Details
11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO, 81146
Lat:37.77724
Lng:-105.535601
Content provided by
National Park ServiceLast Updated: September 12, 2026
Campground
Backpacking Campsites in the Dunes or Forest
National Park ServiceCampground
11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO, 81146
National Park ServiceLast Updated: September 12, 2026
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
Spring can sometimes bring high winds, mainly in the afternoon. Temperatures may vary widely: highs may reach into the 70s F, or only into the 30s F with snow and an even colder wind chill. In summer, daytime high temperatures average 75-80 degrees F. However, sand surface temperatures can soar to 150 degrees F on sunny summer afternoons. Fall is generally mild, with Indian summer days. Highs average in the 60s - 70s F, with chilly nights in the 20s - 30s F. Frigid temperatures are the norm in winter.
Cell Phone Reception
Potable Water
To access the main park area, including the Dunes Parking Lot and backpacking trailheads, take CO Highway 150 from the south or County Road 6 from the west. Both are paved highways.
Backpacking Permit Fee
Fee to make a required reservation for a backpacking permit through recreation.gov
Wheelchair Access
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.
Internet Information
Closest internet is in Alamosa, 40 miles southwest
Cell Phone Information
Cell phone service is limited. A few carriers can reach the national park if you have line-of-sight with Alamosa.
RV Allowed
No
RV Information
RVs and trailers may park at trailheads for backpacking, but visitors may not sleep in them at trailheads.
RV Maximum Length
0
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
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.
Trailer Allowed
No
Access Roads
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Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Primitive Camping Areas