Posted by Jared Atencio on February 3, 2010 at 9:57 AM
The Great Sand Dunes NP has always operated on a first come first served basis for their limited # of camping spots, but they are now going to begin taking reservations for loop 2 camping. If you've ever had the pleasure of making the long drive all the way to the dunes just to find out there are no spots available, this is a HUGE and much needed move on behalf of the park. Also FYI-for those with 4x4 access, free spots can also be found up on the Medano Pass trail.
Posted by Ed Baile on February 3, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Thanks for the heads up, Jared. This is good news.
Posted by Brent Murphy on February 3, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Awesome. Just made my reservation! That was always one of my big reasons to avoid the Sand Dunes, especially carting the whole family down there.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on February 3, 2010 at 11:24 AM
Yeah. That's been a headache for years! Glad they finally took that step. Wish the Forest Service would roll this out in more of their campgrounds. Its hard to plan roadtrips using the FS campgrounds not knowing which ones get crowded.
Posted by Bret Edge on February 3, 2010 at 12:35 PM
I've camped up on the Medano Pass road/trail a few times. Killer camping up there!
They are ok with you just pitching a tent anywhere? =)
Posted by Jared Atencio on February 4, 2010 at 5:51 PM
Koveh, yes, this is one of the newest and less restrictive (for now) National Parks. You need a backcountry permit like most NPs, but the best views in my opinion are found as far away from the visitor center and main parking lot as you can get, particularly the very SW part of the dune field with the full Crestone range behind. Check out info on the bottom of THIS page.
As for 'why in the world would you want to camp in a noisy, congested, NPS or USFS campground'-sure, you're not going to get an eagle scout award or much credit with the Bear Grylls fan club, but it sure is NICE having a place to crash after watching a beautiful sunset on the dunes and not having to drive 60+ miles to do it. Besides, most people already know and accept this with reservation type campsites and are usually not staying there for the solitude and privacy of "real" CO camping. You can't hear screaming kids or smell any RV diesel in a pretty picture
Discussion
9 replieshttp://www.recreation.gov/camping/Pinyon_Flats_Campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=96669&topTabIndex=CampingSpot
As for 'why in the world would you want to camp in a noisy, congested, NPS or USFS campground'-sure, you're not going to get an eagle scout award or much credit with the Bear Grylls fan club, but it sure is NICE having a place to crash after watching a beautiful sunset on the dunes and not having to drive 60+ miles to do it. Besides, most people already know and accept this with reservation type campsites and are usually not staying there for the solitude and privacy of "real" CO camping. You can't hear screaming kids or smell any RV diesel in a pretty picture