BLM Camping

Coral Pink Sand Dunes


The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Visitors to Coral Pink Sand Dunes in Utah are delighted by 3,700 otherworldly acres of coral-colored sand dunes created when Navajo sandstone broke down during the Middle Jurassic era. The big draw for many visitors is that 90% of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is open for ATV riding. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is also a state park co-managed by the BLM, offering the rare chance for RV camping on BLM land via a dedicated campground with paved back-in and pull-through sites.

Quick Facts About RVing in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Up to 45 feet (120-foot pull-through sites). • Camping Type: Developed, paved sites with 30/50-amp electric hookup • Reservations: All campsites are available for reservation on a four-month rolling basis. • Hookups: 12 of 30 sites equipped with water and electricity (30/50 amp) hookups • Dump Station: Access to the park's RV dump station with fresh drinking water included with reservation • Potable Water: Available outside entrance to the old campground • Cell Service: Limited to nonexistent in most of the park • Pets: Leashed dogs allowed in park and campground • Roads: Paved and well-cared-for main access roads into the park • Best Seasons: Spring and fall, with moderate, comfortable temperatures

Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area

• Plentiful RV campsites • ATV Riding in nearly 90% of the park • Glimmering, photo-worthy sunsets over the coral-colored dunes • Scenic 35-minute drive to Utah's Zion National Park • Less than half an hour from the lively town of Kanab, UT, known as "Little Hollywood" for its popularity as a filming location for Western films and television shows

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Sand Caves Trail

The Sand Caves Trail is a thin, sandy path that takes visitors to the Kanab Sand Caves, which were once part of a glass sand mining operation. 

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Cottonwood Trail

The Cottonwood Trail outside of Kanab is an out-and-back trail featuring views of mesas and rolling hills. 

Length: 10 miles

Intensity: Moderate

K-Hill Trail

The K-Hill Trail is an easy route along sandstone cliffs, and it connects to other horse riding trails. 

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

ATV Riding

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes are a hotspot for ATV riding since the scenic red dunes are ever-changing. ATV riders can come to this park and ride all dunes not marked within the off-limits 265-acre conservation area year-round. Late September and the entire month of October are considered the peak riding season in the park since the temperatures during this time only reach the mid-70s during the daytime. 

All ATV riders who come to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes will be required to have valid Utah OHV registration stickers on their off-roading vehicles and pay a daily use fee for every vehicle that enters the park. Guided ATV riding tours are offered as well.

Sand Boarding

Visitors to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes can bring their own sand boards or sleds, or they can rent them from the park's Visitor Center for $25 a board/sled to ride the sand dunes. Rental boards and sleds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be returned to the Visitor's Center before sundown.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is home to plenty of unique wildlife, including the Coral Pink tiger beetle that is found nowhere else in the world. Oftentimes, in the spring, snow melts to create small ponds in the valleys between dunes, and there are usually salamanders and toads that come to these small bodies of water. Some other animals you may find roaming the dunes include ring-tailed cats, mule deer, black-tailed jackrabbits, coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, and cottontail rabbits. Ponderosa pine trees and wildflowers are commonly seen along the edges of the park as well.

Picnicking

These dunes offer great picnicking opportunities, and many visitors bring towels or blankets to sit on while enjoying a meal on the sand in the park. Some benches may also be located outside the Visitor's Center for you to use while eating, too, though it is advised that you bring your own trash bags because there are not many trash bins throughout the park for you to use when you are done.

StargazingStargazing

When you come to camp out in or near the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, consider bringing along stargazing gear since the dunes are far from city lights and often have great night sky views. Especially in the fall, the dunes experience mostly dry, cloudless weather, making for a clear sky. You may want to bring a telescope with you when you camp overnight here, or you can simply bring a towel or blanket to sit on the sand while you look up at the stars.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

When you're looking for camping with full hookups, consider staying at a campground that is not managed by the BLM since most of these campgrounds are primitive. You can go RV camping at a place like the Coral Pink Sand Dunes South Campground, which has electric and water hookups for RVs plus restrooms and picnic shelter areas. You can also consider Country Rose RV Park and Campground, which has hookups, a dump station, and free Wi-Fi for guests.

