Great Sand Dunes: What to Know About Fire Restrictions Before You Camp

Planning a night under the stars at the foot of the tallest dunes in North America? There's a practical detail you need to factor into your plans right now. Great Sand Dunes is under Stage 1 fire restrictions, the first step in a system rangers put in place when drought and fire risk start to climb.

In practice, that doesn't mean "no fires at all." It means fires are allowed, but tightly controlled. A wood or charcoal fire is still fine, as long as it burns in an established fire ring at a designated campsite or picnic area. So improvised rings of stones out in the wild, or free campfires on the dunes and in the backcountry, are off the table for now. If your plan hinged on a small fire in the middle of nowhere, you'll need to rethink it.

Two safety habits are required, and they're not up for debate. Never walk away from a fire unattended, even for a few minutes. And before you leave your site, put the fire all the way out. It has to be cold to the touch, not just flame-free. Those forgotten embers are what spark most late-summer wildfires.

There's good news for cooking. Camp stoves and other pressurized gas devices are still allowed, so you can heat your water and make your meals without any trouble, which is plenty for a comfortable stay. Just pack your fuel canisters ahead of time, since you won't find a place to restock at every bend in the road.

These rules can shift with the weather, so check where they stand right before you head out. To plan the rest of your visit, campgrounds, the best times to walk the sand, and the must-sees, you'll find it all in the Great Sand Dunes park guide. If you're stringing together several stops, this park fits nicely into our road trip itinerary that runs through it.