Seasonal operation. This campground is not open year-round. Likely open now (September).
Sand Island Recreation Area
BLM Bureau of Land Management · Monticello, UT · Primitive
Conditions
Road Access
Not recorded
Season
Seasonal Closure
Campfires
Campfires Allowed
Boondock Access
Not recorded
The managing agency hasn't published road access for this campground. The description and directions below often mention it — and it's worth calling the agency before a long drive.
Features
Style
Primitive
Potable Water
Vault Toilet
Reservable
Campground Stats
| Total Sites | 22 |
| Overnight Sites | 21 |
Location
Description
Overview
Sand Island Recreation Area is a good camping option for visitors launching San Juan River float trips, or wishing to camp close to the town of Bluff or the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument. The campground provides 21 campsites that each feature a tent/trailer space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and vault toilets. Drinking water is available seasonally (typically March through October). Each campsite can hold 8 people and 2 vehicles. Reservations are not available for camping at this location. Individual campsites are available on a first come, first served basis upon arrival at the self-register kiosk at the site. The Sand Island Group Sites are available for larger groups, and may be reserved here.
Recreation
Sand Island is the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips. San Juan River trips provide boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. A river permit is required in advance. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel site is located on the sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. There are many nearby hiking and scenic driving opportuites in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument.
Natural Features
Sand Island is located along the San Juan River. Cottonwood trees line the banks of the river and are scattered throughout the campground, providing shade at many of the sites. The north side of the campground is lined with red sandstone walls.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (435) 587-1500.Nearby Attractions
- Bears Ears National Monument
- San Juan River
- Cedar Mesa
- Valley of the Gods
- Goosenecks State Park
Charges & Cancellations
No refunds are available.
Directions
The recreation area is located off U.S. Route 191 approximately three miles west of Bluff, UT and approximately one mile east of the junction of U.S. Routes 163 and 191. It is accessible by all passenger vehicles.
Activities
CAMPING
HIKING
HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE
PHOTOGRAPHY
RIVER TRIPS
SCENIC DRIVE
Details
| Fee | The campground at Sand Island Recreation Area is first come, first served and payment must be made upon arrival at the self-register kiosk at the campground using cash, check, or the Scan & Pay feature on the Recreation.gov mobile app. You must have the Recreation.gov app installed on your mobile device to use the Scan & Pay payment method. There is no fee for day use. |
| [email protected] | |
| Reservable | Yes |
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