Winnemucca Sand Dunes
The Winnemucca Sand Dunes are a “checkerboard” of public land and private land. All visitors must be mindful of private property.
Point of Interest:
The Winnemucca Sand Dunes are Nevada’s largest sand dune field. The dunes are located on a “checkerboard” of public and private land. While all individual dunes are less than 100-foot-tall, this “low-lying” dune field stretches approximately 20 miles east to west. Visitors can enjoy camping, off-highway vehicle riding (OHV), hiking, photography and more on the scenic backdrop of the dune fields.
Overview:
BLM-managed staging area of the Winnemucca Sand Dunes is on the west side of Highway US-95. It features a parking area, informational sign kiosks, a sign-in registry, covered picnic tables, and vault toilets.
Vehicle Access: A high-clearance vehicle is not required. However, all roads are unpaved, may consist of loose sand, and may contain sharp debris.
Camping: There are no designated campsites, but visitors can overnight RVs and trailers in the staging area along Highway US-95. Vault-toilets are located nearby. Visitors can also camp farther into the sand dune complex but must be aware that private land is often not marked.
Activities: Popular activities include off-roading (OHV), fat-tire biking, and photography.
Know Before You Go:
- Respect private property. Some of the sand dune areas are private land.
- Picnic tables are first-come, first-served.
- Vegetation is fragile. Stay off the vegetation.
- Watch for high-speed OHV riders.
- Spark arresters/mufflers required. The sound limit is 96 dB.
- Whip flags (8 ft) are required for OHVs
- Cell service may be limited.
- There is no drinking water.
- Prepare for sun exposure.
- Emergency vehicle tools are recommended.
- Dogs off-leash are allowed.
- Be prepared to pack out and dispose of pet litter and trash.
Nearby Attractions:
Winnemucca Sand Dunes is located near the city of Winnemucca, Nevada.
Approximately a 10-minute drive away, the county maintains a variety of recreational shooting facilities at the “Humboldt County Shooting Park.”
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
This site may present challenges to accessibility due to sandy, uneven terrain and off-highway vehicle traffic.*
Parking:
- The parking area consists of graded, packed sand with large areas of unmarked spaces.
- Pull-through parking is available at the vault toilets and picnic tables.
Paths/Pathways:
- None
Toilets:
- Two vault toilets with wide entries and grab bars. The ground approaching the toilets may be uneven.
- Trash cans at chest-height are available outside the vault toilet building.
- Boulders near the vault toilets may impede visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Water spigots/hydrants:
- None
Signs:
- Signs are at a height appropriate for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Picnic Tables:
- Picnic tables are on concrete pads under shade structures.
- Boulders near the picnic tables may impede visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
- Trash cans at chest-height are available near each picnic table.
Grills/Fire Rings:
- None
Trails:
- None
*Note: Descriptions and photos uploaded December 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.
Phone
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
The BLM-managed staging area for the Winnemucca Sand Dunes is located 8 miles north of Winnemucca, NV, along Highway US-95.
From Winnemucca: Drive north on Highway US-95 for approximately 8 miles. Exit left immediately after the McRae Road exit. The Winnemucca Sand Dunes staging area is on the west side of US-95.
Fees
No Fee