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Last Updated on January 28, 2024

The popularity of sandboarding and related sports has boomed in recent years and there are now many opportunities to practice the thrilling activity of sand dune surfing across the United States.

As a matter of fact, some of the best sand dunes and sport facilities for sandboarding are located in the USA.

The city of Florence, Oregon is home to the world’s very first sandboarding park.

There are however suitable dunes and popular sandboarding spots all over the country, including both desert and coastal areas.

Sandboarding in the US

Without further ado, let’s look into some of the best sandboarding spots in the US:

Sandboarding in Arizona

Saguaro Cacti in Arizona desert
Arizona Desert

Ehrenberg Sandbowl – Ehrenberg, AZ

The Ehrenberg Sandbowl is a popular off-roading destination located in Ehrenberg, Arizona.

It features vast expanses of sandy terrain that attract outdoor enthusiasts and off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides on ATVs, dirt bikes, and dune buggies while exploring the scenic desert landscape.


Hot Well Dunes – Safford

The Parker Dunes, located in the Cactus Plain near Parker, Arizona, provide an exciting off-road experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

This desert area features a diverse landscape with sandy dunes and open plains, making it ideal for activities such as sandboarding, ATV riding, and off-roading.

Visitors can revel in the exhilarating rides and stunning views of the surrounding desert scenery.


Parker Dunes – Cactus Plain, Parker, AZ

The Parker Dunes, located in the Cactus Plain near Parker, Arizona, provide an exciting off-road experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

This desert area features a diverse landscape with sandy dunes and open plains, making it ideal for activities such as sandboarding, ATV riding, and off-roading.

Visitors can revel in the exhilarating rides and stunning views of the surrounding desert scenery.


Yuma Sand Dunes – Yuma Desert, Yuma, AZ

The Yuma Sand Dunes, situated in the Yuma Desert of Yuma, Arizona, are a popular destination for adventure seekers.

This vast expanse of sand dunes offers a thrilling playground for off-roading enthusiasts, including opportunities for sandboarding, ATV riding, and dune bashing.

The dunes provide a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities and attract visitors looking for adrenaline-fueled fun in the desert.


Sandboarding in California

Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park Sand Dunes

Mesquite Sand Dunes – Death Valley National Park, CA

There are five major groups of sand dunes in Death Valley National Park, but sandboarding is only allowed on the Mesquite Flat Dunes, away from wildlife and vegetation. 


Marina State Beach – Marina, CA

Marina State Beach, located in Marina, California, is a picturesque coastal destination known for its sandy shores and scenic beauty.

The beach offers visitors a serene and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for activities such as sunbathing, picnicking, beachcombing, and enjoying leisurely walks along the shoreline.

The expansive beach and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean make Marina State Beach a popular spot for relaxation and recreation.


The Pit – Sand City, CA

Some of California’s tallest coast dunes are located in the Monterey county: the three towns of Marina, Seaside and Sand City (what a name!) have become a must-see destination for extreme sports enthusiasts as well as fans of the beach and art lovers.

Sand dunes in Marina are a bit easier to sled and ideal for beginners and families with kids, while Seaside and Sand City will offer more of a challenge for experienced sand surfers.

Into naturism? North of Sand City beach you can find a natural sand depression, “The Crater”, which also happens to be a clothing-optional area.

Yes, you can sand sled naked down a crater in California – how cool is that?


Pismo Beach / Oceano Sand Dunes – Oceano, CA

Pismo Beach, along with the adjacent Oceano Sand Dunes, is a popular coastal destination in Oceano, California.

The area is renowned for its extensive sand dunes, which provide a thrilling playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors can partake in activities such as off-roading, dune buggy rides, sandboarding, and camping amidst the sandy landscape.

Pismo Beach also offers beautiful coastal views, beach activities, and opportunities for relaxation.


Kelso Dunes – Flynn, CA

Kelso Dunes are the best spot for sandboarding in the Mojave Desert.

The area is closed to off-road vehicles has started to be claimed back by growing vegetation and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for both hiking and dune boarding.

The closest major city is Baker, about one hour distance by car.

