The Underrated Texas State Park With Dramatic Landscapes That Feel Like You're In Dune

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the big-screen reboot of the science fiction franchise "Dune" has astounded audiences with its otherworldly desert landscapes. While filming for "Dune" and "Dune: Part Two" took place in locations like Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, you don't have to travel to the Middle East to find similar scenery. In fact, you can visit Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas. Located less than an hour from Midland and Odessa, sand dunes fill the 3,840-acre park.

With its neverending hills, Monahans Sandhills State Park has an ethereal quality. Despite its incredible beauty, it's an underrated destination. According to a 2019 article from Newswest 9, Monahans Sandhills State Park only has about 45,000 visitors a year. In other words, this is one park to visit if you want to avoid crowds. 

Despite the relatively low amount of traffic it receives, reviewers on Tripadvisor agree that Monahans Sandhills State Park is a must-see. One visitor wrote, "We were not disappointed even after we had once, in the past, visited the White Sands National Park in New Mexico, the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, and the Sahara Desert in North Africa. It was very windy, but worth to visit this West Texas hidden jewel." With that said, this state park has you covered for wild outdoor adventures.

Although wind erosion formed the sand dunes centuries ago, Monahans Sandhills has only been a state park since 1957. Nevertheless, this little-known destination is perfect for family vacations. You'll encounter much to do and explore at Monahans Sandhills State Park. Visitors can roam the dunes at their leisure. However, they can also slide down them (as seen in the TikTok above) with a sand disk. Likewise, they can use these sand disks to sandboard (think of it as snowboarding except on sand).

While visitors can bring their gear, the Dunagan Visitor Center and Headquarters has sand disks available to rent on-site. You can also borrow beach wheelchairs. If you love horseback riding, take advantage of the opportunity to traverse Monahans Sandhills State Park's unique terrain on horseback. An 800-acre area is reserved explicitly for equestrian use. However, keep in mind that you can't rent a horse at the park.

You'll find several picnic spots scattered throughout the area as you explore. Pack a meal and cold drinks for an al fresco experience. This will allow you to take in the stunning scenery and vegetation. You might even spot the creatures that call Monahans Sandhills State Park home, including javelinas and kangaroo rats.

Monahans Sandhills State Park opens daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the Dunagan Visitor Center and Headquarters open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can only rent sand disks during these hours. In addition, the visitor center offers restrooms, a museum, and a gift shop. Monahans Sandhills State Park charges a $4 admission fee. However, those 12 and younger can enter the park at no cost. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash.

Furthermore, visitors can camp at Monahans Sandhills State Park. It has 25 camping sites with electricity and three equestrian campsites. Both cost $15 per night and do not include the admission fee. Moreover, the equestrian campsites also charge $2 a day for each horse. Amenities include a picnic table, grill, and more. The campsites with electricity have a water hookup; the equestrian campsites do not. Campers can find showers and restrooms nearby. You can make a reservation online.

On a final note, stay mindful of the weather. You can expect warm or even scorching temperatures if you visit during the spring, summer, and early fall. Thus, remember to stay hydrated to ensure you have the best of times at Monahans Sandhills State Park.