Moses Lake Mud Flats and Sand Dunes
Moses Lake Sand Dunes Location
Directions:
From Moses Lake
Travel South on S. Division St. / S. Division changes name to Potato Hill Rd NE when it crosses I-90
Potato Hill Rd turns to the right becoming Sand Dune Rd
Follow Sand Dune Rd to the staging area
Overview of Moses Lake Mud Flats and Sand Dunes
Latitude / Longitude: 47.114446, -119.299828
Managed by: Grant County
Usage: Heavy
Fee: Free
Camping: Free primitive camping
Location: Central Washington
Camping: Yes
- Dispersed camping with no amenities, but there are restrooms available in the dune area.
- It’s possible for camping to be restricted on Memorial, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends. But, there is plenty of room, so it’s unlikely you would get turned away.
- No reservations – first come, first serve.
- The area around Sand Dune Rd., from the third restroom to Powerline Rd. is private property, so this is a no camping zone.
- It is against the rules to drive any motorized vehicle within 90 feet of the lake’s shoreline.
Related Post: Beverly Sand Dunes (Beverly, Washington)
Moses Lake Sand Dunes
Thousands of acres of dunes with 3,000 acres open for off-road use.
Of the 3,000 acres open to off-roading, 1,500 acres remain open to vehicles year round. But, 1,500 acres of mud flats closes from October 1st – July 1st for the nesting of migratory birds. This section then reopens July 1st – October 1st.
A third of the total acreage is for hiking and non-motorized use.
This is a beautiful large ATV sand dune area located right on the shores of Moses Lake. Soft sand and many rolling dune hills makes for a great summer get away with fun for the whole family. Well worth the trip!
- There are camping restrictions on major holidays such as Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day weekends.
- Flags required (not for motorcycles), must be 108” from the ground and red or orange.
- All OHVs must be registered.
- If your state does not have ATV registration, you can purchase a 60 day temporary pass for off-road use for $15.75.
Moses Lake Sand Dunes Camping
Camping may be restricted on Memorial, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends.
Free primitive camping is available within the dune riding area except for one small section to allow access for emergency responders. This no camping zone runs west of the third restroom building to the intersection of Sand Dunes Road and Power line Road.
Washington ATV / OHV Registration & Licensing
Non-Residents
- Washington state requires all OHVs to be registered.
- Out of state registration is legal and accepted if the other state grants reciprocity to Washington.
- Non-residents can purchase a 60 day temporary ORV Use permit for $15.75.
Washington Residents
- All ATVs / OHVs must be registered.
- Off highway vehicles must have a current license plate or ORV Tag.
- Residents can also purchase a 60 day temporary ORV Use permit for $15.75.
Moses Lake ATV/OHV Use Area Rules
- Current state registration and tabs/stickers are required on all OHVs.
- No alcohol use, possession and/or consumption.
- No child under 16 years of age may operate an ORV without adult supervision and the adult must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle.
- Spark arrestors are required on all vehicles in the Moses Lake Sand Dunes. “Glass-pac” type mufflers do not have spark arresting capabilities. Stock mufflers are acceptable.
- A working muffling system (emitting no more than 105 decibels at 20″). Must have “USFS Approved Spark Arrester” stamped into the metal on motorcycle mufflers and be clearly visible
- Watch for and obey all property and zone signs.
- You must wear an approved safety helmet on motorcycles and ATVs.
- A whip flags is required. Must be 108 inches from the ground and red or orange.
- No burning of wood pallet, wood with metal fasteners or tires.
Washington State ORV Laws
- Washington state does allow All Terrain Vehicles to register as street legal, but they must meet certain safety requirements. Washington State Street Legal Requirements
- No child under 16 years of age may operate an ORV without direct adult supervision and the adult must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle.
It’s a criminal offense to:
- Operate an ORV while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs.
- Operate an ORV in such a manner as to endanger human life.
- Hunt, run down, or harass any wildlife from an ORV.
- Fail to obey any Department of Fish and Wildlife signs.
- Launch a boat or personal watercraft from the beach in the Moses Lake Sand Dunes.
- Carry, transport, or convey a loaded weapon in or upon any non highway vehicle except by permit issued by the director of fish and wildlife under chapter 77.32 RCW: Provided, it is not unlawful to carry, transport, or convey a loaded pistol in or upon a non highway vehicle if the person complies with the terms and conditions of chapter 9.41 RCW
It’s an infraction to:
- Operate any ORV without a valid ORV use permit.
- Operate an ORV in a manner as to endanger property of others.
- Operate an ORV without a headlight/taillight between dusk and dawn.
- Operate an ORV without an adequate braking device.
- Operate an ORV without an approved spark arresting device.
- Operate an ORV without an adequate muffling device.
- Operate an ORV on the shoulder, inside bank or slope of a highway.
- Operate an ORV on lands restricted to pedestrian or animal travel.
It’s a civil infraction to:
- Operate any motorcycle or ATV without an approved helmet.
- Operate any ORV (except motorcycle) without a flag that is 108 inches from the ground and is orange or red.
- Discharge any firearm in the off-road vehicle areas with the exception of the seasonally closed area of the Moses Lake Sand Dunes during lawful hunting seasons.
- Burn pallets, tires, or any wood with metal fasteners.
- No Parking of any vehicle/ ORV between the posted signs and shoreline.