Sand Island Recreation Area
Open
— Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Drinking water is available seasonally from March through October; campers should bring water during winter months. Limited to 14 consecutive nights.
About
Sand Island Recreation Area is located on the north bank of the San Juan River within Bears Ears National Monument, approximately 3 miles west of Bluff, Utah. The campground offers 25 individual campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis, plus 2 reservable group sites for larger parties. Each individual site accommodates up to 8 people and 2 vehicles, featuring a tent/trailer space, picnic table, and fire ring.
The campground serves as the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips, which require advance permits and provide access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archaeology, and wildlife. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel is located on sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. Cottonwood trees line the river banks and are scattered throughout the campground, providing shade at many sites, with red sandstone cliffs forming a scenic backdrop.
Sand Island provides convenient access to hiking and scenic driving opportunities throughout the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument. Nearby attractions include Valley of the Gods and Goosenecks State Park. The campground is accessible by all passenger vehicles via U.S. Route 191.
Directions
Located off U.S. Route 191 approximately 3 miles west of Bluff, Utah and approximately 1 mile east of the junction of U.S. Routes 163 and 191. Accessible by all passenger vehicles.
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