Little Sahara Sand Dunes

Little Sahara Recreation Area encompasses fields of sand dunes located in Central Utah. The area is administered by the United States Bureau of Land Management and is popular primarily for off-road vehicular recreation.

Understand

The recreation area occupies only a portion of the larger dune fields, which cover an area of 220 square miles (570 km²). The dunes formed from the sands left behind by the Sevier River where it emptied into ancient Lake Bonneville.

Climate

Little Sahara Recreation Area
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       1     39 13       1.1     44 19       1.3     54 26       1.4     62 32       1.4     73 41       0.9     85 49       0.7     93 57       0.9     91 56       1.1     81 45       1.4     66 33       0.9     51 23       1     40 14 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches   Data from NOAA (1981-2010)
Metric conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       25     4 −11       28     7 −7       33     12 −3       36     17 0       36     23 5       23     29 9       18     34 14       23     33 13       28     27 7       36     19 1       23     11 −5       25     4 −10 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm

Get in

Access to the recreation area is by car through the 1 visitor center on the north. Take US 6 and follow the signs to the "Sand Dunes."

Fees and permits

Entry fee is $18 per night per vehicle. An annual pass is available for $120. For seniors and visitors with disabilities there is a discounted rate of $60. Active military personnel should inquire about discounts.

Get around

The main routes through the area are paved, but these lead just to the major camping areas. Most of the camping areas have dirt access roads, but these are well maintained and should be accessible by any type of vehicle. The farther you travel away from the developed campgrounds and access roads, the more you may need a high-clearance vehicle. And, of course, travel through the dune fields should only be attempted by vehicles equipped for the environment.

Sleep

Lodging

There are no lodging facilities within the recreation area. The closest accommodations are available in Delta, 32 miles (51.5 km) to the south, or in Nephi, 22 miles (35.4 km) to the east.

Camping

There are four different camping area within the recreation area.

• 1 White Sands. Located northwest of the visitor center, this area has 100 campsites (RV and tent camping) right next to the dunes nestled among junipers. There is a fenced play area. Flushing toilets are available during the warm months, while vault toilets are available during the winter season. Drinking water is also available. 

• 2 Oasis. This area provides paved pads for trailers and RVs with 115 sites available. Flushing toilets are open during the warm months while vault toilets are available during the winter season. An RV sanitary dump station is also at this location. 

• 3 Jericho. This is a picnic and camping area and a good area for large groups. There are 40 picnic tables available, a paved entry road, ramadas, flushing toilets (vault toilets only during the winter), drinking water and a fenced play area. 

• 4 Sand Mountain. Sand Mountain is a more primitive camping area, and is also the staging area for entry into the dunes. There are three paved parking loops, flush toilets (vault toilets in the winter) and drinking water is available. 

Backcountry

The 1 Rockwell Outstanding Natural Area, located on the northwest corner of the recreation area, provides 9,000 acres of pristine natural habitat where motor vehicle use is prohibited. Here you can hike and see the natural dune desert undisturbed by modern conveniences.

Stay safe

While off-road recreation is fun, you should observe all safety rules and precautions. People can be injured or killed if not careful. Helmets are required when traveling across the dunes. Safety flags are required on vehicles. Keep a careful eye out for pedestrians, children, pets and other potential hazards.

Go next

Routes through Little Sahara Recreation Area

Ely ← Delta ← Jct E ←

W  E

→ Jct N → Santaquin → Spanish Fork