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Oklahoma
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Oklahoma State Parks

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USA Parks
Oklahoma
Western Region
Little Sahara State Park
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Little Sahara State Park © Matt Howry from Ardmore, OK, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Little Sahara State Park, Oklahoma. It would be tons of fun on a dune buggy. But because the entire park was focused on that, they didnt even have a single dune accessible on foot.
Little Sahara State Park © mhowry / CC BY 2.0
Little Sahara State Park © Matt Howry from Ardmore, OK, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Little Sahara State Park, Oklahoma
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LITTLE SAHARA STATE PARK
LITTLE SAHARA STATE PARK
101 Main Street
Waynoka, Oklahoma   73860
(lat:36.5334 lon:-98.882) map location

Phone: 580-824-1471
A prime example of Oklahoma's diverse terrain, Little Sahara State Park boasts over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, ranging in height from 25 to 75 feet. The vast dunes have formed over time from terrace deposits, remnants of prehistoric times when the Cimarron River flowed over the entire area. Located south of Waynoka in northwest Oklahoma, the park offers RV sites with water and electricity, tent sites, picnic areas and showers. All camp sites must be reserved online. Concessions are offered in the park seasonally, and groceries and fuel are available nearby.

The main attraction at Little Sahara State Park is dune buggy and ATV riding across the sand dunes. Visitors can either bring their own ATV or rent one off-site by a private vendor. Either way, visitors will have a blast in this mini-desert atmosphere, known as one of the best riding spots for ATVs in the Midwest.
History of the Area
Located in Oklahoma, this 1,600-acre sand dune area was formed over centuries by the Cimarron River's natural processes. In the early 1950s, it became a popular spot for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Recognizing its recreational potential and to preserve its unique ecosystem, the state purchased land from private owners between 1960-1978. It officially opened as an Oklahoman State Park in April of that year with amenities like campsites and picnic areas added later on.


Location
Little Sahara State Park is

Picnicking
Little Sahara State Park offers picnic tables and grills for visitors. No covered shelters or group facilities are available.
Trails
1. Sand Dunes Trail: This trail takes you through the heart of Little Sahara's sand dunes, offering a unique hiking experience; length is not specified due to shifting sands.

2. Butterfly Trail: A short 0.5-mile loop that offers views of local flora and fauna including butterflies during certain seasons; it's an easy walk suitable for all skill levels.

3. Prairie Dog Town Loop: An approximately one mile long trail leading hikers past prairie dog colonies with interpretive signs along the way explaining their behavior and habitat.

4. Observation Deck Pathway: Less than half a mile in length, this paved pathway leads up to an observation deck providing panoramic views over the park's vast expanse of sand dunes.

5. Woodward Hiking Trails System: Though technically outside Little Sahara State Park boundaries but nearby Woodward has several trails ranging from two miles to six miles each featuring different terrains like forests or grasslands which can be combined into longer hikes if desired.

6. Sand Pit ATV Area Access Route: While primarily used by off-road vehicles as access route between camping areas and main riding area, pedestrians are allowed on these routes too ; however they should exercise caution when using them because motorized traffic may occur at any time.

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Oklahoma State Parks

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