Dune Tips
First Time, Rent a Vehicle: Many duners grow up with family and friends spending countless seasons on the dunes. If you're like us, we didn't start until almost 40 years old and every trip to the dunes is another learning experience. We rented a Jeep on Michigan's Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park before venturing onto the dunes in our own Jeep. Renting a guided dune vehicle allows freely driving in a follow-the-leader fashion providing added safety of an experienced duner alerting you to dangers and proper driving techniques via 2-way radio. If a guided tour is not available, a good rental shop should provide driving and safety tips before allowing you to venture onto the dunes. On Michigan's Silver Lake Sand Dunes, some buggy rental shops provide easy drop-off/pick-up service directly on the dunes and "swag service" for vehicle malfunctions. Renting your first dune experience saves your own vehicle from risk, wear, tear, and permit costs until you're certain you wish to invest further in driving your own vehicle on sand dunes. Trying it once gives you first hand experience and you may judge for yourself if duning is for you. Driving your own vehicle on sand dunes carries risk of costly towing and repair damages if something goes wrong on the dunes. Renting your first time is likely a less-expensive, less risky, and potentially carefree way to enjoy your first dune experience. Decide for yourself if YOU and your vehicle are Dune Ready before taking that next step of driving your own vehicle on the dunes.
