Sand Island Group Sites
Open year-round. Water is seasonal and typically unavailable November through February. San Juan River floating requires a permit. Strong winds are common; secure all gear. Annual/Senior/Access passes do not cover group site fees.
Flood Watch issued October 29 at 9:42PM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Colorado, including the following areas, Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, San Juan River Basin and Southwest San Juan Mountains and southeast Utah, including the following areas, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains and Southeast Utah. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, recently burned areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across portions of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado from Sunday morning through Monday morning over soils that are still saturated from recent rainfall and flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 29 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT Low pressure begins to dig southward from the PACNW on Friday, tapping into a fetch of Pacific moisture that will evolve into an atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest this weekend. Showers and thunderstorms develop on Friday and Saturday across the region. Lighter rainfall totals Friday and Saturday will reflect, initially lower, moisture. However, a few thunderstorms could produce impactful downpours on saturated soils left over from last weekend's historic rainfall. Deeper moisture develops Saturday night and early Sunday. This is expected to produce heavier and more widespread rainfall across southeast UT and southwest CO Sunday and Monday, mostly below 10000 feet. While rivers are forecast to remain below action stage, a growing concern lies in the potential for runoff around saturated hillsides in the region. This could produce rock, mud, and debris flows onto roadways, as well as flash flood prone burn scars, washes, slot canyons, and arroyos. Early estimates predict an area of 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall for portions of southeast UT and southwest CO. This is a preliminary forecast that hinges on slight shifts in a strong moisture plume impacting the region. It also attempts to capture the most statistically likely outcome, despite stronger and weaker outlier predictions. Outdoor enthusiasts, motorists, and residents of recent flood impacted areas are encouraged to remain abreast of the developing forecast in the coming days.
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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| monticello_fo@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 587-1500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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