Little Sahara State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Little Sahara State Park offers exceptional RV camping across three campgrounds with 87 hookup sites and over 130 tent sites, featuring more than 1,600 acres of towering sand dunes ranging from 25 to 75 feet, year-round ATV and off-road vehicle riding, and unique desert-like terrain in northwest Oklahoma. Located just four miles south of Waynoka, this Midwest off-roading paradise provides full-hookup options at three distinct campgrounds, making it ideal for adventure seekers who want to experience Oklahoma's most unique landscape while enjoying convenient amenities and easy access from Enid RV rentals or Woodward camper van rentals.
What Makes Little Sahara State Park the Ultimate RV Destination for Off-Roading?
Stretching across more than 1,600 acres of pristine sand dunes, Little Sahara State Park stands as Oklahoma's premier destination for ATV enthusiasts and off-road adventurers. This unique state park, located in the heart of northwest Oklahoma near the small town of Waynoka, offers a mini-desert atmosphere that feels worlds away from the typical prairie landscape. The vast dunes formed over thousands of years from terrace deposits left behind when the Cimarron River flowed through this area during the Pleistocene Age, creating an otherworldly terrain that constantly shifts and changes with Oklahoma's notorious winds.
The park's main draw is its incredible off-road vehicle access across 1,400 acres of rideable sand, making it one of the best ATV riding spots in the entire Midwest. Whether you're piloting a dune buggy, three-wheeler, four-wheeler, side-by-side, or dirt bike, you'll find endless opportunities for adventure. The dunes range in height from 25 feet to a thrilling 75 feet, providing terrain suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. The observation deck at Buttercup Campground offers spectacular views of the dunes for those who prefer to watch the action or simply take in the unique landscape.
Beyond riding, Little Sahara State Park welcomes visitors year-round with three distinct campgrounds offering modern amenities, including sites with water, electric, and in some cases, full hookups. The park hosts popular events throughout the year, including the annual Midwest Sandfest in mid-September, which draws sand drag racing enthusiasts from across the region, and the Sahara Snake Hunt Weekend each spring. RV camping here means waking up to sunrise over golden dunes, spending days conquering sandy peaks, and evenings around the campfire under star-filled Oklahoma skies.
The cost for dune riding is $10 per day for all drivers and passengers age 11 and older (children 10 and under ride free), with an annual family pass available for $200 for the first family member and $125 for each additional household member. All riders must follow park safety regulations, including the requirement for 10-foot whips with orange flags, front white and rear red lights for night riding, and helmets for anyone under 18 not in a vehicle with a roll cage.
RV Rentals in Little Sahara State Park
Transportation
Driving
Little Sahara State Park is easily accessible by RV or car, located approximately four miles south of Waynoka, Oklahoma, in the northwestern part of the state. The park sits just off US Highway 281, which provides straightforward access. You can reach the park from US-412 traveling east or west, US-64 from the north, and US-60 from the south. Located about two hours northwest of Oklahoma City and just over an hour from Enid, the park occupies a relatively remote setting, but the roads are well-maintained and suitable for all types of RVs.
Once inside the park, be aware that sand vehicles and ATVs operate throughout the grounds. Drivers should exercise extra caution around slower-moving off-road vehicles and strictly adhere to the posted 15 MPH speed limit on park roads. The terrain is generally flat and easy to navigate, though sand can blow across roadways. Most RV types can access all three campgrounds without difficulty.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Northern Oklahoma Access: Enid RV rentals position you perfectly for Little Sahara State Park's adventure, with just over an hour's drive (approximately 60 miles) west on Highway 412. Enid offers excellent shopping, dining, and fuel options before heading to the dunes, making it an ideal base for stocking up on supplies.
Western Oklahoma Gateway: Woodward RV rentals provide convenient access from the west, roughly 50 miles east of the park. Woodward serves as an excellent staging point for exploring northwest Oklahoma's outdoor attractions, including nearby Boiling Springs State Park.
