Crescent Dunes, Nevada

Name: Crescent Dunes

Location:

Western Nevada near the town of Tonopah

Description:

Dunes are visible from Highway 95 a few miles north of Tonopah. This small dune complex is often deserted. Mostly used by local riders. There are no signs, and the area feels very remote. Winter temperatures can be quite cold.

The dunes have been designated a Special Recreation Management Area (SMRA) by the BLM.

Elevation - 5032 ft.

3,000 acres

Directions:

From Tonopah (junction of Hwy 95 and Hwy 6):

North on Highway 95 from Tonopah towards Hawthorne for 4.6 miles. Turn right on Pole Line Rd.  Go north for about 9 miles and turn right on dirt road leading to the dunes.  The camping area is 2 miles in, next to the first large crescent-shaped dune.

GPS Coordinates:

• Camping Area - N 38 13 74, W 117 20 04

• Access Road Turnoff - N 38 13 02, W 117 22 27

• Highway 95 and Pole Line Rd - N 38 05 64, W 117 18 50

Camping Area(s):

Very small camping area next to the large crescent shaped dune. The area is only large enough for a few rigs.

Area Managed By: Bureau of Land Management - Battle Mountain Field Office

Fees: None

Rules:

• Whip flag that extends 8 ft. from the ground

• No person shall operate an off-highway vehicle in a manner likely to cause environmental damage.  Do not run over vegetation.

• Bring in, dispose of or possess any firewood containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware. 

• Spark arresters are required on all OHV's.

Other Information:

• No trash collection. Pack it out.

Weather:

Weather.com - Tonopah, NV

Other Photos (click to enlarge):

           

       

Aerial Photos

   

Crescent Dunes - TerraServer Interactive Aerial Photo

Crescent Dunes - Google Interactive Satellite Image

Crescent Dunes - Topo zone map

Links

• Crescent Dunes Nevada - OffRoad.com

• Crescent Dunes Bulletin Board

Services in Tonopah:

• Motorcycle Shops: 
  - Tonopah Motorcycle & Trailer
  
• RV Parks: 
  - Twister Inn Trailer Park
  - Jensen's Trailer Park
  - Banc's Casino - Overnight parking
  - Rest stop 13 miles north of Tonopah on Hwy 95
  
• Hotel/Motel: 
  - Best Western Hi-Desert Inn
  - Ramada Inn Tonopah Station
  
• RV Dump Stations: 
  - Rest Area on US 6/95 about 10 miles northwest of town on north side of road, no fee. The dump station isn't in plain view and can be tricky to find.

Other Nevada Sand Dunes open to OHV use:

• Winnemucca

• Sand Mountain

• Clayton Valley Dunes

• Amargosa - Big Dune

Back to Sand Dune Guide