NPS/Patrick Myers
Many campsites have a view of the dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Pinyon Flats Campground is a National Park Service campground located one mile north of the Visitor Center.
Map of Campground (.pdf file, 283kb)
Pinyon Flats Campground has 88 individual sites located along two loops. Restrooms have sinks, flush toilets, and a sink for dishwashing. Each site has a fire grate and picnic table. Some sites have large cottonwood or conifer trees for shade, while others are more out in the open with smaller pinyon trees. One loop (44 sites) of the campground is open year-round; one restroom is winterized. Most campsites have a capacity of six people, two tents, and two cars. Campsites cost $14/site/night year round. A 50% discount applies to Golden Age and Golden Access pass holders. Individual campsites are occupied on a first come, first served basis; there are no reservations for individual sites. For information on group camping reservations, please see below.
Please be aware that the campground generally fills before noon on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May through September. The campground sometimes fills on weeknights as well. When Medano Creek is flowing, expect the campground to fill by mid-day every day of the week. In May and June, arrive early and try to plan your visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Other area campgrounds and lodging are usually available, except on May and June weekends during Medano Creek's seasonal flow, and summer holiday weekends.
Firewood: PLEASE DO NOT BRING IN FIREWOOD FROM OTHER REGIONS. Help protect our public lands by buying local firewood in or near your destination campground. Firewood can spread insect pests and diseases that kill native trees. See more information on firewood-caused forest damage (.pdf file, 510 kb).
Regionally harvested firewood is available at the Visitor Center during business hours; at Pinyon Flats Campground during the busy summer season; and at the Oasis Campground (privately owned, just outside the main park entrance). Collecting firewood is illegal in the national park.
Group Tent Camping is available by reservation only in the group loop, located just east of the individual campsites. Groups of 10-100 people may be accommodated if space permits.
Click on each site for a photo:
Group Site A: 15 minimum, 40 maximum
Group Site B: 15 minimum, 35 maximum
Group Site C: 10 minimum, 25 maximum
Juniper Site: 10 minimum, 15 maximum
Group reservations may be made for any night in the present year beginning on January 2nd. Call the Visitor Center during business hours to reserve: (719) 378-6399. Group camping costs $3/person/night, payable on arrival at the park. The month of May and summer weekends typically book up in early January. Each group site has 7-8 car parking spaces. Groups with more than 7 vehicles or with RVs or pop-up campers should consider other area campgrounds.
Pets: Pets are welcome in the campground. Please keep them leashed and under control at all times and clean up after them.
Black bears are potential visitors in the campground area. Safeguard yourselves and the bears by storing all food and aromatic cosmetics in the bearproof boxes provided. Try to minimize food odors in your site and vehicle. Do not leave food, coolers, or trash in unattended sites.
RVs: Some sites can accommodate RVs or camping trailers up to 32 feet in length. However, there are no electrical, sewer, or water hookups. A dump station and water hoses are available near the campground. Drivers with RVs longer than 32' will find it difficult to turn corners and should consider other area campgrounds.
