Killpecker Sand Dunes Open Play Area – Wyoming Off-Roading
The Killpecker Sand Dunes Open Play Area in southwestern Wyoming is a unique off-roading destination offering sprawling sand dunes and stunning desert scenery.
Located approximately 12 miles north of Rock Springs, this vast expanse of sand dunes forms part of the Greater Sand Dunes Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), known for its wildlife, scenic beauty, and cultural significance.
Visitors can enjoy motorized activities such as off-roading, as well as hiking, sandboarding, horseback riding, and hunting. With no fees or reservations required, the area is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an adventurous getaway.
Destination Details
| Season | Year-round (spring and fall are most popular) |
| Location | 12 miles north of Rock Springs, Wyoming |
| General GPS Coordinates | 41.96112923, -109.0805706 |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management (BLM) |
| Size | 11,000 acres in the open play area |
| State | Wyoming |
| Nearest Major City | Rock Springs, WY (12 miles away) |
| Information Number | 307-352-0256 |
| Rock_Springs_WYMail@blm.gov | |
| Fees | None |
| Stay Limit | 14 days |
Getting to the Killpecker Sand Dunes
To access the Killpecker Sand Dunes Open Play Area:
- From Rock Springs, travel north on U.S. Highway 191 for approximately 12 miles.
- Turn right (east) onto County Road 4-17/Tri-Territory Loop Road. Follow this road for 20 miles.
- Turn north onto the Sand Dunes Access Road and continue for about 1 mile to reach the open play area.
For those heading to the campground:
- Follow the same route as above, continuing along County Road 4-17/Tri-Territory Loop Road for 32 miles from Rock Springs to reach the developed campground.
Destination Overview
The Killpecker Sand Dunes Open Play Area is a remarkable destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of activities in a rugged yet scenic environment. As part of the Greater Sand Dunes ACEC, the area is carefully managed to balance recreation with the preservation of important wildlife habitats, cultural resources, and scenic landscapes.
The open play area is particularly popular among off-road vehicle enthusiasts, with its expansive dunes providing an ideal playground for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other motorized vehicles.
Non-motorized activities such as hiking, sandboarding, horseback riding, and hunting are also permitted, making it a versatile destination for visitors with diverse interests.
The dunes’ ecological and cultural significance cannot be overstated. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and has been designated as a wilderness study area with potential inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Its remote and tranquil setting, coupled with its recreational opportunities, make Killpecker Sand Dunes a must-visit for those exploring Wyoming’s outdoor wonders.
Killpecker Sand Dunes Campground
Wyoming, offers a simple and accessible base for exploring the Killpecker Sand Dunes Open Play Area. This free, first-come, first-served campground spans a 10-acre flat and is equipped with basic amenities, including two ADA-accessible vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The layout is suitable for group camping, with sites spread out across the area.
Key details to note:
- Fee-Free Camping: There are no fees, and reservations are not required.
- Road Access: The campground is reached via an improved dirt road from Rock Springs, typically well-maintained, though there is no winter maintenance.
- Rules and Regulations: Glass bottles are prohibited, and the speed limit within the campground is 15 mph.
This no-frills campground provides a convenient and rustic option for those looking to experience the nearby sand dunes.
OHV Rules
You must not operate any vehicle or OHV within the Killpecker Sand Dunes Recreation Site without an appropriate safety flag. All vehicles and OHVs must be equipped with a whip mast and a 6 inch × 12 inch red or orange flag. A whip mast is any pole, rod, or antenna mounted on the vehicle that extends at least eight feet from the surface of the ground to the mast tip. It must stand upright when the vehicle is stationary. Masts must be securely mounted on the vehicle. Safety flags must be attached within 10 inches of the tip of the whip mast with other flags mounted below the safety flag or on another whip. Flags may be of pennant, triangle, square, or rectangular shape.
You must not operate a vehicle or OHV in excess of 15 miles per hour on public lands within 500 feet of access roads within the Killpecker Sand Dunes Recreation Area.
You must not possess or use any glass container within the Killpecker Sand Dunes Recreation Area.
All OHVs operating on public lands in Wyoming must be equipped with a Wyoming State Trails annual registration sticker.
For information concerning additional regulations that are enforced within the Killpecker Sand Dunes area please refer to Title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulations or contact the Rock Springs Field Office.
