The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers and protects federal land, and camping on BLM land lets you explore the wonders of Colorado. The North Sand Hills OHV Area has tons of sand dunes that offer fun and excitement whether you stay in your car or head off on foot. It is the state's only open sand dune area and sits close to the Medicine Bow Mountain Range. Multiple trails help you reach State Forest State Park. Motorized vehicles are available in the area from the middle of December through the middle of April. You'll find plenty of things to do inside the North Sand Hills OHV Area.
Not far away from the recreation area is Seven Lakes Trail. It runs for more than 11 miles and has an elevation of more than 2,000 feet, which makes it a little challenging. The trail accepts both horses and dogs and allows you to follow a clear path around the lakes.
Length: 11.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The flowers and wild animals you see are just a few things that you'll see when you hike this trail, which is close to Bureau of Land Management free camping. Most hikers use the trail from March through October as the winter arrives early and can make certain areas inaccessible. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they stay on their leashes.
Length: 14.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This mountain biking trail runs for less than a mile and has just a single track that you can follow. It provides convenient access to other trails that help you get back to the main road. Thanks to packed dirt, the trail is suitable for beginners.
Length: 0.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located west of Route 93, the Community Ditch Trail connects several of the east and west trails. Suitable for mountain biking, it runs for close to four miles and has firmly packed dirt for bikes of all types.
Length: 3.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
The best place to fish near the North Sand Hills OHV Area is Cowdrey Lake. The lake is two miles south of Cowdrey and 7.5 miles north of Walden. Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing permit, but those 16 and over do. The lake has 80 acres of water and allows fishing on the shore or in a boat. A boat ramp is close to the main entrance. You can also fish and boat in the lake if you have a State Wildlife Area Pass.
Several private and Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are close to rock climbing spots near North Sand Hills OHV Area. Eldorado Falls at Walker Ranch has a trail that leads you more than one mile back to the falls and cliffs. Koper's Trail is another popular option as it takes you to the Ice Cave. The Upper Ice Cave takes more time to reach but has some impressive views.
You have the chance to see tons of wild animals near these dunes, including Bighorn Sheep and Ord's Kangaroo Rats. The warm climate and desert environment make the area popular with armadillos and prairie dogs. Some wild birds also live in the area, including Calliope hummingbirds and Arctic peregrine falcons.
Though there aren't any picnic tables in the North Sand Hills OHV Area, there are soft and sandy spots where you can take a break. Make sure that you keep an eye out for vehicles that ride through the dunes.
North Sand Hills OHV Area is a nice place for ATV riding that is open to motorized vehicles from the middle of December to the middle of April. It is free to visit and has 300 acres labeled as a Special Recreation Management Area. There are two primary dune areas for riders along with trails that let you get back and forth.
In addition to BLM RV camping, there are private campgrounds nearby such as Granite Corner RV Park in Walden. This campground has full RV hookups and allows pets. There is also the Bockman State Forest Campground, which has 52 sites, including a group section with six sites and 13 pull-through sites for RV guests. RV camping near North Sand Hills OHV Area is available at different rates during the busy season and offseason.
When checking online for BLM camping near me, you'll come across the Sage Campground. Located in Walden, this campground has a handful of pull-through sites that come with a fire ring and picnic table along with some tent sites with tent pads. There are also two vault toilets on-site. The North Sand Hills Campground also has 13 pull-through sites along with pit toilets and fire rings. Guests can camp here for up to 14 days.
The temperatures here can easily hit 100 degrees, which is why you'll want to bring enough drinking water for your trip. While there are BLM campgrounds nearby, they do not accept reservations. If you arrive too late in the day, all of the spots might be gone when you get there. If you plan an extended trip, keep in mind that you can only stay for 14 days in a row. Workers are on hand to make sure that guests do not stay longer than they should. Check our blog for other BLM camping tips that you can use before heading to Colorado.
As the BLM only has a limited number of workers, it encourages guests to leave no trace when they visit North Sand Hills OHV Area. Do your best to limit the effects you have on the area, including keeping your trash packed and removing it when you leave. Also, avoid leaving food behind that can negatively impact some of the area's wild animals.
To reach North Sand Hills OHV Area, follow Highway 125 north from Walden for 10 miles. Then turn onto County Road and head east. Turn right when you reach County Road 6N in 3.5 miles and go another two miles. You'll see North Sand Hills OHV Area dead ahead.
Address: Cowdrey, CO 80434
Ready to visit North Sand Hills OHV Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