Dumont Dunes – Baker, CA

Dumont Dunes, situated in Baker, California, is a popular off-road destination known for its impressive sand dunes.

Located within the Mojave Desert, this recreational area offers opportunities for off-roading, sandboarding, and camping.

The dunes provide an exhilarating terrain for off-road vehicles and a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities.

Dumont Dunes is a favored spot for enthusiasts seeking adventure and a thrilling off-roading experience.


Algodones Dunes – Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, CA

The Algodones Dunes, located in Glamis, California, is one of the largest sand dune complexes in North America.

Also known as the Imperial Sand Dunes, this expansive desert region spans across southeastern California.

The dunes offer a thrilling destination for off-roading enthusiasts, including activities like ATV riding, sandboarding, and dune bashing.

The Algodones Dunes are known for their majestic beauty and challenging terrain, attracting outdoor adventurers from far and wide.

Read also: Sand Sledding in Southern California


Sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USA
Sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Sandboarding in Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve – Duncan, CO

They are called Great Sand Dunes for a reason – this park hosts some of the tallest dunes in North America. Hiking, camping and sandboarding are all must-do activities.

Sand-skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking are also practiced, and there are even several public hot springs nearby.


Sandboarding in Florida

Wildcat Mountain – Destin, FL

Wildcat Mountain was a small sand hill located in Destin, Florida. It was once known as a popular spot for sledding and sandboarding activities.

Unfortunately, it has since been developed into townhomes, and the natural feature is no longer accessible.


Sandboarding in Hawaii

Makena Big Beach – Kihei, HI

Makena Big Beach, located in Kihei, Hawaii, is a stunning and expansive beach known for its golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

It stretches for nearly 2/3 of a mile, offering ample space for visitors to relax, swim, and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

The beach is backed by lush vegetation and offers picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean.

Makena Big Beach is a popular destination for sunbathing, picnicking, and bodyboarding, but caution is advised due to its strong currents.


Papakolea Green Sand Beach – Ka Lae, HI

Papakolea Green Sand Beach, situated near Ka Lae (South Point) in Hawaii, is a unique and breathtaking natural wonder.

What sets this beach apart is its distinctive olive-green sand, which is composed of tiny olivine crystals eroded from a nearby volcanic cinder cone.

The beach is secluded and accessible via a moderate hike or a guided tour. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the dramatic coastal cliffs and enjoy the rare opportunity to relax on the mesmerizing green sand.


 Sunset Beach – Pupukea, O’ahu

Sunset Beach, located in Pupukea on the North Shore of O’ahu, Hawaii, is renowned for its magnificent sunsets and world-class surf. This beautiful stretch of beach offers golden sands, clear blue waters, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere.

During the winter months, large waves attract professional surfers from around the globe, making it a popular spot for surfing competitions.

In the summer, the calmer conditions allow for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Sunset Beach is not only a picturesque destination but also a significant hub for the surfing community.


Sandboarding in Idaho

Bruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park. Photo courtesy of Rickmouser45.

Bruneau Dunes State Park – Bruneau, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, situated in Bruneau, Idaho, is home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America.

The park’s centerpiece is the iconic Bruneau Dunes, which tower up to 470 feet above the surrounding desert landscape.

Visitors can explore the dunes by hiking or climbing, or they can try sandboarding or sledding down the sandy slopes.

The park also offers camping facilities, a small lake for swimming and fishing, and an observatory for stargazing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and astronomy lovers.


St. Anthony Sand Dunes – St. Anthony, ID

The St. Anthony Sand Dunes, located near St. Anthony in southeastern Idaho, is a vast expanse of shifting sand that covers approximately 10,600 acres.

These impressive sand dunes are a haven for outdoor recreation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy activities such as sandboarding, ATV riding, hiking, and camping in this unique desert-like environment.

The dunes’ picturesque setting and the opportunity to explore the sandy landscape make St. Anthony Sand Dunes a popular destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.


Sandboarding in Indiana

Sandboarding at Mt Baldy
Dunes near Mt Baldy, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Photo courtesy of Chris Light.

