Backpacking Campsites In The Dunes Or Forest

About

The backcountry of Great Sand Dunes National Park provides one of North America's most unique camping experiences. The Dunes Backcountry option allows camping anywhere beyond the high ridgeline in the 30-square-mile dunefield, where you'll find wide-open views of the starry sky unobstructed by vegetation or structures. A minimum 1.5-mile hike over soft sand is required to reach legal camping areas. Twenty permits per day are issued for non-designated dune camping. The Sand Ramp Trail offers seven designated backcountry sites (Buck Creek, Escape Dunes, Indian Grove, Little Medano, Aspen, Cold Creek, and Sand Creek) through the forested foothills. These range from primitive to moderately developed. Indian Grove has an outdoor toilet and reliable water, while Sand Creek features a composting toilet, bear box, and the only fire ring in the backcountry. Other sites have seasonal water at best. All backpackers must secure permits through recreation.gov ($6 non-refundable fee). Groups are limited to 6 people and 2 vehicles. Gas stoves are required as campfires are prohibited everywhere except Sand Creek. Dogs are not permitted in the backcountry. The terrain is challenging with soft sand and elevations above 8,200 feet. Weather can change rapidly; sand surface temperatures can reach 150°F on summer afternoons while nights may drop to freezing even in mild seasons.

Directions

Take CO Highway 150 from the south or County Road 6 from the west to reach the main park area and backpacking trailheads at the Dunes Parking Lot.