If ever there’s a summer to road-trip between campsites in national parks, it’s this one. And while parks have seen record visitation in the past year, there’s plenty of space for everyone if you know where to look and plan ahead. We’re here to help on both fronts—read on for everything you need to know plan the ultimate NPS camping trip.
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Piñon Flats, Great Sand Dunes, Colorado
Colorado's Great Sand Dunes are the tallest in North America, and at Piñon Flats campground you can camp right at their base. Make a morning dash for the top of the 699-foot High Dune to beat the heat and revel in stunning views of the San Juan and Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Post-hike bonus: there are quite a few nearby hot springs, ranging from ultra-rustic to luxury. In warmer months, snowmelt from the mountains forms the shallow, meandering (and cold!) Medano Creek, a welcome place to cool off on a summer day. Don’t forget the inner tubes.