It’s not surprising why Little Sahara State Park in Oklahoma is so called. Made up of over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, some of which soar up to 75 feet, the park is a sandy oasis which is very different from much of the state’s other, more greener topography. A haven for those who enjoy ATV riding, it is situated just to the south of Waynoka – some two hours from Oklahoma City, and just under three hours from Tulsa. For those who enjoy adrenaline fueled activities, Little Sahara is a great place to get your fix. Best of all, this Oklahoma State Park is open all year-round, has a terrific range of camping options, and you do not need a permit to enter. So what other reason do you need to go there?
Activities
With it being such a popular spot for ATV riding, you won’t be surprised to learn that this is the main drawcard at Little Sahara State Park. Indeed there are lots of opportunities for adventures presenting themselves across the vast sandy desert area, and this is probably an activity you will spend a lot of your day doing. However, as well as that, there are a few other activities you can do, including hiking, and one or two others that might surprise you. Let’s look at them below.
ATV Riding at Little Sahara State Park
Renowned for being one of the best spots in the Midwest for ATV riding, the park offers plenty of opportunity for adventure. Whether you traverse the rippled sand landscape on a three-wheeler, dirt bike, buggy, side-by-side, quadricycle or four-wheeler, you will have hours of fun zipping up and down the sand dunes. During your ride, be sure to stop off at the observation center for fabulous views of the other ATV riders making their way across the dunes. If you can, make sure you are here at sunset, when the hues of the skies gives the whole spectacle a magical air. The cost for ATV riding is $10 a day. This is applied to all drivers and passengers who want to get on the sand. Children under the age of 10 can enter for free. While the park also has an annual family pass for those who visit it regularly. The cost of which is $200 for the first adult, and $125 for each subsequent family member. If you do partake in ATV riding, it is important to strictly follow all the park’s rules and regulations.
Hiking at Little Sahara State Park
If you don’t have an ATV in which to ride, you might like to consider going for a hike on the sand. Making your way over to the observation center is a good way to get some exercise. As the sand is not the easiest surface to walk on, you will actually get a bit of a work out that will really get your heart rate going!
Sand Fest at Little Sahara State Park
Little Sahara State Park is a pre-eminent destination for sand dragging competitions, with the annual Midwest Sandfest being arguably the biggest event. Taking place on the golden sands of Waynoka, this event happens around the middle of September and includes a range of ATVs like dune buggies, four-wheelers and side-by-sides. If you fancy competing in it, you will need to pack your safety gear in the rig prior to arriving at the park.
Snake Hunts at Little Sahara State Park
If you are here in late spring, you might want to coincide your visit with the annual snake hunt! Clearly not an experience for the faint of heart or squeamish, this weekend event sees teams of skilled snake handlers competing against each other to see who can catch the largest rattlesnake. It is a very popular event watched by many people, during which time camping accommodation at the park is usually fully booked out.
Pets at Little Sahara State Park
Pets are welcome in many areas of the park, so long as they are restrained and supervised during your visit at all times. There may be some restrictions you will need to adhere to, so it is best to contact the park’s office to clarify what they might be.
Camping at Little Sahara State Park
Camping at Little Sahara State Park is contained within three different campgrounds – the Buttercup Campground, Cowboy Campground and Golden Sands Campground. The Buttercup and Cowboy Campgrounds, are located at the northern end of the park. Between them they each boast 20 large campsites that come with utility hookups. The Golden Sands Campground is situated at the southern end of the park and offers 47 spacious campsites with utility hookups. All of these sites have 30-amp or 50-amp electricity. As well as these RV sites, Buttercup has 12 tent only sites. The Cowboy campground offers 50, and the Golden Sands has 72, for those who prefer a more primitive experience. All of these sites must be reserved online. Should you book one, don’t forget to bring an awning for your RV as there is nothing in the way of shade at any of the campsites.
Amenities at Little Sahara State Park
Between them, all of these campgrounds offer a wide range of amenities. These include modern restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, as well as picnic areas that come with grills or a BBQ pit. There is also a dump station as well. Concessions are also offered on a seasonal basis within the park, while you will find fuel and groceries in the nearby town of Waynoka.
Park Location
Little Sahara State Park 101 Main St Waynoka, OK 73860 Phone: 580.824.1471 Website Reservations
Map
Video
Below is a brief YouTube video showcasing off-road fun at Little Sahara State Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Oklahoma state parks free?
Yes, Oklahoma state parks are free to enter for day use. There are no vehicle permits or entrance fees. Camping, cabin, and lodge fees apply separately.
What are the best state parks in Oklahoma?
Top parks include Beavers Bend (mountain forested river), Natural Falls (77-foot waterfall), Robbers Cave (historic outlaw hideout), Turner Falls (swimming waterfall), and Roman Nose (red mesa canyon).
Can I swim at Turner Falls in Oklahoma?
Yes, Turner Falls Park features a 77-foot waterfall with a natural swimming pool at its base. It is Oklahoma’s oldest park and one of the most popular swimming destinations in the state, especially in summer.
Are there lodges at Oklahoma state parks?
Yes, many Oklahoma state parks feature excellent lodges and restaurants. Beavers Bend, Quartz Mountain, and Roman Nose lodges are popular. Reservations recommended, especially for holiday weekends and fall foliage season.
Explore More Oklahoma State Parks
Little Sahara State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oklahoma. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oklahoma guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Little Sahara SP — features 1,600 acres of active sand dunes — the largest dune field in the south-central US. Dunes reach 75 feet high. The park’s sand dunes, grassland, and scattered oaks support lesser earless lizards, burrowing owls, and badgers.
Nearby Attractions
Waynoka — adjacent. Woods County — surrounding.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Gloss Mountain State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Alabaster Caverns State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Little Sahara State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 10 feet required; pets must be under direct physical control unless in a designated fenced pet area
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins for $40 per night per pet; pets are prohibited in lodge rooms ($300 fee assessed if a pet is found in a lodge room)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $40 per night per pet for pet-friendly cabins; no fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Proof of rabies vaccination required and must be readily available; pets running at large may be impounded
- Dogs & wildlife
- Keep pets leashed and on cleared ground — western diamondback rattlesnakes are documented in the rangeland around Waynoka.
Are dogs allowed at Little Sahara State Park?
Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via travelok.com. More: Oklahoma state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Little Sahara State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Watch out for: Oklahoma Tourism documents western diamondback rattlesnakes on the ranch land surrounding Waynoka, where the annual Waynoka Rattlesnake Hunt has targeted them since the 1940s. Watch where you step and reach around vegetation, campsites, and the edges of the dunes. The park's own posted safety rules focus on ATV riding — pedestrian foot traffic is prohibited in the dune riding area.
Are there venomous snakes at Little Sahara State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via travelok.com.
Park Location
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