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. 

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

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Activities

Iconograph of a tent.
CAMPING
Iconograph of a camera
PHOTOGRAPHY
Iconograph of a person riding a fat tire bicycle.
FAT TIRE BIKING
The letters OHV
OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE
Iconograph of a picnic table
PICNICKING

Addresses

Humboldt Field Office
5100 East Winnemucca Blvd.
Winnemucca
Nevada
89445

Geographic Coordinates

41.08477, -117.70795

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

Stay Limit

14-days