Egin Lakes Campground/Day Use Area

Located far from any ocean, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes appear as a rolling sea of sand on the eastern edge of Idaho's volcanic Snake River Plain. These vast dunes are the largest in Idaho, blanketing an area roughly 20 miles long and 5 miles wide and ranging from 50 to 400 feet high. This 10,600-acre playground of shifting, white quartz sand is known for its unique beauty and exceptional space for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, hikers and equestrians. Picnicking, snowmobiling, wildlife viewing and camping are also available. The area features Deadhorse Bowl, a popular OHV sand bowl one mile in circumference and 400 feet deep, in the western section of the dune complex. The best time to visit is spring through fall — summer temperatures cause sands to reach over 100 degrees. Egin Lakes Campground lies 8 miles west of St. Anthony, ID. It is a 48-site developed campground; each site has an electric hookup, picnic shelter, fire ring and table, with access to water hydrants. Reservations are available at recreation.gov for 26 of the 48 campsites; the remaining 22 sites are first come, first served. Other facilities include a potable water system with 7 water hydrants, an RV dump station, restrooms (6 double vaults), a fee station, an OHV unloading ramp, concessions, 3 picnic sites with shelters, and 3 parking areas for day use, overflow and equestrian use. There is a contact station area with law enforcement, EMS and Idaho Air Rescue. There are numerous opportunities to hike, bike, ride horseback and ride off-road vehicles in the area. Riders need safety flags and an annual OHV sticker; stay on designated routes, ride only in open sand and observe all posted signs; no glass containers; all riders under age 18 must wear helmets under Idaho state law. The dunes are an important environment for a variety of plants and animals. The sand itself may appear lifeless, but it harbors three unique and sensitive species: the Saint Anthony evening primrose and two species of beetle. The dunes are ringed by thousands of acres of native grasses, junipers and sagebrush that provide habitat for sage-grouse and critical winter range for elk, mule deer and moose. The campground is within a couple of hours' drive from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.