Little Sahara Recreation Area
Welcome to Little Sahara Recreation Area, Utah’s premier off-highway vehicle (OHV) destination. Spanning 63,000 acres of dynamic sand dunes, sagebrush flats, and juniper-covered hills, this expansive playground offers something for every adventurer. Just under two hours from Salt Lake City, Little Sahara is renowned for its diverse terrain, including the towering 700-foot Sand Mountain, the expansive White Sand Dune bowls, and gentle dunes perfect for beginners.
Beyond OHV recreation, the area boasts a variety of activities. Explore the 9,000-acre Rockwell Wilderness Study Area on foot or by fat bike, try sandboarding or skiing down Sand Mountain, or enjoy wildlife viewing in the serene desert landscape. Families can take advantage of two designated sand play areas in White Sands Campground and Jericho Picnic Area, ensuring fun for all ages. With 255 improved campsites, modern amenities, and a newly opened Visitor Center, Little Sahara is equipped to accommodate visitors year-round.
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping climbs, scenic trails, or tranquil camping spots, Little Sahara delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience.
- Current Travel Information
Campground Status
- Oasis Campground: Open
- Jericho Campground: Open
- White Sands Campground: Partially Closed (no access north of intersection)
- Sand Mountain Campground: Open
- Dispersed Camping: Permitted outside developed campgrounds
Facilities Status
- Water Fill Stations: Open
- White Sands Dump Station: Open
- Oasis Dump Station: Closed
- Flush Toilets: Open (except at White Sands)
- Vault Toilets: Open
White Sands Campground Update
White Sands Campground is partially closed due to construction. Please note the following:
- No camping is allowed north of the stop sign in the White Sands area.
- No water is available throughout the campground and surrounding undeveloped camping areas.
- Only vault toilets are available in the southern portion of the undeveloped camping area.
- Construction Zone: Stay clear of the area due to open pits, debris, and active demolition work. Crews are removing existing infrastructure and installing new restrooms and amenities.
When White Sands reopens in Fall 2025, it will feature:
- New flush and vault restrooms
- Standard campground amenities including picnic tables, tent pads, and standing grills
- Hours and Admission
Hours
- Recreation Area: Always open!
- Visitor Center: Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm, closed Monday through Thursday.
Admission: Fees & Passes
Little Sahara Recreation Area requires a use fee, which includes access to campgrounds. You can pay per night or purchase an annual pass.
- $18 per vehicle per night
- $120 Annual Pass per Vehicle
- $60 Annual Pass per Vehicle for Seniors and People with Disabilities
- Active military: Ask about available discounts
Little Sahara records more than 15,000 visitors on the busy weekends of Easter, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, and 300,000 visitors annually. All fees collected are used to keep the site clean and open to the public.
How to Pay
Passes can be purchased (no processing fees for cash or check payment):
- Online at Recreation.gov
- Free guest Wi-Fi is available in the Visitor Center parking lot for secure access to Recreation.gov only.
- At the Little Sahara Visitor Center (when open)
- At the Fillmore Field Office (during business hours)
- Onsite via self-pay envelopes (cash/check) or remote kiosks
Annual Pass Info
- Online purchases will receive a QR code by email—this serves as your pass until exchanged for a sticker.
- Kiosk purchases print a voucher (write your license plate on it).
- To get your physical sticker, bring the QR code or voucher to the Visitor Center or the Fillmore Field Office.
- If using a self-pay envelope, include your name and phone number—we’ll call to confirm your annual pass.
- Passes for additional vehicles must be purchased by calling the Fillmore Field Office.
- Address and Directions
Address: 27020 W Sand Mountain Road, Eureka, Utah 84628
Directions: Little Sahara is approximately 115 miles from Salt Lake City via Nephi. The entrance road to Little Sahara is 4 miles west of the Jericho Junction.
- Features and Services
Park Rangers are available at the Little Sahara Visitor Center to answer questions and assist with admission passes.
Drinking water is available year-round at the water fill stations and campgrounds during frost free months. Gasoline, groceries, and services are available in neighboring communities of Nephi, Delta, Eureka and Lynndyl.
- Accessibility
The Little Sahara Recreation Area Visitor Center has a paved parking lot, and there are 2 accessible parking spots with access aisles near an accessible unisex vault toilet. In addition, there are accessible gendered flush toilets and drinking fountains inside the building. Next to the center is a covered picnic table, which visitors can access via a concrete path.
Click for more photos of accessibility features at this site
Descriptions and photos uploaded August 2024. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
- Contact Us
Visitor Center Front Desk: 435-433-5960
Email: [email protected]
We welcome volunteers to help further the mission of Little Sahara Recreation Area and the Bureau of Land Management. Donations are also welcome. Please contact us for more information.
