Planning a trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park? The park, located in southern Colorado, is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America and offers some incredible activities like dune hiking, sandboarding, and stargazing.
If you’re wondering where to stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park, this guide is here to help. You might feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but there are plenty of options available for all types of travelers.
During my Colorado travels, I’ve scouted out the best hotels, lodges, and camping options near Great Sand Dunes, and put together this in-depth guide to the most convenient and comfortable Great Sand Dunes National Park lodging.
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Top Picks for Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes
Ready to cut to the chase? These are my picks for the best places to stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of all of these properties, plus more favorite hotels, motels, and resorts.
- Closest Hotel to Great Sand Dunes: Great Sand Dunes Lodge
- Best Budget Hotel Near Great Sand Dunes: Best Western Alamosa Inn
- Best Mid-Range Hotel Near Great Sand Dunes: Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Best Campground Near Great Sand Dunes: KOA Alamosa / Great Sand Dunes
- Best Glamping Near Great Sand Dunes: Rustic Rook Resort
Plan a Trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Check out these free resources on the blog to plan your trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado:
Map: Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
Ready to check rates? Here’s a look at hotels and vacation rentals around Great Sand Dunes, with links to check rates and availability:
Closest Hotels Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
If you’re looking for a hotels within 20 miles ofGreat Sand Dunes National Park, there’s really only one option. It ain’t fancy, but the Great Sand Dunes Lodge is just outside the Park entrance!
Great Sand Dunes Lodge
Price: $$ / Starting at $199
Amenities: Location, Sand Board Rentals, Restaurant, Wifi, Continental Breakfast, Pet Friendly
>> Check rates for the Great Sand Dunes Lodge
The closest hotel to the Park, the Great Sand Dunes Lodge is motel-style with no frills, but absolutely the best location! Just a few miles from the Park entrance, the Lodge has views of the dunes and mountains. Includes wifi and a basic continental breakfast. Dune board rentals for guests – one of the MUST DO activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park – are available on a first-come-first-served basis for $25 / day.
Unique Stays Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
Looking for unique stay near Great Sand Dunes? How about sleeping under the stars Or book a relaxing retreat that includes unlimited soaks in one of Colorado’s mineral-rich hot springs at these once-in-a-lifetime properties.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Price: $$$ / Starting at $194 for Lodge Rooms
Amenities: All inclusive: Breakfast, Dinner, and unlimited use of 3 Mineral Hot Springs pools and 2 Jacuzzis.
>> Check rates for Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Relax in Joyful Journey’s mineral hot springs with epic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at this unique resort and glamping spot. This hot springs resort is located approximately 1 hour north of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, near the town of Moffat. Rent one of the comfortable lodge rooms, a private 2 bedroom home for families, glamp in a fully furnished heated Yurts or Tipis, or BYO accommodations in the RV and tent camping area.
Rustic Rook Resort
Price: $$ / Starting at $145
Amenities: Bedding and Towels and use of shared community bathroom, Hot Breakfast, Fire Pits & S’Mores
>> Check rates for Rustic Rook Resort
Experience camping with views of the dunes and stars, but all the luxury of your own private glamping tent cabin! Rustic Rook resort, located just 25 minutes from Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, offers a unique glamping experience with comfortable and stylish tent cabins. Wake up to a hot breakfast, spend the day exploring the dunes, and end your evening around the fire pit making s’mores – does it get better than that?
Hotels & Motels Near Great Sand Dunes
Best Western Alamosa Inn
Price: $ / Starting at $118
Amenities: Indoor Pool & Hot Tub, Laundry, Wifi, Pet Friendly, Breakfast included
>> Check rates for Best Western Alamosa Inn
A no-frills budget hotel from the reliable Best Western chain. This property is located a few blocks from downtown Alamosa, close to restaurants and groceries. Enjoy the small continental breakfast before heading out to explore the dunes. If you’re looking for a good budget hotel near Great Sand Dunes National Park, this is my top pick.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Alamosa
Price: $$ / Starting from $189
Amenities: Indoor Pool & Hut Tub, Wifi, Hot Breakfast included, Laundry
>> Check rates for Fairfield Inn & Suites Alamosa
Wondering where to stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park that hits the sweet spot of comfort and affordability? Check out the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Alamosa. A comfortable and modern mid-range chain hotel with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. The Fairfield Inn & Suites offers spacious rooms, complimentary hot breakfast, and a convenient location near downtown Alamosa. Relax in the indoor pool or hot tub after a day of exploring the sand dunes.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa
Price: $$ / Starting from $175
Amenities: Indoor Pool & Hot Tub, Laundry, Wifi, Pet Friendly, Breakfast included
>> Check rates Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa
Located in Alamosa, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers comfortable rooms and excellent amenities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, relax in the indoor pool and hot tub, and even bring their furry friends along as this hotel is pet-friendly.
Hampton Inn Alamosa
Price: $$ / Starting at $192
Amenities: Indoor Pool, Laundry, Wifi, Pet Friendly, Hot Breakfast included
>> Check rates for the Hampton Inn Alamosa
Another excellent mid-range hotel option near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Hampton Inn’s ran among my favorite chain hotels for their reliably good service, clean and spacious rooms, and hot breakfast options. This location is pet-friendly, offers an indoor pool and laundry room.
Camping Around Great Sand Dunes National Park
Camping Inside the Park
The only established campground inside the Park is Pinion Flats Campground, located just a mile north of the Visitor Center with great access to the dunes just steps away. The campground has both tent and RV sites, with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. There are no RV hookups, showers, or laundry in the Park.
Reservations are required through Recreation.gov, and can be made 6 months in advance.
Backcountry and Primitive Camping Inside the Park
Did you know you can camp ON the dunes themselves at Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Camping in the dunes is considered a “primitive” or backcountry camping experience, as there are no designated campsites or facilities in the dunes, and no roads. In order to camp out here, you’ll need a permit from Recreation.gov.
With your permit, you can hike into the dunes and find a spot to set up camp for the night. Camping is permitted anywhere in the dunes after the first high ridge line – about 1.5 miles past the parking area.
Learn more about backpacking in the dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park, here.
Primitive road campsites are located along the Park’s backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road, and requires a 4×4 high-clearance vehicle to access.
Primitive camping is available in 21 designated sites along the road. Campsites are equipped with bear boxes and picnic tables. There are no permits required and all sites are on a first-come first-served basis, and often fill completely on summer weekends.
Make sure to check current road conditions before attempting this drive, as it can be hazardous in wet or snowy conditions. Learn more about driving the Medano Pass Primitive Road, here.
Campgrounds Near Great Sand Dunes
There are dozens of private and public land campgrounds located within a short drive of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Many of these sites offer full RV hookups and family-friendly amenities, like KOA Alamosa / Great Sand Dunes and Great Dunes Oasis (located just outside the Park adjacent to the Great Sand Dunes Lodge).
For a complete list of campgrounds and BLM camping near Great Sand Dunes, click here.
Conclusion: Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
As you can see, there are a variety of options for accommodations near Great Sand Dunes National Park. Whether you prefer the convenience and amenities of a hotel or the rustic charm of camping, there is something for everyone.
Just remember to plan ahead and make reservations if necessary, as this popular destination can fill up quickly during peak season!
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