Sand Ramp Trail Camp Sites

There are seven backcountry campsites along the Sand Ramp Trail.

Plan Around Sand Ramp Trail Camp Sites

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to trip View park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Sand Ramp Trail Camp Sites Details

The backcountry campsites in Great Sand Dunes are spaced out along the 11-mile-long Sand Ramp Trail, which runs between the dune field and the mountains. While camping on the dunes can be an incredible experience, these backcountry sites get you out of the sand and in a little more shelter, which can be nice in the hot summer months. There is a six-person limit per site. Sites are primitive, and some are far from reliable water sources, so you may have to carry in your own water. Campsites include: - **Buck Creek**: Located a half-mile north of Loop 2 in the Pinon Flats Campground, Buck Creek has intermittent water (flow depends on snowfall and precipitation levels). It's proximity to the developed parts of the park makes Buck Creek a great option for families. - **Escape Dunes**: This campsite is located 1.4 miles north of Point of No Return and sits in an open grove of pines. - **Indian Grove**: Located 2.9 miles past the Point of No Return, the Scarred Trees Grove is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Sites: Native Americans peeled the bark, leaving the scars. This is a very popular site because it is close to Medano Creek and the dune field, but still sheltered by trees. It also has a solar-powered composting toilet. - **Little Medano**: Located 3.9 miles past the Point of No Return, the Little Medano site is in a grove of trees beneath Mt. Herard. Little Medano Creek provides a steady source of water. - **Aspen**: 5.7 miles from the Point of No Return, the Aspen site has awesome views of the entire dune field from an aspen grove. It is the highest backcountry camp in the park, at 9,240 feet. - **Cold Creek**: Cold Creek is 8.9 miles from the Point of No Return and lies in a valley of Ponderosa pines rich in wildlife like elk, deer, and bears. - **Sand Creek**: Sand Creek is 10.5 miles from the Point of No Return and is located in a cottonwood grove at the edge of the dune field. This is the only site where campfires are allowed; just be sure to collect dead and down wood only, and build fires within the confines of the fire grate.

Difficulty

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

Region

N/A