Little Sahara Recreation Area Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

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.

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.

Access to the recreation area is by car through the 39.72648-112.307071 visitor center on the north. Take US 6 and follow the signs to the "Sand Dunes."

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.

39°41′9″N 112°21′50″W

Little Sahara Recreation Area

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.

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.

There are four different camping area within the recreation area.

• 39.7377-112.31811 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. 

• 39.6886-112.35182 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. 

• 39.6867-112.36793 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. 

• 39.6392-112.38824 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. 

The 39.7023-112.43151 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.

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.

Ely ← Delta ← Jct E ←

W  E

→ Jct N → Santaquin → Spanish Fork