Developed Campgrounds

It's possible to camp directly within the Coral Pink Sand Dunes campground on a paved RV site with varying options for hookups. Twelve of the 30 sites offer water and electrical hookups. Sizes range from 25 pull-through to 120 pull-through. Other amenities include fire rings and picnic tables at every site, a nearby RV dump station, and access to shared restroom facilities with flush toilets and hot showers. Fees per night range from $28 for single sites to $225 for up to five units at the new campground. Ponderosa Grove Campground, about 8 minutes away, is another developed BLM site to consider. It offers roomy RV sites that accommodate 10 to 20 people. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, and vault toilets are available. There are no hookups, and you must bring your own drinking water, but if you're looking for a tranquil place to commune with nature, it's worth a visit.

Dispersed Camping

For travelers seeking a more rugged experience, state-approved dispersed camping is available near Coral Pink Sand Dunes at two places. First, the Meadows area is located near the park's northwest entry point. RV travelers will find a sizable, fairly level gravel parking lot that fits RVs up to 30 feet. This point is commonly used by ATV riders entering the dunes. The second option is the Hancock Road/Yellowjacket area off Highway 80. RV travelers will find rugged pull-outs and open spaces that are used for a mix of RVs and tents among campers. Obey Utah regulations by staying no longer than 14 days before moving at least 25 miles, taking out everything you take in, and setting up your RV at least 300 feet from any visible range improvements. Use our guide to Top RV Dump Stations in Utah to find a place to unload if you're not staying at an official campground.

Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?

• Camper Vans: While there's no need to go compact with your RV class, this can be a cozy option that gets you good gas mileage if you're planning to continue to nearby spots like Zion. This can be an ideal option for doing dispersed camping in one of the tighter spots instead of booking a spot within the park's own campground. • Travel Trailers: Since Coral Pink Sand Dunes Park is smoothly paved, travel trailers do well. • Fifth Wheels: A big fifth wheel is a great choice when camping in the park because the paved spots here are made to accommodate even the largest of rigs. • Class A Motorhomes: A great choice for comfort on longer trips, Class A motorhomes can be ideal for this park. Be aware that the lower clearance on these RVs does have the potential to cause problems if the sand has been dampened by a winter snowfall. • Class B Motorhomes: This can be a good alternative to a Class A while visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes if you prefer to drive something a little more compact. • Class C Motorhomes: Whether you like to travel light or have your sights set on dispersed camping near the park, this midsize RV is a great choice for easy navigation that feels more like driving a heavy-duty pickup truck than an RV.

Free Camping Campground Icon

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes offer a Bureau of Land Management free camping option with its on-site dispersed camping. Tents and RVs are permitted to stay on the dunes for up to 14 days at a time with no fees, although no hookups will be offered to campers.

RV Rentals Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Coral Pink Sand Dunes BLM trip

Whenever you visit the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, be sure to pack for the weather accordingly. These dunes offer little to no shade, so wearing light clothing and packing sunscreen may be a good idea. The summer in the dunes can be quite hot compared to the spring and fall, too, so when you visit in the summertime, be sure to bring lots of drinking water to stay cool. 

If you're going to stay at a Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, be sure to pack supplies like water for drinking and washing and batteries for battery-operated equipment. Remember, you'll likely be staying in a primitive campground, but you'll be getting closer than ever to the dunes and surrounding area. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving

Before you leave for the glimmering landscape of Coral Pink Sand Dunes, keep in mind that you'll be more than half an hour away from the nearest grocery stores in Kanab. Be sure to pack plenty of fresh water, food, and supplies. Also, take advantage of the opportunity to fill up your gas tank before leaving the town limits. If you're planning to visit in the summer, be aware that the park and surrounding areas are often under extreme heat warnings from June through August. Daytime summer temperatures can hit 100°F. However, campers do enjoy tamer overnight temperatures that stay around 60. While winter is generally mild in with daytime temperatures hovering near 40°F, it can dip rapidly below freezing at night. Snowfall is also fairly common in winter. Dress accordingly with warm coats and plenty of blankets. Whether you come in the summer or winter, confirm that your generator is reliable and charged.

