The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Wyoming BLM manages 18 million acres of land for public use. These lands include environmentally sensitive and historically significant areas. There are also many other recreation areas within the facility. The Greater Sand Dunes Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) contains several BLM sites. Each area has a particular use and set of regulations. Have a map and pay attention to signs to ensure you are in the proper area.
One of the main attractions in the area is the Killpecker Open Play area. This site features OHV use on the dunes. The other locations in the area restrict motorized vehicle use to established roads and trails. There are two Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the immediate area. Several cultural and environmentally significant sites provide hiking opportunities. Most of the recreation opportunities in this region are remote and primitive. After a day of sun and sand, the Green River and Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge are just an hour away.
A steep path leads from the parking area to the petroglyph site. The sandy trail leads hikers past hundreds of carvings on rock faces. The site is ADA accessible.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
This sandy out-and-back trail provides views of the Boar's Tusk rock formation. The extinct volcano core rises abruptly from the desert floor. The trail circles the structure, providing views of all sides.
Length: 11 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
This mountain biking facility is considered some of the best single-track riding in Wyoming. The site is a collection 17 trails. The trails offer something for every level of rider.
Length: 9.3 miles
Intensity: Easy to Difficult
Located within the Greater Dunes SRMA complex, Boar's Tusk is a 400-foot tower of fractured Lamproite rock. The tower is largely unknown due to its remote location. The difficulty level is estimated at Class 5.4 by previous visitors. This site abuts a designated Wilderness Study Area. Be careful not to take vehicles into the WSA.
This ecologically unique area features pools of water that collect at the base of the large dunes. The ponds support a variety of life. Elk, wild horses, deer, antelope, coyotes, and various birds frequent the ponds. Hiking and tent camping is welcome in the WSA. Dispersed camping is allowed in WSAs. To find other dispersed camping, do a search for "BLM Camping Near Me" as you travel around the area. Motorized vehicles are not allowed into the area.
This 10,000-acre site is the main attraction of the Greater Sand Dunes SRMA. The dunes are open to Off-Road Vehicles, dirt bikes, horseback riding, and hiking. The unique dunes are also prime subjects for photography.
Killpecker Campground - The Killpecker Open Play Area campground is designed to accommodate toy-hauler RVs and trailers. It is a large, compacted gravel parking area. There are fire rings and a vault toilet. There is no water or power at the site. There is no fee to use this facility.
North Table Rock Camp Area - This site is designed for large RV rigs. It serves as a base for OHV use at the Killpecker Open Play area. There are no facilities at this site. This is essentially a boondocking site.
Rock Springs KOA - The nearest full-service RV Camping facility is located in Rock Springs. This pet-friendly site provides full hook-ups, dump facilities, laundry facilities, and many other amenities.
Buffalo Hump WSA - Visitors can find Bureau of Land Management free camping at this Wilderness Study Area. Vehicles are not allowed into the area. Hiking, primitive camping, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing are the recreational activities visitors can enjoy in the area. The topography includes dunes and grassy plains. There is little shade in the area.
Boar’s Tusk - Dispersed camping is available along the trail from the parking area to the Boar's Tusk rock formation. There is little shade in the area. Boar's Tusk is a Wilderness Area, so vehicles are not allowed. There are no facilities.
Most of the Greater Sand Dunes recreation area is ecologically sensitive. Killpecker Open Play area is established for motorized vehicle use. Most of the land in Greater Sand Dunes is a wilderness preserve. As you travel around the facility, pay attention to ensure you do not cause damage to sensitive areas.
The nearest facilities, shopping, and medical attention are 30 miles southwest in the town of Rock Springs. When planning a trip to this facility, be sure to check our BLM Camping blog for tips and information.
The Killpecker Open Play recreation area is a top-rated destination. When visiting this BLM Site, you must clean up after yourself. Collecting trash to minimize pollution in the adjacent wilderness preserves is essential. The environmental impact of human activity can cause nearly irreparable damage to the desert landscape. Read and follow the BLMs Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace guidelines.
Ready to visit Greater Sand Dunes SRMA? 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.
