott Hansen

Most campsites have a view of the dunes; sometimes mule deer wander through the campground.

Pinyon Flats Campground, a national park campground located about 1 mile north of the Visitor Center, has excellent views of the dunefield. 88 sites are located along two loops. 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 pine trees for shade, while others are more out in the open with smaller pinyon trees. The campground is open year-round; one restroom is winterized. Campsites have a capacity of six people, two tents, and two cars. Campsites cost $14/site/night. A 50% discount applies to Golden Age and Golden Access pass holders. Individual campsites are occupied on a first come, first served basis; there are no reservations for individual sites. For information on group camping reservations, please see below. Note that the campground generally fills by noon on Fridays and Saturdays from late May through mid September. The campground often fills on weeknights as well, though usually later in the day. When Medano Creek is flowing, expect the campground to fill much more quickly than other times of the year. Arrive early and try to plan your visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. Other area campgrounds and lodging are usually available, except on summer holiday weekends.

Group Tent Camping is available by reservation only in the group loop, located just east of the individual campsites. Groups of 10-100 people may be accommodated if space permits.

Click on each site for a photo:

Group Site A: 15 minimum, 40 maximum
Group Site B: 15 minimum, 35 maximum
Group Site C: 10 minimum, 25 maximum
Juniper Site: 10 minimum, 15 maximum

Group reservations may be made for any night in the present year beginning on January 2nd by calling the Visitor Center during business hours: (719) 378-6399. Group camping costs $3/person/night, payable on arrival at the park. The month of May and summer weekends book quickly. Each group site has 7-8 car parking spaces. Groups with more than 7 vehicles or with RVs or pop-up campers should consider other area campgrounds.

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 cosmetics 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.

RVs: Some sites can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet in length. However, there are no electrical, sewer, or water hookups. Drivers with RVs longer than 32' will find it difficult to turn corners and should consider other area campgrounds.

Fall colors along the Medano Pass Primitive Road

Car camping in the backcountry alongside the Medano Pass Primitive Road in the national preserve is permitted as long as existing camping spots are used and no vegetation is damaged. The road is soft sand in the national park, and rocky with stream crossings in the national preserve, so a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required.

Stream crossings may be dangerously high in late spring and early summer. During dry periods, the sand may become soft enough to require dropping air pressure by 15 pounds from each tire. Please remember: You must be in the national preserve, not in the national park. The boundary is marked and is located 5.2 miles from the west end of the road and 6.1 miles from the east end of the road. Please use existing fire rings, and collect only dead and down wood less than 4" in diameter. Your vehicle must be parked within 100 feet of the road.

Backcountry car camping in the national preserve is accessed via Medano Pass (4WD road access) , located west of Colorado State Highway 69 via county roads 559, or from the end of highway 150 in the national park.