Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites

Summary

Great Sand Dunes National Preserve offers 21 roadside campsites that are only accessible by high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles in the warmer months. These campsites are free of charge and first-come, first-served and fill up quickly in the summer. The road leading to the campsites passes though deep sand and Medano Creek nine times, and also offers great habitat for bighorn sheep.

Roadside camping is permitted at 21 campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Piñon Flats Campground. These designated sites are free of charge and first-come, first-served. All 21 sites fill on summer weekends. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. This road crosses areas of deep sand, traverses Medano Creek nine times, and passes through excellent habitat for bighorn sheep.