How much does camping cost at Pinon Flats Campground?

Camping fees at Pinon Flats Campground range from $20-$80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pinon Flats Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pinon Flats Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pinon Flats Campground before I book?

Yes! Pinon Flats Campground has 17 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pinon Flats Campground?

Pinon Flats Campground is open April 01 to October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pinon Flats Campground?

Pinon Flats Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Pinon Flats Campground?

Cell phone service at Pinon Flats Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Pinon Flats Campground have?

Pinon Flats Campground has 88 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pinon Flats Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pinon Flats Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pinon Flats Campground?

Pinon Flats Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Pinon Flats Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Pinon Flats Campground?

Fire policies at Pinon Flats Campground: Never leave fires unattended! Extinguish fire with water, not dirt. Firewood gathering is prohibited; wood may be purchased at the camp store.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.13

763 reviews

11500 Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146, USA

B+Report Card

Quick Facts

8,175 ft

Price

$20 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

88 campsites

Season

reservationWindow: v...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,175 ft

Price

$20 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

88 campsites

Season

reservationWindow: v...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Pinon Flats Campground

$20.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SITE C: $65.00; GROUP SITES A&B: $80.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$80.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1-877-444-6777sharyl_cyphers@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

11500 Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146, USA

Pinon Flats Campground

11500 Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146, USA

Nearby places

Alamosa (approximately 35 miles, about 40 minutes by car).

Driving directionsFrom Highway 160, turn north on Highway 150 and follow for 16 miles to the entrance of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Continue 5 miles north on the park's main road to reach the campground entrance. From Highway 285, turn south onto CO-17 and follow for 36 miles (58 km). Turn east onto Lane 6 and follow for 16 miles (26 km) to Highway 150. Turn north onto Highway 150 and follow for 2.6 miles (4 km) to the entrance of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Continue 5 miles (8 km) north on the park's main road to reach the campground entrance.

Weather at Pinon Flats Campground

Current alerts(14)

An entrance pass is required while in the park and is not included in the camping fee.
Choose your site carefully. If you arrive in camping equipment that is larger than the site, there will not be an alternative site available and you will have to find accommodation outside the park. All tents and gear must fit within established tent pads and/or within rock wall.
For emergencies, dial 911 from your cell phone.
Generator use is permitted only between the hours of 8-10am, 12-2pm, and 5-7pm.

Best Time to Camp at Pinon Flats Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 50–75°F), crisp, clear air, and brilliant aspen color on the Sangre de Cristo slopes — perfect for dune hikes, photography, and wildlife viewing. Mosquitoes are minimal, crowds thin compared with midsummer, and nights are cold and clear for dramatic sunrises and stargazing. Early fall (September to early October) usually provides the most stable weather before the first heavy snows arrive. Peak months: September, May, June, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall called best season: comfortable temps, clear air and brilliant aspen color on nearby slopes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: reservationWindow: value: 3 | units: Months | start_date: 0001-01-01T00:00:00Z | end_date: 0001-01-01T00:00:00Z

About Pinon Flats Campground

Pinon Flats Campground sits at the base of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, operated by the National Park Service near Mosca, Colorado. This high-elevation alpine campground offers direct access to the dunes and trails threading into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Tent and RV campers share sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and modern facilities including flush toilets and a dump station, with group camping available for larger parties.

Pinon Flats Campground offers tent camping, RV camping, and group sites, with various configurations available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 50–75°F), crisp, clear air, and brilliant aspen color on the Sangre de Cristo slopes — perfect for dune hikes, photography, and wildlife viewing. Mosquitoes are minimal, crowds thin compared with midsummer, and nights are cold and clear for dramatic sunrises and stargazing. Early fall (September to early October) usually provides the most stable weather before the first heavy snows arrive. Peak months: September, May, June, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8175 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPinon pines and sagebrush frame views of 750-foot dunes rising against the Sangre de Cristos. The valley floor stretches toward distant horizons, while mule deer browse through camp at dawn. Wind sculpts the dunes constantly, creating ridges that shift with each storm. The contrast between desert sand and alpine peaks feels improbable, especially when aspen groves on the mountain slopes turn gold in fall. Prairie sunflowers and purple asters fill gaps between the pinons, adding seasonal color to an already layered landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges within Pinon Flats Campground; accommodations are limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led activities and Junior Ranger programs are available, focusing on natural and historical education.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights per reservation all year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site, must include at least one adult (18+).

