Egin Lakes /Day Use Area

Summary

The St. Anthony Sand Dunes are the largest in Idaho, offering hikers, equestrians and off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts a unique playground of white quartz sand. The area is known for its natural beauty and rare species, and provides amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables and electric hookups. Visitors can also take advantage of nearby attractions, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Overview

Located far from any ocean, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes appears 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. They blanket an area approximately 20 miles long and 5 miles wide and range 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 (OHV) enthusiasts, hikers and equestrians. Picnicking, snowmobiling, wildlife viewing and camping opportunities are also available. The best time to visit is spring through fall. Summer temperatures cause sands to reach over 100 degrees. The area features Deadhorse Bowl, a popular OHV sand bowl one-mile in circumference and 400 feet deep, located in the western section of the dune complex.

The Egin Lakes Campground located 8 miles to the west from St. Anthony, ID. The developed campground offers a potable water system, RV dump station and 48 improved camp units, including electrical service. There is also a day use and horse trailer parking area.

Recreation

The campground sites have electric pedestals, access to water hydrant, campfire rings, picnic tables and a vault toilet. There are numerous opportunities to go hiking, biking, horseback riding and ride off-road vehicles in the area. 

Facilities

Facilities: 48 site developed campground, each site has electric hookup, picnic shelter, fire ring, and table. 3 parking areas include day use, overflow, and equestrian. Reservations are available at recreation.gov for 26 of the 48 campsites. The remaining 22 sites are first come, first served. View the campground map. Other facilities include fee station, OHV unloading ramp, 7 water hydrants, restrooms (6 double vaults), RV dump station, concessions, and 3 picnic sites with shelters.

Contact station area: Law enforcement, EMS, and Idaho Air Rescue 

Regulations: Safety flags, annual OHV sticker; designated routes, ride only in open sand and observe all posted signs; no glass containers; all riders under age 18 must wear helmets (ID state law).

Natural Features

This 10,600-acre playground of shifting, white quartz sand is known for its unique beauty and exceptional space for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, hikers and equestrians. 

The dunes are an important environment for a variety of plants and animals. The sand dunes themselves may appear lifeless, but they harbor 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.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is within a couple of hours drive from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.