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After a long day outdoorsespecially a day spent in the sanda good shower can be a great relief. The campground is around 30 minutes from the entrance to the National Park. Haha, yeah, there were some adventurous parts to it for sure, but we all really did have fun! 4. They could have played for hours if they werent tempted by the creek below. It features an on-site restaurant, small shop carrying basic groceries, gas station, as well as cabins and motel rooms for rent. I wasthiscloseto not going but am so glad I did. Youll love it, so different than the usual scenery.

On the northwestern edge of Alamosa, the Alamosa Economy Campground is open year-round and has showers. After 5 hours of driving we finally turned onto the final stretch of road that leads straight to Great Sand Dunes.

Reservations:Recommended for RV spots, not required for tent sites. Youll love it. From there, the skys the limit! So glad we stopped in. Sign up to receive the latest outdoor parenting tips, trail reports, gear recommendations, and insider information! Then I remembered Great Sand Dunes was located in southern Colorado. Thank you THANK YOU!! My kids would love playing too! There are plentiful camping options just outside of the Great Sand Dunes that still provide easy access to the National Park. The campground is well organized with two loops serving the 88 individual sites and another loop serving the three group sites. RVs: No Im glad its on your list! And you should definitely camp up at Zapata Falls with your overland rig! Let me know if you have any questions. On our way out of the park, we hopped out to snap an obligatory photo of the kids at the National Park sign, which happens to have an epic view looking back at the park. Its actually very clear which direction you came from so you can easily head back the way you came. This small town of around 11,000 people is approximately 30 minutes southwest from the National Park. Some are more basic than others and youll even have the option for some full-on glamping! Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler - The ultimate camping cooler. Hungry after a day of exploring Great Sand Dunes? Best of luck on the rest of your travels. Glad you found it helpful! This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission if you shop using these links, but you arent charged any extra! We tried to bury the stakes and that did a decent job keeping the tent down but wind was still catching underneath the tent and blowing it up. Powered by ChronoForms - ChronoEngine.com, Copyright 2022 Alamosa Convention & Visitors Bureau. The sand dunes were formed by wind blowing sands from the San Juan Mountains to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains through the San Luis Valley, so strong winds should be expected. You must visit these 4 places on a Minnesota road trip! for surviving our first family backpacking trip! If yours is longer, you will be better off staying at one of the many nearby campgrounds that can accommodate larger RVs. The Rustic Rook Resort is unlike any of the other campgrounds included in this guide it is a full-fledged glamping experience! The Pion Flats Campground is extremely popular during spring and early summer when Medano Creek is flowing, so reservations are essential.

First off, congratulations on completing such an amazing feat! I never knew about it until we moved here. Theres a pretty good chance you dont own your own sandboard or sand sled (snowboards and trash can lids wont work well here). ), but our planning paid off and it was a memorable experience! If youre thinking of hitting the dunes during the warmer months, keep in mind that while the air temp.

Would love to hike in Sand Dunes National Park. We stumbled upon Great Sand Dunes just last month while driving from Grand Junction to Santa Fe. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. Thats it! There is also an RV dump station nearby in the summer months. Halfway up the dune field I was already declaring this the hardest hike I have ever done. Capacity:6 people per permit/group / 2 vehicles per group Trail Magik Carrier 10% off with RAISINGHIKERS10. Not only did we camp in the backcountry overnight, but we also had to hike a grueling sand trail to get there. ), Ive compiled a complete guide with planning and packing tips, as well as our route and description of our experience. It is important to note that AWD vehicles will not do well on this road! After the sunset, we headed into the tent for bed, but not without setting up our glamping ambience of string lights. This would be a place I would love to visit someday, thank you for the great information in your post! I grossly underestimated the effort required when hiking in sand, especially when carrying an overnight backpack. East of Great Sand Dunes National Park is more public landGreat Sand Dunes National Preserve, Rio Grande National Forest, and BLM landwhere there are more trails for hiking and backpacking. Hiking on the dunes ridges is a unique sensation. While this was an epic experience to backpack in the sand dunes, I look forward to returning for more of a fun trip where we relax by the creek and sandboard. RVs: No

Each campground is numbered according to how many miles it is from the entrance to the National Preserve.

