10 Best Sand Dunes In USA For An ATV Family Trip

Wind-sculpted sand dunes across the United States offer more than scenic views. They provide families a hands-on opportunity to explore nature while developing riding skills in dynamic landscapes.

The best sand dunes in the USA for ATV adventures include desert bowls, coastal slopes, forest-lined hills, and wide sandy flats. These areas cater to both beginners and experienced riders, often featuring designated off-road trails, family camping zones, and open riding fields suitable for youth electric ATVs.

Glamis — California

The Imperial Sand Dunes, better known as Glamis, stretch across Southern California near the Arizona border. With over 118,000 acres of sand and dunes reaching 300 feet high, this region is one of the largest recreational dune systems in the United States.

From late September to early May, Glamis becomes a popular location for ATV riders. Riders can access large bowls, sharp ridgelines, and open desert flats in a single afternoon. This variety makes Glamis an exciting destination for both skilled adults and supervised youth riders.

Camping is available near Gecko Road and the Osborne Overlook. For families with children, features like parental speed control and dual suspensions, such as those found on the Fury youth electric ATV, help riders maintain stability while learning to handle changing sand conditions.

St. Anthony Sand Dunes — Idaho

In eastern Idaho, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes rise dramatically above the Snake River Plain. These dunes cover over 10,000 acres of open sand and are part of a larger 41,000-acre system. Key landmarks like Choke Cherry Hill and Devil’s Dune stand nearly 300 feet high, drawing both thrill-seekers and families.

The dunes remain rideable from May through October. Due to the elevation, summer temperatures stay mild, even during peak season. This region brings space to practice gradual climbs, wide turns, and throttle control on soft terrain.

Designated youth-friendly zones near Egin Lakes Campground make it easy to ride and rest in one spot. Supervised kids using a safe electric ATV can experience a balanced mix of excitement and control.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area — Oregon

Running along the Oregon Coast, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area offers one of the most scenic off-road environments in the country. It spans nearly 10,000 acres, divided into three major riding areas: Florence, Winchester Bay, and Coos Bay.

Unlike inland dunes, this region features lush pine forests, wetland crossings, and ocean access points. Riders often move between shaded trails and open sand slopes in a single ride. At Winchester Bay, annual events like Dunefest add to the family appeal with riding contests, demos, and beach rides.

Florence and Coos Bay allow direct ATV access to the shoreline and give kids a truly memorable experience. Wet, compact sand also offers better grip for new riders, which works well for youth-focused vehicles with suspension and throttle limiters.

Dumont Dunes — California

Located between Barstow and Las Vegas, Dumont Dunes feature over 8,000 acres of smooth sand and steep ridges. Though smaller than Glamis, Dumont has fewer crowds and a calmer pace. This makes it ideal for beginner riders and families who want a more relaxed setting.

The dunes are known for gentle transitions and large open bowls, perfect conditions for young riders to build experience. During holiday weekends, the area gets busier, but many families still prefer it over more packed dune spots.

Little Sahara — Utah

Little Sahara is one of the largest sand dune complexes in the western United States. It spans over 60,000 acres, located in central Utah. Sand Mountain, the tallest dune, towers nearly 700 feet and dominates the area’s skyline.

The park features three distinct dune sections: the big hill at Sand Mountain, the open flat areas at White Sands, and the beginner-friendly zones near Jericho. There are also designated campsites, group picnic zones, and accessible restrooms for families.

Christmas Valley — Oregon

Tucked in central Oregon’s high desert, the Christmas Valley sand dunes span roughly 11,000 acres. Its remote location, far from large cities, offers families a quieter experience, ideal for weekend getaways or off-season trips.

Unlike coastal dunes, Christmas Valley’s sand constantly shifts with high winds and creates soft terrain that challenges riders. This dynamic surface provides excellent skill-building opportunities. It allows kids to practice throttle control, cornering, and handling while learning to navigate unpredictable dunes.

Little Sahara — Oklahoma

Separate from its Utah namesake, Oklahoma’s Little Sahara covers over 1,600 acres in the northwest part of the state. It is a compact, well-managed dune system with a long tradition of family ATV outings.

This region includes steep ridges, bowl sections, and gently sloped paths. Some dunes reach 75 feet high, bringing fun climbs without overwhelming younger riders. Park facilities include on-site restrooms, camping areas, and water access points.

Because of the relatively small footprint, it is easy to supervise kids without losing track of them. Families often camp nearby and use off-road vehicles like youth electric ATVs for quick dune runs.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes — Utah

Situated in southern Utah, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park spans over 2,000 acres of striking reddish-orange sand, colored by eroded sandstone from the surrounding landscape. The dunes are compact yet dynamic, offering rolling waves and steep drops that challenge and engage riders.

The eastern area features the Sand Highway, a roller-coaster-style route with banked turns and smooth slopes, ideal for younger riders to explore safely with proper guidance and a capable ATV or e-bike.

Families often extend their visits to discover nearby trails and unique rock formations. Meanwhile, the cooler elevation allows for longer, more comfortable riding sessions during late spring and early fall.

Sand Hollow State Park — Utah

Sand Hollow is a standout destination for families looking to mix water activities with sand riding. Located near St. George, the park combines a large reservoir with 15,000 acres of rideable terrain. Riders can switch between dune sections, rocky ledges, and shoreline trails.

The setting is unique. Red sandstone rocks form the backdrop, and water is always nearby. After morning rides, families often swim, fish, or paddleboard in the reservoir.

ATV riding here involves a mix of traction changes, elevation shifts, and uneven textures. That is where youth-focused electric ATVs can shine, especially models designed with responsive handling and adjustable speed limits.

Oceano Dunes — California

Also known as Pismo Beach, Oceano Dunes is one of the only places in California where families can ride ATVs directly on the beach. It spans about 1,500 acres but has a long-standing history as a riding destination.

Here, kids can try gradual dune climbs and sand-covered shorelines, all within view of the ocean. The soft sand and ocean breeze make it one of the most unique riding spots in the country.

Camping is available right on the beach. Parents appreciate the setting for short, casual rides and early skill-building. Just remember that the area can be foggy in the mornings, and winds pick up later in the day.

Why It Matters Where You Ride

Riding sand dunes develops more than just lasting memories; it strengthens focus, balance, and coordination. Each dune system presents unique challenges and gives riders opportunities to improve skills with every outing. Selecting the right destination provides families with a safer and more enjoyable experience.

The best sand dunes in the USA for ATV adventures often blend expansive open spaces with supportive facilities and infrastructure. These features are especially important when introducing young riders to off-roading, helping them gain confidence while staying protected.

How We Fit In

At Droyd, each youth electric rideable is designed with real-world terrain in mind, combining fun with safety. Our Fury model, an electric youth ATV for ages 6+, features speed control keys and dual suspensions, making it perfect for family dune adventures.

Furthermore, our other products complement the Fury for different ages and riding experiences. The Romper electric trike provides stability for younger beginners, while the Zypster electric go-kart delivers responsive handling and excitement on smooth surfaces.

The Blipper electric eBike is built for teens seeking higher speeds. On the other hand, the Weeler mini eBike offers a compact, powered ride for kids learning throttle control.

 Every vehicle reflects our focus on safe, engaging experiences, designed by parents for young riders.