How much does camping cost at Sand Island Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Sand Island Recreation Area are $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Sand Island Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Sand Island Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sand Island Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Sand Island Recreation Area has 21 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Sand Island Recreation Area?

Sand Island Recreation Area is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sand Island Recreation Area?

Sand Island Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Sand Island Recreation Area have?

Sand Island Recreation Area has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Sand Island Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sand Island Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sand Island Recreation Area?

Sand Island Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sand Island Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Sand Island Recreation Area include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sand Island Recreation Area

4.09

37 reviews

BLM Monticello Field Office, 365 N Main St, Monticello, UT, 84535, United States

Top 5% in UTSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

4,350 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

4,350 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Sand Island Recreation Area

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-587-1500blm_ut_mt_mail@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

BLM Monticello Field Office, 365 N Main St, Monticello, UT, 84535, United States

Sand Island Recreation Area

BLM Monticello Field Office, 365 N Main St, Monticello, UT, 84535, United States

Nearby places

Bluff, UT (3 miles), Monticello (39 miles), Blanding (25 miles)

Weather at Sand Island Recreation Area

Current alerts(2)

A permit is required in advance for floating on the San Juan River.
Drinking water is seasonal and is typically available March through October.

Best Time to Camp at Sand Island Recreation Area

Best season: spring. Spring offers the most comfortable weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to upper-70s°F, nights from the 30s–50s°F) and the best combination of activities: river float launches are prime, cottonwoods leaf out and desert wildflowers bloom, and hiking in the canyons is pleasant without summer heat. Water is generally available by March, making this the easiest time for multi-day river trips and camping logistics, while crowds are moderate — busiest around spring break and holiday long‑wk Peak months: May, April, March

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in UT

Identified as the best season; mild temps, active wildlife, and popular in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Sand Island Recreation Area

Sand Island Recreation Area sits along the San Juan River in Bears Ears National Monument, managed by the BLM Monticello Field Office near Bluff. This budget-friendly campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings amid cottonwoods and desert landscape. Campers enjoy riverside access, nearby petroglyphs, and well-spaced sites with natural screening, plus the area serves as a popular river float launch point.

Sand Island Recreation Area accommodates tent and RV camping, with separate loops designated for different camping setups. Group camping is also supported.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the most comfortable weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to upper-70s°F, nights from the 30s–50s°F) and the best combination of activities: river float launches are prime, cottonwoods leaf out and desert wildflowers bloom, and hiking in the canyons is pleasant without summer heat. Water is generally available by March, making this the easiest time for multi-day river trips and camping logistics, while crowds are moderate — busiest around spring break and holiday long‑wk Peak months: May, April, March

Elevation4350 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe San Juan River flows past the campground beneath red sandstone cliffs that expose millions of years of stratified rock. Mature cottonwoods line the banks, creating shade and a screen of green against the surrounding desert. At 4,350 feet elevation, the landscape blends riparian vegetation with the stark mesas and canyon country typical of the Bears Ears region. The petroglyph wall sits within easy walking distance of the sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodges or accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground does not mention organized cultural or educational programs. However, the petroglyphs offer an informal educational experience.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights allowed

Guests Allowed Per Site

8people per site

Groups

Two group camping sites are available near the boat ramp, and these must be reserved in advance.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsPayments are made in person via self-register kiosks or through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Reservations cannot be done in advance.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified for this campground.

Site SizeCampsites are designed to accommodate up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. Loop A is restricted to tents and van campers, while Loop B caters to larger campers, trailers, and RVs.

PrivacyLots of trees and foliage aid in blocking sites from one another," providing a fair amount of privacy. However, some reviews noted proximity to the highway bridge led to noise disturbances in Loop B.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop A is better suited for tent campers and van campers due to size restrictions. Loop B accommodates larger RVs and trailers but may experience more noise from Highway 191.

Best CampsitesSites away from Loop B avoid highway noise from the nearby bridge on Highway 191. River-facing sites offer better views and quieter conditions, though reviews suggest any site in Loop A provides more distance from truck traffic.

Amenities available

Sand Island Recreation Area provides a mix of amenities to facilitate both basic and group camping needs. Each of the 23 campsites includes a tent/trailer space, picnic table, fire ring, and access to vault toilets. Drinking water is available on-site during the peak season (March through October). The campground supports self-registration and is first-come, first-served.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Sand Island Recreation Area

Sand Island offers diverse activities, including hiking, river rafting, and exploring petroglyphs. The campground serves as a launch point for the San Juan River, known for its rich archeology and wildlife.

Water Sports4.0/5

Boat ramp and San Juan River access support kayaking/raft trips; campground is a launch point.

Hiking3.5/5

Hiking nearby (Cedar Mesa, petroglyph sites) but trails not centered in campground.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Red sandstone cliffs, stratified rock, river and cottonwoods offer varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

37 reviews

Satisfactory

Sand Island Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally highlight the scenic location, privacy between sites, and convenient access to the San Juan River as key advantages. Some concerns include noise near Loop B and issues with ants.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 37 reviews.

Loop AMentioned
Loop A is noted for being suited to tents and vans, while Loop B is better for larger RVs and trailers.
Loop BIssues noted
Loop B, however, suffers from noise due to proximity to the highway.

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the campsite's scenic location, proximity to the San Juan River, and petroglyphs. Many reviewers noted the ample privacy between sites aided by trees and foliage. "The petroglyph...

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from the nearby highway bridge affected the experience in Loop B for some campers. One review stated, "It's one giant ant hill. Had to set up tents on top of the tables and couldn't sit without...

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent for ants. If you prefer a quieter camping experience, consider staying in Loop A further from the highway.

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall appear to be the most popular times for camping based on reviews, with mild temperatures and active wildlife. Summer visits noted issues with insects, like ants.

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Sites are astonishingly private given the distance to other sites and make them ideal for all types of campers." "Sand Island was an excellent camp site! The sites were clean and in great shape."...

Based on 37 reviews