Alternative RV Options: For those seeking variety in their rig selection, consider Class B motorhomes, which offer excellent maneuverability on the park's roads and around the campgrounds, or travel trailers, which provide spacious accommodations perfect for extended stays at one of the three campgrounds.
Parking
You can park your RV at designated campsites in any of the three campgrounds: Buttercup, Cowboy, or Golden Sands. Each campground features modern restrooms and parking areas near comfort stations. A sanitation dump station is available off US-281 by the Golden Sands Campground. During peak riding weekends and special events like Midwest Sandfest, parking can become limited, so arriving early or making advance reservations is strongly recommended.
Public Transportation
Public transportation to Little Sahara State Park is extremely limited. The nearest Greyhound bus stops are in Enid (approximately 60 miles east) and Woodward (approximately 50 miles west). From these locations, visitors would need to arrange private transportation via taxi or rideshare services to reach Waynoka and the state park. Once inside the park, the best way to get around is by personal vehicle, bicycle, or on foot, as no shuttle services operate within park boundaries.
Campgrounds and parking in Little Sahara State Park
Campsites in Little Sahara State Park
Reservations camping
Golden Sands Campground
As Little Sahara's largest campground, Golden Sands is located at the southern end of the park and offers 47 spacious RV sites with utility hookups plus 72 tent-only sites. The wide variety of site configurations makes this campground popular with groups and extended-stay visitors.
Sites 501 to 506 feature 45-foot pads, while sites 507 to 521 offer roomier 60-foot pads. Sites 522 to 526 work well for smaller rigs with 35-foot pads, and sites 527 to 537 provide 55-foot pads. All these sites include water and 30- to 50-amp electric hookups. Sites 540 to 549 offer 30-amp electric, water, and pads ranging from 45 to 55 feet. The variety in pad lengths allows the campground to accommodate everything from compact campervans to large Class A motorhomes with tow vehicles.
Modern restrooms with flush toilets and shower houses with hot water serve the campground. Each site features a picnic table and BBQ pit, with plenty of room to spread out around your evening fire. Like the other campgrounds, shade is virtually nonexistent, so awnings are essential. The RV sanitation dump station is conveniently located off US-281 right by this campground, making departure day hassle-free.
Pets are welcome but must be supervised and leashed at all times. With 72 tent-only sites available, Golden Sands can accommodate large groups mixing RV and tent camping. Reserve your spot well in advance, particularly for spring and fall weekends when the weather is ideal for riding.
Cowboy Campground
Adjacent to Buttercup at the park's northern end, Cowboy Campground features 20 RV sites with full utility hookups and more than 50 tent-only sites scattered around the perimeter. All RV sites provide water and 30- to 50-amp electric hookups with impressive 90-foot pads—perfect for big rigs and allowing plenty of room to set up outdoor living areas.
A modern restroom with running water and a shower house sits in the middle of the campground for convenient access. Like Buttercup, shade is minimal to nonexistent, so prepare accordingly with awnings, canopies, and sun protection. Each site features a picnic table and barbecue grill. The campground maintains a friendly, lively atmosphere popular with ATV riding groups and families.
Pets are welcome here, but keep your four-legged friends on a leash or otherwise restrained throughout your visit. The proximity to Buttercup's observation deck makes this an excellent location for enjoying dune views. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak season (spring through fall) and special event weekends. Both Buttercup and Cowboy campgrounds are conveniently located near the park's main dune riding area.
Buttercup Campground
Located at the northern end of Little Sahara State Park, Buttercup Campground offers 20 spacious RV sites with modern utility hookups plus 12 tent-only sites. This campground features the park's observation deck, providing spectacular panoramic views of the sand dunes—perfect for sunset photography or watching ATV riders navigate the terrain below.
RV sites 601 to 609 provide water and 30-amp electric hookups with 45-foot pads, ideal for smaller motorhomes and travel trailers. Sites 610 to 616 step up the amenities with water and 30- to 50-amp electric hookups on generous 80-foot pads that easily accommodate larger Class A motorhomes. Sites 617 to 620 offer the same 30- to 50-amp service with pads ranging from 50 to 60 feet. Modern restrooms with running water and a centrally located shower house serve the campground.