Mt. Baldy – Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan City

Mt. Baldy is a prominent sand dune located within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan City, Indiana.

Rising over 120 feet high, it offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding dune landscape.

Mt. Baldy is a popular destination for hiking and sandboarding. However, it is important to note that access to the dune is restricted due to safety concerns related to shifting sands and potential hazards.


Sandboarding in Massachusetts

Cape Cod Sand Dunes – Provincetown, MA

The Cape Cod Sand Dunes in Provincetown, Massachusetts, are a scenic natural feature that stretches along the Atlantic coastline of Cape Cod.

These expansive dunes, covered in native vegetation, create a unique landscape and provide protection to the shoreline.

Visitors can explore the dunes through guided tours or by hiking along designated trails.

The Cape Cod Sand Dunes offer stunning vistas, opportunities for photography, and a chance to experience the coastal beauty of Cape Cod.


Sandboarding in Michigan

Warren Dunes State Park - Tower Hill Dune
Tower Hill sand dune in Warren Dunes State Park. Photo courtesy of rmhermen.

Silver Lake State Park – Oceana County, MI

The sand dunes near Silver Lake are an incredible location for sandboarding and easily accessible by the city of Mears.

The dunes themselves are positioned between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, giving you spectacular views of both lakes from the top.

The area is also suitable for camping.

Read also: Sand Dunes of Michigan


Sandboarding in Nebraska

Nebraska Sandhills – Whitman, NE

The Nebraska Sandhills, located in Whitman and spanning across several counties in Nebraska, is the largest sand dune formation in the Western Hemisphere.

This vast area encompasses over 19,000 square miles of grass-stabilized sand dunes, interspersed with wetlands and grasslands.

The Sandhills are home to diverse wildlife and offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife viewing.


Sandboarding in Nevada

Nellis Dunes – Las Vegas, NV

Nellis Dunes, situated near Las Vegas, Nevada, is a popular recreational area known for its expansive sand dunes and off-road adventures.

It offers a playground for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, including dirt bikes, ATVs, and sand rails.

Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides across the dunes, explore various trails, and experience the adrenaline rush of off-roading.

Nellis Dunes provides a unique desert landscape for outdoor enthusiasts seeking exciting recreational opportunities.


Amargosa Sand Dunes – Las Vegas, NV

The Amargosa Sand Dunes, located near Las Vegas, Nevada, is a desert landscape characterized by vast stretches of sandy dunes.

These dunes offer a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors to explore.

The Amargosa Sand Dunes provide opportunities for hiking, photography, and nature observation, allowing visitors to appreciate the stark beauty of the desert environment.

It is an escape from the bustling city and a chance to immerse oneself in the serenity of the natural world.


Sandboarding in New Mexico

White Sands National Park – Alamogordo, NM

White Sands National Park is a mesmerizing natural wonder located in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

It features vast expanses of glistening white gypsum sand dunes, creating a stunning and ethereal landscape.

The park offers opportunities for hiking, sledding, photography, and stargazing.

Visitors can marvel at the unique ecosystem of plants and animals that have adapted to survive in this desert environment.

White Sands National Park is a must-visit destination for its breathtaking scenery and otherworldly atmosphere.


Sandboarding in North Carolina

Dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park near Nags Head, North Carolina
Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Photo courtesy of Bohemian Baltimore.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park – Nags Head, Dare County, Outer Banks

Large dune area that resembles a desert with very soft sand and some of the tallest dunes in the east coast.

Popular with both sandboarding and sand sledding, especially from October to March.


Sandboarding in Oklahoma

Little Sahara State Park, Oklahoma
Waynoka Dunes, Little Sahara State Park, OK. Photo courtesy of Matt Howry.

Little Sahara State Park – Waynoka

Sand dunes resembling the Sahara desert, leftover from a prehistoric river. Slope ranging from 25 feet to 75 feet.


Sandboarding in Oregon

Oregon Sand Dunes
The Oregon Dunes National Recreaton Area near Florence, Oregon. 2008, Cacophony, CC BY 3.0

Sand Master Park – Florence, OR

There are vast areas of sand on the Pacific coast of Oregon and the city of Florence can be considered the capital of sandboarding in the United States.

