Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites
Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- $0.00
- Type
- Campground
- Sites
- 21 total · 0 reservable · 21 first come
- Phone
- (719) 378-6395
- Nearest dump station
- Taylor Lagoons Dump Station · 88.3 mi
- Coordinates
- 37.8035, -105.4957
- Last verified
- September 19, 2026
About this place
Roadside camping is permitted at 21 campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Piñon Flats Campground. These designated sites are free of charge and first-come, first-served. All 21 sites fill on summer weekends. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. This road crosses areas of deep sand, traverses Medano Creek nine times, and passes through excellent habitat for bighorn sheep.
From the managing agency.
Is this site free?
No. this site charges $0.00.
Can I bring an RV to this site?
this site has 21 sites on record. 0 sites are reservable and 21 are first come.
How do I get to this site?
The south entrance to Medano Pass Road begins just below Pinon Flats Campground, one mile north of the visitor center. The road's north access is in the Wet Mountain Valley, on Highway 69 south of Westcliffe.
What is the weather like at this site?
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.
What are the rules at this site?
- Camping is permitted in designated, marked sites only in the national preserve. No permits are necessary. - Tents must be located within 40 feet of the front of the bear box at each site. - Pets must be leashed or restrained at all times. - Fires only in existing fire rings; put out completely with water. Gather dead and down firewood 4” or less diameter. - No off-road driving. Vehicles must be highway-legal in Colorado. Park only in designated campsites or parking areas. - Secure food, coolers, toiletries, and trash from black bears. Lock them in the bear boxes provided at most sites. - All trash, including orange peels, egg shells and toilet paper, must be removed. Bury human waste 6” deep.
Nearby
SourceSource data is agency published. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
