Plan Your Visit
Where to Ride
Little Sahara offers something for every rider, from first-timers to thrill-seekers. If you're new to off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding, head to the dunes southwest of Black Mountain. This area features low-lying, less crowded terrain that’s perfect for beginners. For a more balanced experience, the White Sand Dunes at the north end of the recreation area provide easy dune access and a variety of bowls suitable for all skill levels.
For the ultimate challenge, Sand Mountain rises nearly 700 feet and is a must-ride for experienced enthusiasts looking to push their limits with hill climbs that test both machine and rider. Prefer dirt over sand? Explore the network of trails around Black Mountain, offering miles of traditional OHV trail riding through rugged desert terrain.
Prefer person-powered? No problem. Little Sahara is also a hotspot for non-motorized sand recreation. Try fat biking across the dunes—wide tires help you float on soft sand where regular mountain bikes can’t go. Or give sandboarding and sand skiing a shot down the slopes of Sand Mountain.
Other Places to Play
When you're ready to slow down and explore the desert on foot, the Rockwell Wilderness Study Area offers a peaceful alternative. This 9,000-acre, vehicle-free zone is a sanctuary of undisturbed desert ecology, where rolling dunes, scattered Utah junipers, sagebrush, and native grasses create ideal conditions for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. It’s also home to diverse wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, 15 bird species, and a variety of reptiles like the desert whipsnake.
For families with children, Little Sahara features two of Utah’s largest sand play areas, located near the White Sands Campground and Jericho Picnic Area. These are motor-free environment where kids can enjoy digging, castle building, and sand play. Please supervise children at all times and avoid tunneling in the sand for safety.
Where to Camp
Whether you're in an RV, tent, or just looking to roll out a sleeping bag under the stars, Little Sahara offers a range of camping options across four BLM-maintained campgrounds, plus opportunities for dispersed camping.
Developed Campgrounds (255 Campsites Total)
Each campground includes drinking water and restrooms—flush toilets are available in warmer months and vault toilets during winter.
Oasis Campground (115 sites, ~4 miles southwest of the visitor center)
The most developed campground at Little Sahara, Oasis features paved pads for RVs, a dump station, drinking water, and easy access to dunes—making it ideal for families.
- GPS: 39.68940, -112.35170
White Sands Campground (100 sites)
Set among juniper trees and close to scenic dunes, White Sands is the most picturesque campground. It offers flush toilets (vault in winter), drinking water, and a fenced play area for children.
Jericho Campground and Picnic Area (40 picnic sites with camping allowed, ~4 miles southwest of the visitor center)
Jericho is great for large groups and now serves as an overflow camping area. It features shady ramadas, an amphitheater, paved parking, flush toilets, drinking water, and a fenced play area.
- GPS: 39.68686, -112.36767
Sand Mountain Campground (primitive, ~4 miles southwest of the visitor center and then ~4 miles towards Sand Mountain)
Popular during holiday weekends, this is the go-to spot for riders who want to be close to the action. Sand Mountain offers three paved parking loops, drinking water, and restrooms.
- GPS: 39.63922, -112.38832
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed outside the developed campgrounds, away from established roadways. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring in to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.