Little Sahara State Park occupies the Waynoka Dunes south of Waynoka in northwestern Oklahoma, where sand dunes formed from prehistoric Cimarron River terrace deposits. Once seen as a nuisance when blowing sand forced Highway 281 to be rerouted, the area was promoted in the early 1950s by Grace Ward Smith, who gave it the name Little Sahara, hired local guides, staged outlaw performances, and even brought in camels. After Oklahoma bought the original 339-acre tract in September 1960, the park expanded to 1,600 acres by 1963. Off-road recreation became central to its identity, and it is now known for extensive rideable dunes and year-round camping and riding amenities.