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#9 on this list
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Colorado
Quiet dunes under snowcapped Sangre de Cristos.
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#10 on this list
Padre Island National Seashore
Texas
Mild beach camping weather on the longest undeveloped barrier island.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Great Sand Dunes National Park | Padre Island National Seashore |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 8,200 to 13,604 feet | — |
| Location | San Luis Valley, Southern Colorado | Kleberg and Kenedy Counties, Texas |
| November Highs | 45°F to 52°F | — |
| November Lows | 15°F to 22°F | — |
| Total Area | 149,028 acres | — |
| Backcountry Permits | Required via Recreation.gov | — |
| Managing Agency | — | National Park Service |
| Protected Shoreline | — | Approximately 66 miles |
| November Weather | — | Highs mid-70s, lows mid-60s, moderate winds |
| Beach Driving | — | 4WD required beyond Mile 5 on South Beach |
| Camping | — | Primitive beach camping plus two developed campgrounds |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Cool sand temperatures eliminate the blistering heat of summer treks
- Virtually crowd-free ridges and unobstructed viewpoints
- Striking visual contrast between golden dunes and snow-capped peaks
- Exceptional clarity for night skies and cold-weather astrophotography
- Freezing overnight temperatures regularly drop into the teens
- High winds can cause intense sandblasting and damage delicate electronics
- Medano Creek is often dry or frozen, eliminating easy base-level water
Padre Island National Seashore
- Miles of uncrowded, free dispersed camping right on the Gulf shoreline
- Mild late-autumn temperatures provide relief from oppressive summer heat
- Lower insect activity compared to humid spring and summer months
- Prime seasonal birding along an undeveloped stretch of the Central Flyway
- World-class flatwater windsurfing and shallow-water kayak fishing
- Driving down island requires 4WD, sand recovery gear, and tide vigilance
- Salt spray, blowing sand, and sudden cold fronts stress vehicles and camp gear
- Complete lack of water, shade, and facilities along the primitive beach driving route
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