contact-details

  • Phone Number: 719-378-6395 Voice

  • Email Address: grsa_interpretation@nps.gov

  • Description: Contact email for questions about backpacking in the park and preserve

Fees

Cost: 6.00
Description: Fee to make a required reservation for a backpacking permit through recreation.gov Title: Backpacking Permit Fee

Reservation

Number Of Sites Reservable: 27

Number Of Sites FirstComeFirstServe: 0

About

The most popular and unique backpacking option is camping in the 30-square-mile dunefield, beyond the major dune ridgeline (about 1.5 mile hike minimum over dunes). Enjoy wide open views of the starry sky or a bright moonlit night. Designated sites are also available in the trees of the foothills, or camping is available in higher forests of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. Reserve national park backpacking permits for the dunes or foothills through recreation.gov

Directions

Reservation Details

Reservation Info: Reserve national park backpacking permits through recreation.gov in advance up to the first day of your trip. Camping in the national preserve requires a free permit from the visitor center only if you are starting your trip in the national park.

Regulations Overview: - Maximum of six people per party/ group at all times - Gas stoves only; no campfires or wood burning stoves allowed - Dogs are not permitted in the dunes backcountry. Please visit our Pets web page for detailed information and maps of permitted pet areas. - Bears rarely visit the interior of the dunefield. Bear-proof containers are encouraged, but not required. - - - - Sand stakes are encouraged as most standard tent stakes do not work on the sand dunes. Plastic bags filled with sand can also help anchor your tent. - Plan to camp in the dunes only when weather is calm and clear to avoid blowing sand or dangerous thunderstorms with lightning; check the park weather forecast on our Weather webpage.

Reservation Link

Reservation URL: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675316

Regulations URL: N/A

Accessibility

  • wheelchairAccess= Dunes wheelchairs are available for free checkout from the visitor center, but require pushing through soft sand. It is beyond the average person's strength to push another adult over the first high ridge of dunes to camp in the backcountry. Backpacking sites in the foothills are not wheelchair accessible.

  • internetInfo= Closest internet is in Alamosa, 40 miles southwest

  • cellPhoneInfo= Cell phone service is limited. A few carriers can reach the national park if you have line-of-sight with Alamosa.

  • fireStovePolicy= Gas stoves only

  • rvAllowed= 0

  • rvInfo= RVs and trailers may park at trailheads for backpacking, but visitors may not sleep in them at trailheads.

  • rvMaxLength= 0

  • additionalInfo=

  • trailerMaxLength= 0

  • adaInfo= Backpacking into the dunefield and forested sites requires hiking or horsepacking over rough, uneven terrain, soft sand, and elevations over 8,200 feet. Weather can change quickly in the Rocky Mountains. There are no restroom facilities in the backcountry.

  • trailerAllowed= 0

  • accessRoads= Paved Roads - All vehicles OK

    SubValue: "Paved Roads - All vehicles OK"

  • classifications= Primitive Camping Areas

    SubValue: "Primitive Camping Areas"

Amenities

  • trashRecyclingCollection= No

  • toilets= No Toilets

    SubValue: "No Toilets"

  • internetConnectivity= No

  • showers= None

    SubValue: "None"

  • cellPhoneReception= Yes - year round

  • laundry= No

  • amphitheater= No

  • dumpStation= No

  • campStore= No

  • staffOrVolunteerHostOnsite= No

  • potableWater= Yes - seasonal

    SubValue: "Yes - seasonal"

  • iceAvailableForSale= No

  • firewoodForSale= No

  • foodStorageLockers= No

campsites

  • totalSites=27

  • group=0

  • horse=24

  • tentOnly=27

  • electricalHookups=0

  • rvOnly=0

  • walkBoatTo=27

  • other=0