Also, be sure to pick up after them and properly dispose of their waste. Head to Alamosa and stop at Locavoresfor a taste of the San Luis Valley. We made it fun by counting the dunes, strategizing on the next dune to climb, and cheering on the sandboarders and sledders. Its the perfect addition to your Sand Dunes visit. There is a very small window of mosquito season at the dunes and we encountered no mosquitoes in the backcountry, because there is no standing water. Stop and camp at one of the 21 first-come, first-serve primitive camp sites or hike to beautiful Medano Lake at 7.4 miles round trip. If you do decide to have a fire it is important to always use firewood that is sourced locally. With nearly 100 miles of designated trails in the National Lakeshore, you have many options. No matter the month, sand sledding or boarding is a fun activity for kids and adults alike. , Your email address will not be published. Fires are generally allowed, but be sure to check-in at the visitor center as fire bans can be in place at any time. This farm-to-table fast-casual restaurant is owned by Wendi Seger. Keep reading below to see what your best bets are for car camping near the Sand Dunes. The hike starts along a horse trail that meanders through Indian Ricegrass until it reaches the shores of Medano Creek. Love it! Why worry yourself with all the logistics? You can find more information on dispersed camping on BLM land here.

Get 20% here. Compared to most of Colorados mountains, the Sangres are extremely rugged, due to the earths sudden upheaval that created their relief. Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dune in North America. Let me know if you have any questions before your visit! Sleep on the sand, gaze at the stars and watch the sunrise. No matter where you choose to camp or backpack, make sure you pack enough water for hydration, cooking, and cleaning. Its not yet too hot, but warm enough for pleasant daytime temperatures. There really isnt a point in getting out to middle of nowhere in the dunes to spend time in the heat exposed. (This is one of the most popular places in the park for overnight camping.). Regardless, I would recommend that you expect at least 2 miles of hiking in sand as opposed to the 1 mile you may read elsewhere as there is a lot of gain and loss when traversing over the dune fields. Once beyond that point, you can camp anywhere in that backcountry area. Glad you enjoyed it. For those who have a properly equipped vehicle, Medano Pass Primitive Road offers some excellent campsites that provide more solitude than what youll find at Pion Flats Campground. Capacity:No stated limit Is this National Park on your list? We mistakenly brought regular tent stakes like rookies and our entire tent flew up right after we pitched and staked it. So grateful you took the time to write and share so much detail. For both the dunefiled camping as well as the designated backcountry sites youll need to get a free permit from the Visitor Center upon arrival, beginning at 9am. You can find more information on dispersed camping on BLM land here. As with all Colorado hikes, thunder and lightning storms are a threat and you should avoid hiking or backcountry camping if they are in the forecast. Would you consider backpacking in the park or would you rather sled and play in the creek? . You will get sand in every crevice of your body, your gear, and your food! We headed back into Estes Park and got a deliciously filling dinner atSmokin' Daves BBQ. What a great family memory. Solar Power Bank Charger - Keep your gadgets charged with the power of the sun. In the winter, the falls freeze over in amazing patterns. The summer season delivers temperatures in the range of 45 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit from day to night. At times I would get twinges of fear that we were going to slide down the face of the dune, but as we climbed on, I got more comfortable knowing that the sand is so thick you wouldnt go anywhere if you fellwhich was a blessing and a curse as it was just as hard to go up as it was to go down! The landscape here is one of the most stunning scenes in the entire country. I practically jumped out of the tent. We needed sandbags but unfortunately didn't have them. Many visitors enjoy stopping off for an ice cream cone, and then driving the smaller local roads to appreciate the wide range of flora and fauna in Leelanau County. Great information! Fee:RV sites ($38/night for two people) // tent sites ($25/night for two people) What a unique and stunning camping trip! Despite our warning to conserve energy for the hike back, the kids spent their morning climbing up and down the 100 foot dune ridge. Before having a fire, always be sure to check-in with the staff at the Visitor Center for current regulations. It did such a good job, in fact, that we decided to leave the tent unattended and venture off to do a little more exploring. Because there is no trail, you are able to take any path you want to the top which thins out the crowds. 3. While this was a challenging hike, it was well worth it for the solitude, the views, the epic sunset, and the family experience. Great Sand Dunes Oasis is the closest campground to Great Sand Dunes National Park that is not actually located within the park. There are tons of options for camping in the Great Sand Dunes National Park from RV spots and family-friendly car camping sites to beautiful backcountry sites and rugged sites that can only be accessed via 4WD roads. The sand dunes are almost an illusion. Great question since there really isnt a trail on the dunes. Im so happy the wind died down for the night. So much harder!! The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is one of Colorados most iconic landscapes. Definitely plan ahead and carry prepared food for the sand dunes, or bring a cooler with fresh ingredients to make your meals on site. In the middle of the summer? If backpacking is not your cup of tea, Great Sand Dunes also has a campground, including RV sites. While the weather forecast was favorable, the increasing cloud cover was discouraging. How did you navigate? Our 6-year-old also carried her own clothes. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning to stay at any of these backpacking sites in Great Sand Dunes National Park: The following sections contain all the basic information you need to ensure you have a great time camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park! Expansive, sinuous dunes that looked like undulating waves reached for the towering mountains of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Wow what a trek. This large campground is located along State Highway 150 as you approach the National Park, and is only about a 3-minute drive from the park entrance. For all of the other camping options in the Great Sand Dunes you do not need to (and cannot) make a reservation. Be sure to always check yourself and pets after any time spent hiking, especially if youve been in tall grasses. Monte Vista also offers overnight options, including the Movie Manor Motela Best Western attached to a historic drive-in movie theatreand the Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Im glad you found my resource helpful! Ive been to the sand dunes in Arizona but not these in Colorado! Right after setting up the tent, the winds picked up and consequently pulled out all of the stakes we just done such a good job of burying. This is the type of hike I would consider training for; see my. He definitely took one for the team! ALWAYS! Thanks for reading. The way the light was changing over the dunes was spectacular. There is the easily accessible Pion Flats Campground for those looking to car camp or park their RV, camping for those with a well-equipped 4WD vehicle along Medano Pass Primitive Road, and hike-in backcountry sites in the dunes as well as the surrounding mountains. Oh gosh! This helps prevent the spread of disease and preserves the natural habitat of the National Park. Thanks for your support in keeping this blog up and running! These sand slopes are the perfect spot for sandboarding and sand sledding, as well as hiking or even backpacking. Some other important considerations: In addition the dunefield, youll also have the ability to camp at one of seven designated backcountry camping sites in Great Sand Dunes National Park. When the dunes finally came into view there was a brief moment I experienced a "that's it?" We let the kids play in the water while we plotted our route from afar. Instead, we spotted a good flat area just below the ridge that would block the Southwest winds, yet still had a view of the backcountry dunes and the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. This is a great guide for anyone with littles! Want a detailed topographical map of trails in the park and beyond?Buy the Trails Illustrated Sangre de Cristo map at REI.com. ), are set against the spectacular backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Your final option for camping near the Great Sand Dunes National Park is to find a free, dispersed campsite on the adjacent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This can be as little as one mile to get over the front dunes. Hence, the importance of those snow stakes for your tent! As with all National Park campgrounds, youll need to make a reservation through the Recreation.gov website well in advance.