Leave No Trace Leaf

All Coral Pink Sand Dunes visitors are asked to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace Policy, which helps keep the dunes clean and safe for future visitors. This policy asks you to do things like pack up what you pack in, keep pets on leashes in designated areas, and follow the park's local guidelines on preventing wildfires.

Leave No Trace
Location

Coral Pink Sand Dunes Location

To reach the Coral Pink Sand Dunes from Kanab, take Highway 89 North for 10 miles. From there, you will take Hancock Road for seven miles, and then you will reach a "T" zone. After that, turn left onto Yellowjacket and then follow the road for five miles until you find the park entrance on the left. 

Ready to visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes? 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 of 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.

Plan Your Day at Coral Pink Sand Dunes

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your campsite. Coordinate any rentals you'll need to utilize during your time if you want to experience ATV rides or sleds. Both can be obtained from the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Visitor Center or a local company in Kanab. • Afternoon: Get ready for a day on the dunes! You can get a taste of the park just by sliding down the pink ridges of the dunes. However, many people like to get the full experience by renting ATVs or sleds. Another experience not to miss is a stroll along the paved overlook that gives your legs a break from the sand while treating you to views of the landscape. • Evening: Consider booking a guided ATV sunset tour to safely explore the dunes during the golden hour of the day. Many visitors also enjoy stargazing at the desert's edge for amazing views of an unobstructed sky. Night photography is also great on the edge of the dunes. And there's nothing like a campfire under the stars back at your RV as the nightly desert chill creeps in.

Nearby Attractions

• Zion National Park: Located just 35 minutes from the dunes, dreamlike Zion National Park is famed for its gigantic cliffs, slot canyons, and river trails. Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Zion Canyon. Check out our Guide to National Parks to find more wonders as you trek along. • Belly of the Dragon: An unforgettable roadside attraction, Belly of the Dragon is a manmade tunnel carved into sandstone that looks like the ribs of a gigantic, prehistoric creature. This photo-worthy stop is just 20 minutes away. • Moqui Cave: Located about 19 minutes from the park just outside Kanab on US-89, this ancient cave features glowing minerals and Native American artifacts. • Kanab, Utah: If you're like most visitors to the dunes, Kanab will be your hub for supplies. In addition to shopping and dining, a visit to the Little Hollywood Movie Museum is a must while you're in town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Coral Pink Sand Dunes good for large RVs? Yes, the wide, fully paved roads that offer access to the dune areas are great for RVs. Plus, the campground within the park has extra-large paved sites up to 120 pull-through that are specifically made to accommodate larger rigs. How long can you do dispersed camping near Coral Pink Sand Dunes? You may camp in a single spot no more than 14 days in a 28-day period before moving on to a new spot at least 25 miles away. How is the cell service at Coral Pink Sand Dunes? Cell service is virtually nonexistent once you're in the park. Be sure to print or download any key information you need for your trip before you arrive. Do I need four-wheel drive to get through Coral Pink Sand Dunes? No, it's not necessary to have four-wheel drive to navigate roads in the park. However, you can consider 4WD if you come in winter because snowfall is fairly common. Once on the dunes, most visitors utilize ATVs to explore the park's raw, unpaved beauty. Are dogs allowed inside Coral Pink Sand Dunes? Yes, you can bring a dog to the park and the campground as long as your pet is on a leash no more than 6 feet long. When is peak camping season at Coral Pink Sand Dunes? Spring and fall are peak times to visit the park because they offer mild temperatures. However, year-round camping is available.

Rent the Right RV for This Trip

If you're looking for a BLM location that's perfect for a larger rig, Utah's Coral Pink Sand Dunes is it. With 120-foot pull-through sites available directly within the park and easily navigable roads, choosing a large RV is no problem. While essentially any RV type works here, Class A and fifth wheel campers are popular. You can start dreaming of cotton-candy sand and dunes that stretch out into forever. Find your desert-ready motorhomes to rent in Kanab, UT today!