Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
Home to the tallest sand dune in North America, a seasonal beach and stunning alpine lakes, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a hidden gem in southern Colorado. Get ready for a magical vacation with our insider information on where to stay in and near the park from hotels to cabins to camping.
Staying Inside Great Sand Dunes National Park
A relatively undeveloped park, Great Sand Dunes does not have lodging inside the park. It offers one campground, Piñon Flats, that’s open April through October, as well as backcountry car and hike-in campsites.
Read our RV tips for Great Sand Dunes, Best Sand Dunes RV Campgrounds and check out RV rentals from Outdoorsy.
Closest Lodging to the Park
The closest lodging to the park is the Great Sand Dunes Lodge, located just outside the entrance. This contemporary motel offers basic accommodations as well as deluxe rooms with kitchens. Patios overlook the park and an indoor swimming pool provides a way to cool off. A continental breakfast is provided. While there is no restaurant on site, the Great Sand Dunes Oasis Restaurant is on the other side of the lodge within walking distance. Otherwise, bring your own food or drive 38 miles to Alamosa, Colo., for lunch and dinners.
Just south of the park entrance you’ll find the Great Sand Dunes Oasis camping cabins. These rustic cabins have no water or bathrooms, but a restroom facility with showers is available on site. Tent and RV camping sites are also available here and there is a restaurant on-site.
Find Lodging in These Towns Close to the Park
The closest town with major hotel chains, restaurants, activities and groceries is Alamosa, 38 miles from the park. Here, you’ll find major chain hotels like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Best Western. There are also a variety of independent motels, inns and campgrounds. Alamosa is home to Adams State University and is a small college town with a historic downtown with independent restaurants, two breweries, major grocery store chains, a Walmart and chain fast-food and dining options.
Other towns near the park like Mosca, Fort Garland, Monte Vista, San Luis, Moffat and Crestone offer more limited lodging options.
Unique Lodging Experiences Nearby
Looking for a unique lodging experience? Stay at the Best Western Movie Manor in Monte Vista, where a historic drive-in movie theater is attached to the hotel, allowing you to watch movies on the big screen from bed in some rooms. Or, get ready for a seriously bizarre night when you camp at the UFO Watchtower north of Hooper. To really get away from it all, head to Joyful Journey Hot Springs in Moffat where you can spend the night in a tipi after soaking in the hot springs.