We hope to spread our knowledge and experience to help others gain that confidence! This National Park looks awesome! Find a route that has the least amount of elevation dips. This area is off the beaten path and youll experience a culturally modified tree a reminder that the San Luis Valley has a rich history! The Lake Como Road/Sacred White Shell Mountain dispersed camping area is located east of State Highway 150 as you approach the Sand Dunes. More Information. The hikes that go to Escape Dunes are especially amazing. The dunes, despite the tallest being over 700', are dwarfed by the 13,000' peak of Herard Mountain in the Sangre de Cristo range they sit below. Capacity:Up to 6 people per individual site and up to 15 people for the group site. Number of Sites: 7 campsites + dunefield This campground can accommodate large RVs and also provides guests with access to a pool, free WiFi, a dog park, and a small on-site shop. Piping Plover season is in full swing, and our Sleeping Bear Dunes birds are out and about throughout the park. Our kids (4 years old and 6 years old) both carried their own backpacking pack (the REI Tarn 40) with a sleeping bag in it. For those camping, youll primarily need to be concerned with protecting your food from small rodents such as mice and chipmunks. We were very fortunate that we brought everything we needed and didnt feel that we overpacked. More Information. and pack out all of your trash. We rented a sand sled on our way into the park and had a blast sledding down the dunes on our hike back. See below for some fun ideas about how to spend your time in the day at the dunes before heading to your backcountry site. There is very limited shade at the creek so sunshades or awnings are recommended if you are going to make a day of it. One step forward, two steps back! We arrived at Great Sand Dunes National Park around noon and had a picnic lunch at Medano creek not far from the main dune field parking lot beyond the visitor center. So beautiful. The National Park has seven designated backcountry campsites and also allows camping anywhere in the 30 square mile dunefield for a maximum of 20 groups, with no more than six people per group. It was cool to see the little people ants climbing up the dunes and impressive to see how many day hikers were zigzagging to the top of High Dune (700 feet uphill in the sand!). How we created a new family tradition during some pretty rough times. We recommend bringing all of the water youll need for your stay with you. There is no accessible water source once you leave the creek so you have to carry all of your water for your backcountry trip on your back. It is also important to note that ticks are frequently found in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Solar phone charger, string lights for camp ambience that also double as an extra charger, and our brand new Big Agnes ultralight camp chairs, shovel for sand play and to practice Leave No Trace when using the backcountry bathroom, and a sand sled.

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