Piñon Flats Campground

Overview

Piñon Flats is the park’s in-park basecamp at about 8,175 feet, tucked among piñon and sage with wide-open dune and Sangre de Cristo views. It’s simple but well run—think clean restrooms, bear lockers at every site, and a classic national-park campground feel just a short hop from the sand.

Campsites & Amenities

• 88 reservable individual sites ($20/night) for up to 8 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles. Not every pad fits two tents/vehicles—double-check site measurements when booking.
• Three tent-only group sites: A/B host 20–40 people ($80); C hosts 15–30 ($65). Reserve at least 4 days ahead.
• Each loop has flush restrooms with sinks plus a dedicated dishwashing sink; potable water spigots throughout.
• Every site has a picnic table, fire grate, and a bear locker (about 42×29×26 in).
• No showers in the campground; seasonal outdoor rinse-off showers are at the Dunes Parking Lot. A small camp store between Loops 1 and 2 sells snacks, drinks, firewood, and ice.

Layout & Vibe

• Three one-way loops with tight turns. Loop 1 tends to have bigger dune/mountain views with fewer trees; other areas offer more piñon shade.
• Many sites face the dunes or peaks, and night skies can be excellent for stargazing.
• Quiet hours run 10 pm–6 am; generator hours 8–10 am, 12–2 pm, and 5–7 pm. Hammocks and attaching anything to trees are prohibited.

RVs & Trailers

• No hookups. A seasonal dump station and water hoses sit near the campground.
• Some sites in Loops 1–2 can handle rigs up to about 35 ft total; longer vehicles will struggle with turns and pad lengths. Check driveway length, slope, and photos before you book. A few of the longest pads include sites 8, 39, 47, 60, 76, 77, 80, and 86.
• All tents and vehicles must fit on the tent pad/driveway without blocking the road.

Wildlife & Safety

• Mule deer are common; black bears do pass through. Use the bear boxes and keep a spotless camp—never leave food, coolers, or trash unattended.
• Pets are allowed in the campground on leash and must not be left unattended.
• Don’t collect firewood; buy locally (camp store or just outside the entrance).

Booking & Fees

• Open April–October. Reservations are required for all sites (no first-come) and can be made up to six months in advance. A park entrance pass is required in addition to camping fees.

Best Time to Visit

• Late spring through early summer brings Medano Creek’s surge—and big crowds. Book as soon as your window opens, aim for weekdays, and arrive early if you’re visiting in peak season.
• At 8,000+ feet, expect cool nights even in summer. Bring warm layers, sun protection, and plenty of water. Start dune walks early to avoid heat and soft afternoon sand.

Getting There

• From US‑160: head north on CO‑150 to the park entrance, then continue about 5 miles to the campground.
• From US‑285: go south on CO‑17, then east on Lane 6 to CO‑150; turn north to the entrance and continue to the campground. The campground sits roughly a mile north of the Visitor Center.