The popular Sand Master Park is the first sport facility officially dedicated to sandboarding, and an ideal place to dip one’s toes in the sand as a beginner.

You can even take advantage of one of their “chairlift” dune buggies so that you don’t have to hike up some of their tallest dunes.

Sand Master Park is located in Lane County on the central coast of Oregon.

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area consists of roughly 50km of sand dunes up to 150m tall.

Cape Kiwanda – Pacific City, OR

The stunning peninsula of Cape Kiwanda hosts a 240 feet high sand dune, located within the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area.


Sandboarding in Rhode Island

Coventry Sand Dunes – Mishnock Lake 

Coventry Sand Dunes, situated near Mishnock Lake in Rhode Island, is a small but picturesque sand dune system. It offers a peaceful and scenic environment for visitors to enjoy.

The dunes provide opportunities for walking, picnicking, and birdwatching.

Coventry Sand Dunes is a local gem, providing a serene escape and a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature in the surrounding area.


Big River Management Area – West Greenwhich

The Big River Management Area, located in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, encompasses a diverse landscape that includes sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and river corridors.

The sand dunes within the management area offer a unique natural feature to explore.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreational activities within this expansive natural area.

The Big River Management Area provides an opportunity to experience the beauty of Rhode Island’s natural habitats.


Sandboarding in Texas

Monahans Sandhills Sand Surfing
Monahans Sandhills, Texas. Photo courtesy of Jason Priem.

Monahans Sandhills State Park – Monahans, TX

Monahans Sandhills State Park, situated in Monahans, Texas, is a desert oasis featuring vast stretches of sand dunes.

The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including sandboarding, sand sledding, hiking, and camping.

Visitors can marvel at the ever-shifting sand dunes and enjoy the unique desert landscape.

Monahans Sandhills State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and the beauty of the Texas desert.


Sandboarding in Utah

Sandboarding Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Utah
Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Utah.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes – Kanab, UT

Coral Pink Sand Dunes, located near Kanab, Utah, is a captivating natural area characterized by its unique pink-colored sand dunes.

These dunes, formed by the erosion of Navajo sandstone, create a striking and vibrant landscape.

The park offers opportunities for hiking, off-road vehicle exploration, photography, and wildlife viewing.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the sand dunes and witness the stunning contrast against the surrounding red rock cliffs.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a uniqque destination for those seeking natural wonders in Utah.

Read also: Sandboarding at Coral Pink sand Dunes


Little Sahara Sand Dunes, UT

Little Sahara Sand Dunes, located in Juab County, Utah, is a recreational paradise for sand dune enthusiasts.

The dunes cover over 60,000 acres of desert landscape, offering thrilling experiences for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, sandboarding enthusiasts, and campers.

Visitors can explore the rolling sandy hills, ride ATVs or dune buggies, and enjoy the adrenaline rush of navigating the challenging terrain.


Sand Hollow State Park, UT

Sand Hollow State Park, situated near Hurricane, Utah, is a scenic destination that combines the beauty of a reservoir with stunning sand dunes. The park offers a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

With its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Sand Hollow Reservoir is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.

The park is also home to expansive sand dunes, providing opportunities for off-roading, sandboarding, and camping.


Sandboarding in Wyoming

Wyoming - Killpecker Sand Dunes
Killpecker Sand Dunes – Leucite Hills, Rock Springs, Wyoming. Photo courtesy of James St. John.

Killpecker Sand Dunes – Rock Springs, Sweetwater County

Large dune field with rare singing dunes. Plenty of space for sandboarding and other recreational activities.


Sandboarding Worldwide


Read also: Where to find Sand Dunes in the US

Sandboarding in the USA
Sand Surfing USA

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Tevin Vore

    Indiana Dunes State Park does not allow sandboarding nor sledding, besides Devil’s Slide. Personally, I couldn’t slide down Devil’s Slide with my Sandboard (I used wax of course) i guess it wasn’t steep enough for a sandboard?

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