Last Updated on February 7, 2024
You may be surprised to find out that you can find sand dunes virtually anywhere in the US, regardless of whether your state is crossed by a desert or not.
The United States cover nearly 3.8 million square miles, within this vast area, the country is divided into different environments, from snow-capped mountains to warm, sandy deserts.
Regardless of whether your country is in the desert or surrounded by greenery, chances are you will find sand dunes there!
In fact, almost every single one of the 50 U.S. states has sand dunes, with the only exception of the states of West Virginia and Tennessee which do not have any.
Below, a list of all sand dunes in the US, grouped by state.
List of US Sand Dunes by State
Alabama
Dauphin Island dunes
Arizona
Yuma Sand Dunes – Yuma
Ehrenberg Sandbowl – Ehrenberg
Hot Well Dunes – Safford
Parker Dunes – Cactus Plain
Arkansas
Sand Hills State Park
California
Algodones Dunes
Kelso Dunes
Dumont Dunes
Mesquite Flat Dunes
Eureka Dunes
Ibex Dunes
Panamint Dunes
Saline Valley Dunes
Colorado
Great Sand Dunes
Connecticut
Matianuck Sand Dunes
Delaware
Cape Henlopen Dunes
Florida
Henderson Beach Dunes
Illinois
Illinois Beach State Park
Indiana
Indiana Dunes
Iowa
Eddyville Dunes Sand Prairie
Kentucky
Lithified Sand Dunes – Natural Bridge State Park
Louisiana
LA Dunes – Forest Hill
Maine
Desert of Maine Sand Dunes
Wells Beach Sand Dunes
Old Orchard Beach Sand Dunes
Popham Beach State Park Sand Dunes
Maryland
Delmarva Sand Dunes
Massachussets
Minnesota
Sand Dunes State Forest
Mississipi
Grey Cloud Dunes
Missouri
Sand Prairie Conservation Area
Nebraska
Nebraska Sandhills
New Hampshire
Hampton Beach State Park
New Jersey
Avalon Dunes
South Seaside Park
New York
Lake Ontario Sand Dunes
North Carolina
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
North Dakota
Sheyenne National Grasslands
Ohio
Headlands Dunes
Oklahoma
Little Sahara State Park
Oregon
Coos Bay Sand Dunes (Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area)
North Bend Sand Dunes
Siltcoos / South Jetty Dunes
Umqua Dunes
Christmas Valley Sand Dunes
Pennsylvania
Montandon Sand Dunes
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Desert Sand Dunes
South Carolina
Sand Hills State Park
South Dakota
Algodones Dunes
Tennessee
–
Vermont
Alburgh Dunes State Park
Wisconsin
Kohler Park Dunes
Whitefish Dunes
Wyoming
Killpecker Sand Dunes
Famous Sand Dunes in the US
White Sands – New Mexico
The White Sands National Park is a one-of-a-kind desert characterized by distinctive white colored sand which looks like snow. The sand is in fact made of gypsum rather than quartz, which gives it the peculiar white color.
Despite being in a hot desert, the temperature of the sand at the park is usually mild enough that you can walk on it barefoot, and the spot is popular for dune sledding.
Sleeping Bear Dunes – Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a United States National Lakeshore Park located along the northwest coast of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is a popular tourist destination known for its dune climb, and one of the few places in the US where the dunes get covered in snow during winter.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes – Utah
Coral Pink Sand Dunes is located near the city of Kanab in Utah.
As the name suggests, the dunes there are characterized by a pink-orange color and a must-see at times of dawn and dusk, when the softer lights accentuate the color of the sand.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a popular spot for sandboarding and off-road vehicle riding.
Great Sand Dunes – Colorado
The Great Sand Dunes are thus called because they are the tallest sand dunes in the US and North America.
These dunes are the remains of an ancient lake now vanished, Lake Alamosa.
The highest dunes are star-shaped and measure over 8000 feet in elevation, and around 750 feet from base to top.
Waynoka Sand Dunes – Little Sahara State Park, Oklahoma
Little Sahara State Park is open-year round and does not require any permit to enter.
It boasts over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, ranging in height from 25 feet to 75 ft and is very popular with ATV riders and sandboarders.
USA Sand Dunes FAQs
Are there sand dunes in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama has sand dunes.
One notable location is the Dauphin Island dunes, offering beautiful coastal dunes and sandy beaches.
Are there sand dunes in Alaska?
Yes, there are sand dunes in Alaska. The most notable sand dunes in Alaska are the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes located in the Kobuk Valley National Park.
