Sand Island Recreation Area
Open year-round, first-come, first-served with self-registration. Seasonal drinking water is typically available March through October. Currently in the water-available season.
Flood Watch issued August 30 at 7:37PM MDT until September 1 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Colorado, including the following areas, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Flat Tops, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand Valley, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Upper Gunnison River Valley and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Recent burn scars will also be especially susceptible and these include the Lee and Elk RX, Gold Mountain and Elk, Ferris, and Babylon burn scars to name a few. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Monsoonal moisture will remain across the area through Monday evening and will support thunderstorms and showers with heavy rainfall across the watch area. Several rounds of heavier rain are expected increasing the chance for flash flooding especially in our more susceptible areas. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Sand Island Recreation Area sits along the San Juan River within Bears Ears National Monument, approximately 3 miles west of Bluff on US Highway 191. The campground offers 27 sites spread beneath cottonwood trees that line the riverbank, with red sandstone walls forming the northern boundary. Each site accommodates up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. The recreation area is best known as the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips, which require advance permits. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel, featuring ancient rock art on the sandstone walls north of the campground, is a short walk away. The surrounding Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument offers numerous hiking and scenic driving opportunities, with Valley of the Gods and Goosenecks State Park nearby. Camping is first-come, first-served at $15 per night with a 14-day stay limit. There are no reservations for individual sites; campers self-register at the kiosk upon arrival. Group sites for larger parties may be reserved through Recreation.gov.
Directions
Located off US Route 191 approximately 3 miles west of Bluff, Utah, and approximately 1 mile east of the junction of US Routes 163 and 191. Accessible by all passenger vehicles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| blm_ut_mt_mail@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 587-1500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| BLM Sand Island Recreation Area |
Availability
Photos
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