Little Sahara State Park

Oklahoma (Woods County)

Rising from the red-earth plains of Woods County, Little Sahara State Park is one of Oklahoma’s most unexpected landscapes — 1,600 acres of towering sand dunes that look lifted straight from the desert Southwest. Established in 1959, the park protects a rare inland dune field formed by wind-deposited sand from the Cimarron River, with some dunes reaching heights of 75 feet.

The main draw here is off-highway vehicle riding. Little Sahara is one of the few state parks in the country purpose-built for ATVs, dirt bikes, and sand rails, with hundreds of acres of open dune terrain designated for motorized recreation. It’s a magnet for OHV enthusiasts across the region, and the park offers rentals for visitors who don’t bring their own machines.

Beyond the dunes, the park supports hiking, sandboarding, wildlife watching, and photography — particularly at golden hour when the dunes glow amber against the Oklahoma sky. Birdwatchers will find the surrounding grasslands productive, especially during spring and fall migration.

Camping options include RV sites with hookups and primitive tent camping near the dune field. Facilities are straightforward but well-maintained, with restrooms, showers, and a small camp store during peak season.

The best time to visit is spring (March through May) or fall (September through November), when temperatures are manageable and weekend crowds thin out. Summer brings intense heat radiating off the sand, so plan early morning rides if visiting June through August. Bring plenty of water regardless of season — the dunes offer zero shade.