These dunes are the largest active sand dunes in the Arctic, and they were formed 14,000 years ago from retreating glaciers.
Along with the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, there are also smaller sand dunes located in the park like the Little Kobuk Sand Dunes and Hunt River Sand Dunes.
Are there sand dunes in Arizona?
Yes, there are plenty of sand dunes in Arizona.
The state is home to several notable sand dunes, including the Imperial Sand Dunes (Algodones Dunes) near the border with California and the Yuma Sand Dunes in the southwestern corner of the state.
Additionally, Arizona is known for the Hot Well Dunes and the Parker Dunes, offering diverse desert landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Are there sand dunes in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas has sand dunes at the Sand Hills State Park.
These dunes offer a unique outdoor recreational area for activities like hiking.
Are there sand dunes in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut has sand dunes. One notable location is the Matianuck Sand Dunes, situated along the Connecticut River.
These dunes provide a unique natural habitat and are popular for nature walks and birdwatching.
Are there sand dunes in Delaware?
Delaware is home to the Cape Henlopen Dunes, where you can find beautiful coastal dunes along the shoreline.
These dunes offer scenic views and are part of Cape Henlopen State Park.
Are there sand dunes in Georgia?
The Ohoopee Sand Dunes are a 50-mile stretch of sandhills forming a continuous chain along northeast margins of the Ohoopee River in Georgia, in Emanuel County.
They are home to unique wildlife and opportunities for fishing and hunting.
Are there sand dunes in Illinois?
You can find plenty of sand dunes at the Illinois Beach State Park near the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois.
This park offers picturesque dunes and a sandy shoreline.
Are there sand dunes in Indiana?
Indiana is home to the Indiana Dunes, a National Lakeshore park located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan.
These dunes offer beautiful sandy beaches and unique natural landscapes for visitors to enjoy.
Are there sand dunes in Kansas?
Kansas has two notable locations with sand dunes. The Syracuse Sand Dunes offer a sandy landscape for off-roading and outdoor recreation.
Sand Hills State Park also features sand dunes that visitors can explore.
Are there sand dunes in Kentucky?
Kentucky features the Lithified Sand Dunes at Natural Bridge State Park.
These unique sandstone formations resemble ancient sand dunes and offer scenic beauty for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Are there sand dunes in Louisiana?
Louisiana features the LA Dunes in Forest Hill. These dunes provide a natural habitat for wildlife and offer opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.
Are there sand dunes in Maine?
Yes, there are sand dunes in Maine. One notable location is the Desert of Maine, located in the town of Freeport.
It is a unique 40-acre (16 ha) expanse of barren glacial sand that gives the illusion of a desert.
Additionally, there are smaller sand dunes along the coast of Maine, particularly in locations like Wells Beach, Old Orchard Beach, and Popham Beach State Park.
Are there sand dunes in Maryland?
Maryland features the Delmarva Sand Dunes, located in the Delmarva Peninsula region.
These sand dunes are found along the coast and offer a unique natural habitat and beautiful sandy landscapes.
Are there sand dunes in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to the Cape Cod Sand Dunes, which can be found along the famous Cape Cod peninsula.
These coastal dunes provide picturesque scenery and are a popular tourist attraction.
Are there sand dunes in Michigan?
Yes, there are sand dunes in Michigan. In fact, Michigan has over 300,000 acres of coastal sand dunes.
The most famous sand dunes in Michigan are the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which includes the tallest sand dune in the state, the Empire Bluff Main Dune.
Other popular sand dune destinations in Michigan include the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, the Warren Dunes State Park, and the Grand Sable Dunes.
Are there sand dunes in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to the Sand Dunes State Forest, where you can find sandy terrain and rolling dunes.
This area offers recreational opportunities such as hiking and birdwatching.
Are there sand dunes in Mississippi?
Mississippi has the Grey Cloud Dunes, located in the DeSoto National Forest.
These dunes offer a scenic landscape and are popular for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Are there sand dunes in Missouri?
Missouri has the Sand Prairie Conservation Area, which features sand dunes and prairie habitats.
Visitors can explore the dunes and observe the unique plant and animal species that thrive in this environment.
Are there sand dunes in Montana?
Montana features the Koocanusa Sand Dunes, situated near the Koocanusa Reservoir.
These dunes provide a unique natural area for exploration and offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Are there sand dunes in Nevada?
There are a few spots where you can enjoy sand dunes in Nevada.
