Camp Site Near White Sands

For many Utahns, the image of "White Sands" might immediately conjure thoughts of New Mexico, but right here in our own state, we have a spectacular and equally captivating landscape of glistening white dunes that offers an unparalleled outdoor experience. Located near Jericho, Utah, the Little Sahara Recreation Area is home to vast expanses of beautiful white sand, providing a unique backdrop for an unforgettable camping adventure. This isn't your typical alpine or forest camping; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic, windswept beauty of Utah's desert, a playground for off-road enthusiasts and a tranquil retreat for stargazers alike.

The "Camp Site Near White Sands" in Jericho refers to the designated camping areas within the Little Sahara Recreation Area, specifically the popular White Sands Campground and the nearby Jericho Campground. These areas are part of a 63,000-acre expanse managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), renowned as Utah's premier destination for off-highway vehicles (OHVs). While the thrill of riding the dunes is a major draw, these campgrounds also cater to those seeking a quieter experience, with dedicated sand play areas for children and opportunities for hiking in vehicle-free zones. It's a truly distinctive Utah outdoor experience, offering something for every type of adventurer right in our own backyard.

The "Camp Site Near White Sands" is nestled within the expansive Little Sahara Recreation Area, located close to Jericho, UT. The provided address, PMQJ+GM, Jericho, UT, USA, is a Plus Code, indicating a precise geographic location within the broader Jericho area, which is part of Juab County in west-central Utah. This recreation area is approximately 115 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, making it a manageable drive for many Utah residents.

Access to the Little Sahara Recreation Area is primarily via US Highway 6. From Nephi, you would travel west for about 28 miles on Highway 132 and Juab County Road 1812. From Delta, it’s approximately 38 miles north on Highway 6, and from Eureka, about 23 miles south on Highway 6. The main entrance road to Little Sahara is located about 4 miles west of the Jericho Junction. Once inside the recreation area, the campsites, including White Sands Campground and Jericho Campground, are well-marked. Roads within the developed campground areas are typically paved or hard-packed, making them accessible for various vehicle types, including RVs and trailers. This convenient accessibility ensures that your desert adventure is within easy reach, allowing more time for fun and less time on the road.

• Campsites: Both White Sands Campground and Jericho Campground offer designated campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Many sites include picnic tables and fire rings.
• Toilets: Flush toilets are available during the warmer seasons, and vault toilets are typically available year-round. Some facilities, particularly at White Sands Campground, are undergoing renovations (expected to reopen Fall 2025) which will bring new flush restrooms and enhanced amenities.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is generally available at designated spigots within the developed campgrounds during frost-free months. It's always advisable to confirm availability, especially in the off-season, and consider bringing extra water.
• RV Dump Stations: The Little Sahara Recreation Area has dump stations for RVs, with the White Sands Dump Station usually open, while the Oasis Dump Station may have varying availability.
• OHV Access: While the primary activity, OHV riding, is a highlight, the campgrounds provide direct or very close access to the sand dunes and trail systems.
• Children's Sand Play Areas: Both White Sands Campground and Jericho Picnic Area feature fenced, vehicle-free sand play areas designed for children, offering a safe space for little ones to enjoy the sand.
• Garbage Disposal: Trash receptacles are provided in developed campgrounds for convenient waste disposal, though visitors are encouraged to minimize waste and practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Visitor Center: The Willard R. Fullmer Visitor Center (near the entrance of Little Sahara) provides information, maps, interpretive exhibits, and accepts fee payments. It also offers free guest Wi-Fi in the parking lot for Recreation.gov access.

• Expansive Sand Dunes (White Sands): The most striking feature is the vast and beautiful gypsum sand dunes, particularly the "White Sands" area, offering a truly unique desert landscape for exploration, photography, and play.
• OHV Riding Paradise: Little Sahara is renowned as Utah's premier destination for off-highway vehicle recreation, with 63,000 acres of diverse terrain, including challenging climbs like Sand Mountain (700 feet tall) and gentler dunes perfect for beginners.
• Rockwell Wilderness Study Area: For those seeking tranquility, the 9,000-acre Rockwell Wilderness Study Area is a vehicle-free zone within Little Sahara, offering opportunities for hiking, fat-biking, and wildlife viewing in a pristine desert ecosystem.
• Stargazing Opportunities: With minimal light pollution, the night sky over the Little Sahara Recreation Area is often spectacular, providing incredible opportunities for stargazing and astrophotography.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The designated children's sand play areas and generally welcoming atmosphere make it an excellent choice for families with kids of all ages.
• Convenient Payment Options: Fees can be paid online via Recreation.gov, at the Visitor Center, or through onsite self-pay envelopes and remote kiosks. Annual passes are also available.
• Diverse Landscape: Beyond the dunes, the area includes sagebrush flats and juniper-covered hills, providing varied scenery and recreational opportunities.
• Wildlife Viewing: Despite the arid environment, the area supports a variety of desert wildlife, including mule deer, antelope, and various bird and reptile species.

For information, reservations, and general inquiries about camping near White Sands in the Little Sahara Recreation Area (which includes Jericho Campground and White Sands Campground), you can contact the managing agency:

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Fillmore Field Office
Address: The main administrative office is not at the campground, but the recreation area itself is near Jericho, UT.
Little Sahara Recreation Area Visitor Center Phone: (435) 433-5960
Fillmore Field Office Email: blm_ut_littlesahara@blm.gov

For specific campsite availability and to make reservations (highly recommended, especially during popular weekends like Easter, Memorial Day, and Labor Day), please visit Recreation.gov and search for "Little Sahara Recreation Area" or the specific campgrounds like "White Sands Campground" or "Jericho Campground and Picnic Area." While Jericho Campground does not typically take reservations through Recreation.gov and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, White Sands Campground often requires reservations once it reopens from renovations.

For Utahns, camping near the White Sands in Jericho offers a truly unique and accessible outdoor experience that stands apart from the typical mountain or lake camping our state is known for. It’s an opportunity to explore a different facet of Utah’s incredibly diverse landscape – the mesmerizing beauty of its vast sand dunes. For local off-road enthusiasts, it's a premier playground, providing endless miles of trails and dunes to conquer, all within a reasonable drive from major population centers.

Beyond the thrill of OHV riding, this area holds significant appeal for families. The dedicated, fenced children's sand play areas at both White Sands and Jericho Campgrounds mean that even the youngest adventurers have a safe and fun space to explore. The sense of openness, the breathtaking sunsets over the dunes, and the unparalleled stargazing opportunities provide a powerful antidote to city life, offering a profound connection with the desert environment.

It's a place where you can switch off, enjoy the simple pleasures of a campfire, and witness the incredible power of nature's artistry in the shifting sands. The continuous efforts by the BLM to maintain and improve facilities, such as the ongoing renovations at White Sands Campground, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience, ensuring this local gem remains a top destination. For Utahns seeking adventure, unique scenery, and a break from the ordinary, camping near the White Sands of Jericho is an experience that truly celebrates the spirit of our state's wild and wonderful outdoors. It's a chance to explore a landscape that feels otherworldly, right here in our own backyard.