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger groups, with one review mentioning a successful stay for 36 people comfortably.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, through the app, or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground offers bear-proof food storage bins and allows pets on leash, but reviews indicate challenges with site levelness which may affect accessibility.

Site SizeSites vary in size with some described as spacious enough for multiple tents while others are tight for RVs or trailers, especially larger ones.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; some sites are well-separated while others are described as clustered closely.

Total Campsites88 campsites

Recommended SitesSites with direct views of the dunes include #38, #84, and #64. Some sites, like #13, offer shade during summer months.

Best CampsitesSites #13 and #38 get consistent praise for views and space. Site #84 requires climbing steps but rewards you with privacy and sightlines. Group sites work well for families or clusters of friends. Reviewers warn that some sites cluster tightly together, so don't expect universal privacy.

Need help booking Pinon Flats Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No showers, hookups or laundry facilities available in the park. Total combined length limit is 35 feet. RVs over 35 feet, or combined vehicle plus trailer length over 35 feet, are not allowed in the campground. Trailers, RVs, and Vehicles cannot block the road and must be parked on pavement.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of recreational activities are available both within and near Pinon Flats Campground, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.

Hiking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are available at each campsite and are large enough to store two large coolers and additional items. They are a critical feature for safety due to the area's wildlife.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyNever leave fires unattended! Extinguish fire with water, not dirt. Firewood gathering is prohibited; wood may be purchased at the camp store.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal bins are provided, but reviews mentioned bins being far from campsites in some cases. Paper towels are required to be carried back for disposal due to bear precautions.

Cell CoverageCell phone coverage is generally good as noted by users. One review mentioned, "Great cell phone coverage."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

763 reviews

Satisfactory

Pinon Flats Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Pinon Flats Campground receives varied reviews highlighting its natural beauty and proximity to Great Sand Dunes National Park, contrasted by challenges such as mosquito infestations and site levelness.

Review Summaries

Based on 763 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, proximity to dunes, ample wildlife sightings, and accessibility to trails.

Based on 763 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquito infestations during summer, unlevel campsites, porta-potty cleanliness during renovations, and cramped site layouts.

Based on 763 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 013 is praised for its shade and proximity to amenities, while site 073 is noted as challenging for larger RVs.

Based on 763 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and head nets for summer stays, consider smaller RVs due to parking challenges, and check equipment sizes against site measurements.

Based on 763 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention mosquito infestations and crowded conditions. Spring and fall are preferred for fewer bugs and enhanced weather conditions.

Based on 763 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views from campsites are amazing." "The porta-potties were the cleanest I've ever seen." "Mosquitoes made us stay inside our campervan the whole night."

Based on 763 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges include unlevel sites and porta-potty reliance during restroom renovations.

Based on 763 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leashes. One reviewer appreciated participation in the Bark Ranger program.

Based on 763 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Pinon Flats Campground

$20.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SITE C: $65.00; GROUP SITES A&B: $80.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$80.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1-877-444-6777sharyl_cyphers@nps.gov

Go if

You want National Park Service camping with direct dune access and don't mind narrow sites or seasonal mosquitoes.

Skip if

You need level pull-through sites for large trailers or want to avoid high-elevation cold nights.

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Campgrounds

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Pinon Flats Campground

B+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 81% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 657 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Cleanliness
Grade A-.Facilities
Grade A-.Safety

Watch-outs

Grade D.Bugs & weather
Grade C.Rules & policies
Grade C.Crowds & noise

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Colorado grades overall

About Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Context for the broader area surrounding Pinon Flats Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Open 24/7 year round! There are no limitations, timed entries, or reservations to visit. The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park!

Directions

To access the main park area, including the Dunes Parking Lot, Visitor Center, and Pinon Flats Campground, take US 160 to CO 150 from the south, or CO 17 to Lane 6 to CO 150 from the west. The national park is at the north end of CO 150.