Syracuse Sand Dunes Park

About Syracuse Sand Dunes Park

Syracuse Sand Dunes Park is the largest sand dunes park in Kansas and one of the largest in the Midwest. It sits at 55 West River Road in Syracuse, Kansas, in the far southwest corner of the state near the Colorado line. Opened in 2007, the park covers 1,300 acres of dunes, rolling hills and bowls, with fast flat sections that suit sand drag racing. Camping, showers and a stocked fishing pond are all on site.

Thirteen Hundred Acres of Sand

At Syracuse Sand Dunes Park, Sand riding is a different sport from trail riding or motocross, and this is the place in Kansas to do it. The terrain runs from steep dunes and bowls that reward paddle tires and momentum, to rolling hills, to flat open stretches where sand drag racers can stretch out.

Sand trails have been expanded through the property over the years, which gives riders who prefer a marked route something to follow rather than picking their own line across open dune. The result is a park that works for a first timer on a rented machine and for a purpose built sand rail on the same afternoon.

Everything runs here. Photos from the park show ATVs, side by sides, dirt bikes, trucks and dune buggies, in summer and in snow.

Rules That Keep It Safe

Open sand riding needs rules, and the park publishes a clear set. Read them before your first visit.

Safety whips are required, and they must stand at least ten feet from the ground with a red or orange flag measuring six by twelve inches. On dunes, a whip is what lets another driver see you coming over a crest, so this is the rule that matters most.

Riders under 18 must wear a DOT or Snell approved helmet. Roll bars are required on dune buggies, Jeeps, trucks and other sport utility vehicles, attached to the frame and strong enough to protect the occupants, and seat belts are required. Passengers may only be carried in vehicles designed for them, with an exception for a parent or guardian riding with their child.

ATVs operated at night need working headlights and tail lights. Park roads carry a 10 mile per hour speed limit. Glass and alcoholic beverages are not permitted, and park boundaries and fences are to be observed.

Camping, Showers and Sam’s Pond

The park is set up for weekend stays. RV parking and dry camping are both available, along with restroom facilities with showers and laundry facilities. Reservations can now be made online.

The other feature worth knowing about is Sam’s Pond, a 40 acre stocked fishing pond that the park describes as kid friendly. That changes the math for a family trip. One member of the group can ride the dunes all day while another fishes, and nobody has to leave the property.

The Arkansas River runs by the park as well, and the site posts information on local recreation, dining, groceries, fuel and medical facilities in Syracuse Sand Dunes Park for anyone planning a longer stay.

Events

The Syracuse Sand Dunes Park runs events through the season, with poker runs and holiday weekend events around Memorial Day and Labor Day among the recurring dates. Holiday weekends are the busiest times of year, so book camping well ahead if you are coming then.

Getting There

Syracuse Sand Dunes Park is in Hamilton County in far southwest Kansas, on US 50 near the Colorado state line, roughly an hour west of Garden City. The park is on West River Road.

The park phone is 620-384-2480, and reservations, fees and alerts are all handled through the park website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the park?

1,300 acres, making it the largest sand dunes park in Kansas and one of the largest in the Midwest.

When did it open?

What can I ride there?

ATVs, side by sides, dirt bikes, dune buggies, sand rails, trucks and Jeeps. The terrain includes dunes, bowls, rolling hills, marked sand trails and flat areas suited to sand drags.

Are safety whips required?

Yes. Whips must be at least ten feet from the ground and carry a red or orange flag measuring six by twelve inches.

Are helmets required?

Operators under 18 must wear a DOT or Snell approved helmet.

What about roll bars?

Roll bars are required on dune buggies, Jeeps, trucks and other sport utility vehicles, attached to the frame, and seat belts must be worn.

Is there camping?

Yes, At Syracuse Sand Dunes Park, RV parking and dry camping are available, along with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Reservations can be made online.

Is there anything besides riding?

Yes. Sam’s Pond is a 40 acre stocked fishing pond described as kid friendly, and the Arkansas River runs nearby.

Where is Syracuse Sand Dunes Park located?

55 West River Road, Syracuse, Kansas 67878, in Hamilton County near the Colorado line. The phone number is 620-384-2480.

More information on Syracuse Sand Dunes Park; Click here https://syracusesanddunespark.com/

For ATV and off road venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/atv/

For more motorcycle venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/motorcycle/