Jericho Picnic & Campground

Utah locals know that our state is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains to stunning red rock deserts. And for many, the call of the sand dunes is irresistible. If you're an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiast, a family looking for a unique outdoor experience, or simply someone who enjoys a great picnic spot with easy access to adventure, then Jericho Picnic & Campground in Nephi, UT 84648, is a destination perfectly suited for you. This spot, nestled within the expansive Little Sahara Recreation Area (LSRA), offers a fantastic blend of convenience and outdoor thrill, right here in the heart of Utah.

Jericho Picnic & Campground is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant hub for recreation that caters to a wide range of outdoor activities. While the LSRA is famous for its vast sand dunes, making it a mecca for ATV and dirt bike riders, Jericho offers a welcoming base for everyone. Imagine a day filled with exhilarating rides over the dunes, followed by a relaxing evening under a shaded pavilion, enjoying a meal with family and friends. This campground provides that seamless transition from high-energy adventure to peaceful relaxation, all within a well-maintained and accessible environment.

For Utahns, the convenience of Jericho Picnic & Campground cannot be overstated. It's close enough for a day trip or a weekend escape without requiring extensive travel, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous adventures or planned family gatherings. The fact that you can "4 wheel right to the location," as one local review highlights, is a testament to its accessibility for the OHV community. This direct access to the dunes from your campsite means less hassle and more time enjoying the unique landscape that only Utah can offer.

Beyond the adrenaline-pumping activities, Jericho Picnic & Campground also serves as a fantastic spot for those simply looking to enjoy a peaceful outdoor meal. With numerous pavilions available, it’s an excellent choice for family portraits, reunions, or just a quiet afternoon lunch away from the everyday. The emphasis on well-maintained facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, even amidst the rugged desert environment, makes it a true gem for local outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a testament to Utah’s commitment to providing accessible and enjoyable outdoor spaces for its residents.

As you plan your next Utah adventure, consider Jericho Picnic & Campground. This article aims to provide you with all the essential details about this popular spot, from its location and amenities to its unique features, helping you make the most of your visit to the incredible Little Sahara Recreation Area. Discover why so many locals consider Jericho their go-to spot for fun in the sand and a refreshing break from the ordinary.

Jericho Picnic & Campground is conveniently located in Nephi, UT 84648, USA. This placement is particularly advantageous for Utah locals, as Nephi is a relatively central location within the state, making it an accessible drive from major metropolitan areas like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden. The campground itself is a key component of the larger Little Sahara Recreation Area (LSRA), a renowned destination managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The LSRA is approximately 115 miles from Salt Lake City, with the entrance road to Little Sahara just 4 miles west of the Jericho Junction. This proximity allows for easy weekend trips or even day visits for those looking to experience the unique sand dune environment. A significant highlight for visitors, especially those with OHVs, is the direct accessibility to the recreation area. As customer reviews often point out, you can "4 wheel right to the location," meaning enthusiasts can drive their off-highway vehicles directly from the campground into the dunes, eliminating the need for additional transportation or staging areas.

The campground’s design, with its flat, hard-packed surfaces, ensures good accessibility, even for those with RVs or mobility devices. While there isn't always designated accessible parking directly at every campsite, the overall layout allows for parking anywhere on the loop, facilitating easy access to the 16 available sites. This thoughtful design underscores the campground's commitment to being welcoming to all types of visitors, whether they're pulling a large RV or arriving in a standard vehicle.

The setting itself is a unique blend of sagebrush flats, juniper-covered hills, and the impressive free-moving sand dunes that define the LSRA. This creates a distinctive landscape for camping and recreation, offering a desert experience that is both visually striking and exhilarating for outdoor activities. The strategic location within Nephi ensures that while you're immersed in a desert environment, essential services and supplies are readily available in the nearby communities of Nephi, Delta, Eureka, and Lynndyl, providing a practical balance for your outdoor adventure.