Each campsite includes a picnic table and BBQ grill, though shade is nonexistent—bring your RV awning and plenty of sunscreen. The 12 tent-only sites surrounding the RV area provide a more primitive experience for those wanting to sleep under the stars. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed at all times. The observation deck here is a must-visit attraction, offering unmatched views of the dunes and a great spot to watch the sunrise.
Alternate camping
Private Campgrounds Near Little Sahara
America's Oasis: Located in Waynoka, just minutes from Little Sahara State Park, America's Oasis RV Resort offers premium accommodations including full-hookup RV sites, covered 50' x 16' pole barns for long-term RV storage, and annual lease cabins with private bathrooms and kitchens. This newer facility caters specifically to Little Sahara visitors, with daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reservation options. The resort provides secure storage for toys and equipment, making it ideal for frequent visitors.
Cottonwood RV Park: Located in Woodward (approximately 42 kilometers from the park), Cottonwood RV Park offers 43 sites with modern amenities for those seeking a more developed campground experience between Little Sahara adventures.
Dog Creek Campground: This popular campground in Waynoka provides a relaxed atmosphere ideal for Little Sahara enthusiasts. RV spots with full hookups start at $35 per night with a two-night minimum. Located in town, it offers quick access to the park's ATV trail entrance and weekly or monthly extended-stay discounts.
Explore more Oklahoma RV parks and campgrounds across the state for your next adventure.
Seasonal activities in Little Sahara State Park
Off-Season
Relaxing
If you want to get away from a hectic life, coming to the park during the off-season is an excellent way to unwind. There are a limited number of people in the park at this time of year, so the park is typically tranquil and relaxing. The peace of the park after most visitors have gone home is quite distinctive and provides an excellent way to decompress. Especially for those who spend a lot of time working.
Hiking
In instances where you do not have an ATV for riding, it is a great idea to have a short hike on the sand. Hiking to the observation center is a great idea to have a little fun and stretch your legs. Admittedly, sand is not the easiest surface to walk on, and if you suffer from joint problems, this may not be the best idea for you. But for the rest of us, the shifting sand provides a great workout and a unique hiking experience.
Observation Center
There is an observation center from which you can get a great view of ATV riders running on the sand dunes. Binoculars are recommended if you want a close-up view. Watching the riders race their ATVs over the seemingly endless sand dunes is an experience not to be missed, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch the spectacle at sundown. Make sure you pack your camera in the RV for some amazing photos to share on social media.
In-Season
ATV Riding
As one of the best ATV riding spots in the Midwest, Little Sahara State Park is a great place to bring your ATV and head out for a day full of adventure. The dunes are continually changing because of the ripple effect the wind has on the sand, and riding through the sand will give you a great view of the vast and beautiful, rippled landscape. Whether you are riding a three-wheeler, four-wheeler, dune buggy, quadricycle, dirt bike, or a side-by-side, be sure to wear your safety gear.
Sand Fest
Little Sahara State Park is a great place to get to see or even participate in sand dragging competitions. The annual Midwest Sandfest at Little Sahara State Park is a must-attend for such an event. Various sand drag racers converge and participate in the race at the Golden Sand of Waynoka. This event occurs around mid-September every year and includes ATVs such as side-by-sides, four-wheelers, and dune buggies. If you are going to participate, make sure you pack your safety gear in the rig before heading out.
Snake Hunts
This event is the biggest weekend event in the park, occurring in the late spring. Campers stream in from far and near having made reservations from as far back as months ago. Visitors are entertained by views of skilled snake handlers capturing numbers of rattlesnakes in the area. This event closes with a ceremony to award the hunter with the longest snake. Concessions to provide refreshments and groceries are always located nearby during this period.
For more Oklahoma state park adventures, check out Great Salt Plains State Park, known as the only place on Earth where you can find hourglass-shaped selenite crystals, or explore Roman Nose State Park with its beautiful canyon and natural springs.