The Winnemucca Sand Dunes is the largest sand field in Nevada, located north of the town they are named after.
The Amargosa Valley Sand Dunes are the largest dunes near Las Vegas, while the popular off-roading site of Sand Mountain is located near the town of Fallon.
Are there sand dunes in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has a few sand dunes. Hampton Beach State Park is home to beautiful sandy dunes along its coastline.
Visitors can enjoy the beach and scenic dune views.
Are there sand dunes in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey has sand dunes. Avalon Dunes and South Seaside Park are two locations where you can find beautiful coastal dunes.
These dunes offer a scenic backdrop for beach activities.
Are there sand dunes in New Mexico?
Yes, New Mexico has several sand dune areas.
One notable location is the White Sands National Monument, which features the largest gypsum sand dunes in the world.
Located near Hobbs, New Mexico, the Anadarko Sand Dunes offer a smaller-scale sand dune experience.
It is a popular spot for off-road enthusiasts, with trails and dunes suitable for riding ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles.
The Mescalero Sands North Dune Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is a designated area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
It spans over 610 acres and features towering sand dunes that reach heights of 90+ feet.
Are there sand dunes in New York?
The state of New York has a few sand dunes.
Lake Ontario Sand Dunes, located along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, provide a picturesque landscape and sandy beach area for visitors to enjoy.
Are there sand dunes in North Carolina?
North Carolina is home to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which features the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast.
These impressive dunes offer opportunities for sandboarding, kite flying, and hiking.
Are there sand dunes in North Dakota?
North Dakota has the Sheyenne National Grasslands, where you can find sand dunes known as the Sheyenne Sand Hills.
These dunes provide a picturesque landscape for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Are there sand dunes in Ohio?
There are some interesting sand dunes at the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve in northern Ohio, near the own of Mentor.
Are there sand dunes in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is a popular destination for those who want to enjoy sand dunes in the country.
The Waynoka dunes are located within Little Sahara State Park, where visitors enjoy riding or surfing down 1,600 acres of sand dunes between 25 and 75 feet of height.
The Cherokee word “Waynoka” means “sweet water”.
Are there sand dunes in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania features the Montandon Sand Dunes, offering a unique natural landscape with sandy dunes.
Located near Montandon, these dunes provide a serene environment for hiking and exploration.
Are there sand dunes in Rhode Island?
Yes, there are sand dunes in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Desert Sand Dunes, located in Westerly, is a unique and unexpected natural area with beautiful dunes and interesting plant life.
Are there sand dunes in South Carolina?
South Carolina has the Sand Hills State Park, where you can find sand dunes offering a serene environment for outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking.
Are there sand dunes in South Dakota?
Yes, South Dakota is home to the Medora Sandhills, located in the western part of the state.
These sand dunes offer a picturesque and serene environment for outdoor activities such as hiking and photography.
Are there sand dunes in Tennessee?
No, there are no sand dunes in Tennessee. This is one of the very few US state without any form of sand dune, neither natural nor artificial.
The closest dunes to Tennessee are Little Sahara in Oklahoma and the Silver Lake Dunes in Michigan.
Are there sand dunes in Utah?
Utah boasts several stunning sand dune areas.
The most famous is the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, which showcases vibrant, coral-colored sand dunes perfect for activities like off-roading, sandboarding, and hiking.
Other notable dune areas in Utah include Little Sahara Recreation Area and Jericho Sand Dunes.
Are there sand dunes in Vermont?
Vermont is home to Alburgh Dunes State Park, where you can find sandy dunes along the shoreline of Lake Champlain.
These dunes offer a peaceful natural environment for hiking and beach exploration.
Are there sand dunes in Washington?
There are plenty of sand dunes in Washington, although many of them are covered in vegetation, such as the Juniper Sand Dunes.
Desert-like sand dunes can be found in the Echo Basin and Frenchman Coulee area near Vantage.
Are there sand dunes in West Virginia?
No. Together with Tennessee, West Virginia is one of two states of USA which do not have any sand dunes.
Are there sand dunes in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is home to the Kohler Park Dunes and Whitefish Dunes.
These dune areas offer sandy beaches, scenic views, and recreational activities such as hiking and swimming.
Are there sand dunes in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming has sand dunes in various locations. One notable area is Killpecker Sand Dunes, located in the Red Desert region.
These dunes span over 109,000 acres and offer a unique desert-like landscape.
Additionally, Wyoming is home to the Boar’s Tusk, an iconic sand dune formation rising from the surrounding plains.
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