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.
Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 12:34PM MDT until July 2 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 207 Southwest Colorado Lower Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 290 Paradox Valley Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 291 Northern San Juan Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 292 North Fork Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 293 Gunnison Basin Forecast Area and Fire Weather Zone 294 Southwest Colorado Upper West Forecast Area. In Utah, Fire Weather Zone 491 Southeast Utah. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 8 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...6 to 11 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 12:34PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 207 Southwest Colorado Lower Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 290 Paradox Valley Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 291 Northern San Juan Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 292 North Fork Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 293 Gunnison Basin Forecast Area and Fire Weather Zone 294 Southwest Colorado Upper West Forecast Area. In Utah, Fire Weather Zone 491 Southeast Utah. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 8 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...6 to 11 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
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
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