Definitely need 4 wheel drive and decently high clearance. I only saw Jeeps, 4 runners, and trucks. Rocky and steep at parts, it was pretty damn rough. Then if you go the back way to the dunes there are spots of soft sand and going through the creeks. Good amount of pretty sites. We found a site on a Friday at about 7pm. Highly recommend Medano Lake for a hike in addition to the dunes.