• 16 designated campsites: Suitable for both camping and picnicking.
• Picnic tables: Available at each site, many under shaded pavilions.
• Fire rings/grills: For campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Flush restrooms: Available during warmer months for enhanced comfort.
• Vault toilets: Provided for use during the winter or off-season.
• Potable water: Available from spigots, particularly near flush restrooms.
• RV parking: The campground is suitable for RVs, with paved pads at some sites (though Oasis Campground is more developed for RVs, Jericho can accommodate them).
• Designated sand play area: A motor-free zone for children to enjoy the sand safely.
• Accessibility features: Two accessible campsites with concrete walkways, open-ended picnic tables, and accessible grills/fire pits. Accessible flush restrooms and potable water spigots are also available.
• Overflow camping: Often used as an overflow area during busy periods, indicating its capacity for large groups.

• Direct access to Little Sahara sand dunes: Perfect for OHV riding, sandboarding, and sand skiing.
• Shaded pavilions: Many campsites offer protection from the sun, ideal for picnics and gatherings.
• Family-friendly environment: Features like the designated sand play area make it great for kids.
• Spacious sites: Provides ample room for vehicles, tents, and outdoor activities.
• Well-maintained facilities: Despite being in a desert environment, restrooms and grounds are generally well-kept.
• Excellent for large groups: Often used for group camping and picnicking, facilitating gatherings.
• Proximity to Sand Mountain: A 700-foot tall dune offering challenging climbs for thrill-seekers.
• Year-round recreation: While amenities may vary by season, the recreation area is open year-round for exploration.
• Stargazing opportunities: Far from urban light pollution, offering clear night sky views.
• Scenic desert landscape: Unique environment of sagebrush, junipers, and vast sand dunes.

Address: Nephi, UT 84648, USA

Phone: 435-433-5960 (This is the phone number for the Bureau of Land Management's Fillmore Field Office, which manages the Little Sahara Recreation Area, including Jericho Picnic & Campground. It is the best point of contact for inquiries regarding reservations, conditions, fees, and general information about the campground and the recreation area.)

For the most up-to-date information on operating hours, current conditions, fees, and to make reservations (if applicable), it is always recommended to check the official Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website for the Little Sahara Recreation Area or contact the Fillmore Field Office directly. Reservations for some campsites within the LSRA can often be made through Recreation.gov.

Jericho Picnic & Campground is an ideal spot for Utah locals, offering a blend of exhilarating outdoor recreation and convenient amenities right in their backyard. For residents across the state, particularly those in the central and northern regions, its location in Nephi provides easy access for weekend getaways or even spontaneous day trips, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment. This accessibility is a major draw for Utahns who value their outdoor lifestyle but don't always want to venture far from home.

The primary suitability for locals, especially the vast community of OHV enthusiasts, is the unparalleled direct access to the Little Sahara sand dunes. The ability to "4 wheel right to the location" means more time on the dunes and less time dealing with logistics, which is a significant advantage for those who love to explore the unique desert terrain on their ATVs, dirt bikes, or other off-highway vehicles. Jericho serves as a perfect base camp for these high-energy adventures, offering a comfortable and convenient starting point and ending point for an action-packed day.

Beyond the thrills of the dunes, Jericho Picnic & Campground caters to families and groups looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. The availability of numerous shaded pavilions, as noted in local reviews, makes it an excellent choice for picnics, family gatherings, and even outdoor photography sessions. This versatility ensures that whether you're seeking adrenaline or simply a peaceful spot to enjoy a meal outdoors, Jericho can accommodate your needs. The dedicated sand play area is another thoughtful feature that makes it particularly appealing for families with younger children, providing a safe and engaging space away from motorized vehicles.

The commitment to well-maintained facilities, including accessible restrooms and potable water, further enhances its appeal. These amenities, while basic compared to more developed parks, are crucial for a comfortable outdoor experience and reflect the managing agency's effort to provide a pleasant environment. The fact that it can also serve as an overflow area during busy periods highlights its capacity to welcome many visitors, fostering a sense of community among outdoor enthusiasts.

In essence, Jericho Picnic & Campground is more than just a stopping point; it's a destination that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Utah's outdoor recreation. It offers a unique desert landscape, thrilling activities, and practical amenities, all within a convenient distance for locals. For any Utahn looking to embrace the adventurous side of their state, or simply enjoy a memorable outdoor gathering, Jericho Picnic & Campground stands as an excellent and highly recommended choice.