Fees & Reservations

Entrance fees are $3 per adult (age 16 and older). Entrance fees are valid for one week from date of purchase. Children are free at all times.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Annual Pass costs $15, and admits pass holder and all family members in the vehicle into the park for one year from date of purchase.

Entrance Fees Waived Several Days in 2013

Entrance fees at all national park areas will be waived several times in 2013:

January 21 -Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

April 22-26 - five days during National Park Week

August 25 - National Park Service Birthday

September 28 - National Public Lands Day

November 9-11 - Veterans Day weekend

Active Military

Active members of the military are eligible for a free America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass. See below for information about the pass.

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass

This $80 pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) This pass can be obtained in person at the park; by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1; or via the internet.

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass

This is a $10 lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass

This is a free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

More information on the various America the Beautiful passes is available here .

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Commercial tours are charged by the number of passengers:

1-6 = $25

7-25 = $40

26+ = $100

Camping Fees and Reservations:

Pinyon Flats Campground Reservation System

While Loop 1 (44 sites) is first-come, first-served, Loop 2 and three group tent campsites are reservable through the National Recreation Reservation System. Contact the National Recreation Reservation System online, via email, phone: [phone], or Fax: [phone].

Detailed information about the Pinyon Flats Campground is available on our campgrounds page.

Backcountry camping, including backpacking and car camping along the Medano Pass 4WD road, is first-come, first-served for designated sites. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required to access the portion of the Medano Pass road where car camping is permitted. A free backpacking permit, available at the Visitor Center during business hours, is required for any backpacking in the park and preserve.

Education Program or Interpretive Program Request: Contact the Education Specialist at 719-378-6344 or send an email. Please contact the Education Specialist at least two weeks prior to the program date.

Educational Entrance Fee Waiver: Accredited school groups that are planning to visit the park for primarily educational purposes may apply for an entrance fee waiver. The educational content of your trip must relate directly to the resources of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in order to qualify. To apply, download and fill out an Educational Fee Waiver Form (.pdf file, 78KB). Form must be received at least two weeks prior to your visit. When complete, return it via email to the address on the form, fax it to [phone], or mail it to: Fee Supervisor, Great Sand Dunes NPP, 11500 Hwy 150, Mosca, CO 81146.

Questions about entrance fees may be directed to: Fee Supervisor, [phone], or send an email. For camping and lodging information and reservations, please visit our lodging and camping page; here you'll find links and information about camping and lodging in and around the park. To make a camping reservation for Great Sand Dunes National Park, call 1-877-444-6777, or link from our campground page.