If that ATV in your toy hauler has been gathering dust, it might be time to raise a cloud or two of dust in Oklahoma. Little Sahara State Park is built for ATV and dune buggy enthusiasts
“Little Sahara State Park is the most widely-known, developed, off-road vehicle area in this part of the country,” explained Keli Clark, program officer for Oklahoma State Parks. “The park attracts off-roaders from many surrounding states, especially Kansas, Texas, and Missouri. Typical vehicles include side-by-sides, motorcycles, 4-wheelers and some Jeeps.”
The dunes were created over 11,000 years ago from terrace deposits and quartz left by the Cimarron River when it flowed across this area during the Pleistocene Age.
Visitors who want to watch the action unfold on the shifting sand dunes are accommodated as well. A raised walkway that leads to covered platform at the park provides a scenic vista for pedestrians. Foot traffic is not allowed on the sand dunes, Clark said.
Located in the northwest corner of the state, Little Sahara State Park opened to the public in 1960 with 345 acres of sand dunes leased from the School Land Commission. Clark said the park has grown to now include access to 1,867 acres of park land. Over 1,500 acres of this land consists of shifting sand dunes.
The park draws an estimated 100,000 off-road vehicle fans each year. Dunes range from 25’ – 75’ with the tallest of these in the western and northwestern sections of the park. According to an ORV sports site, two of the tallest dunes are named Competition Hill and Buttercup. This location is often windy. Natural vegetation found in the park include Yucca and Cottonwood trees.
“Heavy visitor use occurs from March through June and from September through November, when about 85% of the visitation is recorded,” Clark said. “In addition, the five major holiday weekends receive very intensive visitor use.”
The summer months draw fewer visitors because of the hot climate in that part of the United States. According to Clark, the record surface temperature of the sand in Little Sahara has been recorded at 160 degrees in July and August.
Guests at Little Sahara State Park walk the trail through the dunes [Photo/Oklahoma Tourism]
“The park hosts many special events,” Clark told The Buzz. “There are four major events that are held throughout the year, with the largest bringing in approximately 3,000 guests for a 2-day event.”
The town of Waynoka has benefited from the popularity of the park, according to news reports, primarily from the shared use of both the state park grounds and the town. A 24-hour ATV path connects the town to the park and the ORV experiences one can find on site.
“The city has built a 24-hour trail that allows the “duners” to ride all the way into Waynoka, and if they have a permit sticker they can access downtown and other areas of the town,” Mayor Susan Bradford said in a news story published last year.
Little Sahara State Park is roughly 1,650 acres of sand dunes designed for off-road vehicles, including UTVs, ATVs, dune buggies, 4x4s, and side-by-sides. Technically located a few miles south of Waynoka, the dunes actually extend all the way to the city’s southern edge.
The park continues to be a draw to visitors simply because it delivers a unique experience, even to those who have traversed the dunes before.
“Little Sahara has something no other park has, which is the rolling hills of sand dunes,” Clark said. “The height of the dunes varies because the blowing wind shifts the dunes, which gives riders a different experience each time they visit the park.”
As defined by Kelley Blue book, ORV are a vehicle which is designed with the ability to drive on nonstandard terrains such as gravel, pavement, and other surfaces that cars usually can't be driven upon. Off-road vehicles often have similar features such as: large tires with deep treads; high ground clearance; 4-wheel drive; and an appropriate car suspension system.
“Off-road vehicles are used in motorized sports events like monster truck rallies, desert races and demolition derbies. In addition, popular vehicles with off-road capabilities like SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and 4x4 pickup trucks are often used for both transportation and recreation,” according to the Kelley Blue book webpage.
Those ORVs that take advantage of the experience at Little Sahara have to abide by several rules and regulations. These rules ensure safety remains a priority and that all guests have an enjoyable experience. Regulations require that all vehicles have a whip attached to the ORV that extends 10 feet from the ground to the top of the whip, and a 6" x 12" bright solid orange flag attached within 10" of the whip's tip. Additionally, all vehicles must have bright white front lights and red rear lights powered by the vehicle for night use.
Dune buggies and 4x4 vehicles must have a roll bar sufficient to support the weight of the vehicle and must have a seat belt for each passenger. Double riding is not permitted unless the ORV is designed to accommodate a passenger. Helmets are strongly suggested, but mandatory for operators under the age of 18.
“Riding is at your own risk,” Clark said. “And riders are asked to please stay within the posted park boundaries.”
For those who don’t own an ORV, a nearby privately owned and operated business has rentals available.
“These rentals are allowed to access the dunes at the park but must pay the daily entrance fee at the gate at Little Sahara,” Clark explained.
Admission is $10 per rider and $10 per passenger. Those under 10 years of age are free. A discount is offered to seniors.
According to an article written by Laura Stark in the January 2019 issue of ExtremeSportsSX, the off-roading industry is expected to be worth more than $28 billion by 2024. According to a report by Global Market Insights, Inc. this growth prediction is based on expanding outdoor opportunities, better design of Off-Road vehicles and more diversification in how ORVs are used.
Camping is available at the park, with reservations and payment made online for the RV and tent campsites at www.TravelOK.com. The onsite campgrounds – Buttercup, Cowboy and Golden Sands features both tent and RV campsites with 30 and 50 amp electric connections, some pull through sites, a dump station, restrooms and showers. Pets are allowed.