Skip to content
A wide view of rolling St. Anthony sand dunes at golden hour. Low sunlight catches the crests in warm orange and gold, and the troughs between them fall into deep shadow. The dunes stretch in waves to a hazy horizon under a pale sky.

Jessica Darrington of Part Time Tourists worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.

When most people picture Idaho, they think of mountains, potatoes, and rivers — not sweeping sand dunes that look like something straight out of the Saharan desert. But just outside the quaint town of St. Anthony, you’ll find the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, a jaw-dropping 10,600-acre playground of shifting sand.

It’s a spot where families can sled down massive dunes, zip around in UTVs (utility terrain vehicles), watch the stars away from city lights, and even spend the night camping under the wide Idaho sky. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon adventure or a full weekend getaway, the dunes deliver something truly unique in the Gem State.

Sand Sledding

If you’ve ever taken the kids sledding in winter, imagine that same thrill — but without the snow gear, freezing fingers, or hot cocoa needed to thaw out afterward. The dunes are the perfect place to bring sand sleds, boogie boards, or even smooth-bottomed plastic sleds and spend the day racing down the slopes.

For younger kids, the smaller dunes near the parking areas work great and feel like a giant sandbox. You can pack sand toys, buckets, and shovels so little ones can dig, build, and play while the bigger kids (and grown-ups!) tackle the steeper slopes. Just remember that climbing back up the dune is part of the workout — and part of the fun.

boy wearing sunglasses sits in a blue plastic sled at the top of a sand dune at St. Anthony Sand Dunes, with rolling sand hills and a blue sky in the background.
Just add sand for a new sledding experience. Credit: Part Time Tourists.

UTV Rides

If you want to cover more ground (and get your adrenaline pumping), rent a UTV or bring your own off-road vehicle. The dunes have miles of open riding areas and trails that make you feel like you’ve landed in another world.

Local outfitters like PMS Dune & Snow Rentals, St. Anthony Dune Rentals, and Adventure Dune Rentals offer rentals by the hour or day and include helmets, googles and other safety gear. It is important to following the safety information provided by the outfitters as the sand dunes can be deceiving with hidden drop-offs and soft sand.

A person drives an off-road UTV across the sand at St. Anthony Sand Dunes, with dune ridges and trees visible in the background.
Trade the sled for a UTV and the dunes turn into a whole different kind of playground. Credit: Part Time Tourists.

Stargazing

Once the sun sets, the dunes transform into one of Idaho’s most magical stargazing spots. With minimal light pollution, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even the occasional shooting star. Bring blankets or camp chairs, and make it a cozy family evening under the night sky.

If you’re camping at the dunes, you won’t even have to leave your site — just step outside your tent or camper and look up.

Camping at St. Anthony Sand Dunes

There are both developed campgrounds and primitive camping areas at St. Anthony Sand Dunes. The developed sites like Idaho Dunes RV, and Sand Hills Resort offer restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits, while campgrounds like Egin Lakes Campground and Day Use Area offer a bit more solitude and direct dune access.

Combine daytime activities like sand sledding and UTV rides with evenings around the campfire roasting marshmallows. Keep in mind that the sand can get hot during the day, so camping in spring or early fall can be more comfortable.

Egin Lake

Just next to the dunes, Egin Lake offers a completely different kind of fun. This small, man-made lake is perfect for cooling off after a morning in the sand. Families can swim, paddleboard, kayak, or simply relax on the shore while the kids splash around.

It’s a great place to picnic, and the calm water is ideal for little swimmers. If you’re camping nearby, you can easily split your time between the dunes and the lake for a well-rounded weekend adventure.

A shallow Egin lake with a sandy bottom visible near the shore. Tall green reeds line the left bank, and a strip of trees and marsh grass crosses the far side. St. Anthony sand dunes rise in the distance under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.
Quiet morning at Egin Lakes with the St. Anthony sand dunes on the horizon. Credit: Part Time Tourists.

Tips for Visiting St. Anthony Sand Dunes with Kids

  • Bring plenty of water. The sand reflects heat and you’ll get thirsty fast.

  • Wear sunglasses to protect against glare from the bright white sand.

  • Go barefoot or wear sand-friendly shoes.

  • Arrive early or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.

  • Pack a picnic and snacks. Food options near the dunes are limited.

There’s something magical about watching your kids race down a sand dune, their laughter echoing across the open landscape, or seeing their eyes widen at a sky full of stars. The St. Anthony Sand Dunes isn’t just a place to play — it’s a place to make memories that feel a little wild, a little adventurous, and a lot special.

So whether you’re there for a few hours or a long weekend, Idaho is ready to surprise you in the best possible way.

Feature image credited to Visit Idaho.

Jess Darrington is the founder or Part Time Tourists, a travel and adventure blog that was created in 2018. Part Time Tourists aims to help people travel more by offering detailed travel guides and practical tips. With a large focus on US travel, Jess shares adventurous and luxurious destinations throughout the country. You can follow her on Instagram and PartTimeTourists.com.


Published on October 6, 2026