Sand Island Group Sites

About

Sand Island Group Sites is part of the larger Sand Island Recreation Area within Bears Ears National Monument, positioned on the north bank of the San Juan River. The two group campsites cater to organized gatherings seeking proximity to Bluff and the river. Group Site A sits near the boat ramp and accommodates 10-20 people with picnic tables, a fire grate, shade structure, and water nearby. Group Site B, located in Loop B, handles larger groups of 15-40 people and includes a vault toilet in addition to the standard amenities. The campground serves as the primary launch point for the spectacular 102-mile San Juan River corridor between Montezuma Creek and Clay Hills Crossing, offering boaters access to dramatic canyons rich in scenery, geology, archaeology, and wildlife. River floating requires a permit. The ledges above the campground display numerous petroglyphs and pictographs, making it a destination for rock art viewing and photography. Nearby attractions include Goosenecks State Park, Bears Ears National Monument's Shash Jaa Unit, and Cedar Mesa. Summer thunderstorms can trigger flash flooding, and strong winds are common, so securing gear is essential.

Directions

Sand Island Group Sites is located on the north bank of the San Juan River about 3 miles west of Bluff, Utah, on the south side of Highway 191.