Sand Island Recreation Area
4.5212 reviewsBLM Monticello Field Office, 365 N Main St, Monticello, UT, 84535, United States
Quick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSand Island Recreation Area
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping costs $15 per night for a standard site. Payments must be made upon arrival at the self-register kiosk using cash, check, or the Scan & Pay...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider435-587-1500blm_ut_mt_mail@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.52
Top-Rated
Based on 12 reviews
19 Google reviews
Most mentioned
privacylocationsites
Some mention
noise
"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."
Fees & Passes at Sand Island Recreation Area
$15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 nights allowed
Cancellation: No refunds or modifications are allowed for Scan & Pay transactions.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official BLM Monticello Field Office website.
Best Time to Camp at Sand Island Recreation Area
Experience the rhythmic dance of desert seasons at Sand Island, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings crystalline blue skies and warm days perfect for early morning adventures and starlit evening gatherings. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons for camping, offering gentle temperatures that invite exploration from dawn to dusk. Fresh drinking water flows through the campground during peak visitation months from March through October, ensuring your comfort as you immerse yourself in this ancient landscape.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: March through October (drinking water is available during this period).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round for camping. Drinking water availability is seasonal and typically provided March through October.
About Sand Island Recreation Area
Nestled within the stunning Bears Ears National Monument, Sand Island Recreation Area beckons adventurers with 23 thoughtfully positioned campsites along the legendary San Juan River. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and convenient vault toilets, creating the perfect basecamp for your desert explorations. As the premier launching point for unforgettable San Juan River float trips, this riverside haven also serves as your gateway to ancient wonders, including the remarkable petroglyph panels and the mystical landscapes of Cedar Mesa. Seasonal drinking water ensures comfort during your stay in this high desert paradise.
Sand Island Recreation Area accommodates tent and RV camping, with separate loops designated for different camping setups. Group camping is also supported.
Historical SignificanceStep back thousands of years at Sand Island, where ancient voices still speak through stone. The crown jewel of the area, the Sand Island Petroglyph Panel, stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry woven by ancestral peoples who called this region home. These intricate rock carvings offer glimpses into ceremonies, daily life, and spiritual beliefs of civilizations past. As your launching point into Bears Ears National Monument, the campground connects modern explorers with countless archaeological treasures and sacred sites that dot this culturally significant landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the rhythmic dance of desert seasons at Sand Island, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings crystalline blue skies and warm days perfect for early morning adventures and starlit evening gatherings. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons for camping, offering gentle temperatures that invite exploration from dawn to dusk. Fresh drinking water flows through the campground during peak visitation months from March through October, ensuring your comfort as you immerse yourself in this ancient landscape.
ElevationPerched in the heart of the high desert where the San Juan River carves its ancient path, Sand Island offers a unique riverside camping experience in an otherwise arid landscape. This desert oasis provides a refreshing contrast to the surrounding terrain, creating a microclimate where cottonwoods thrive and temperatures moderate along the water's edge.
Natural Features and SceneryAwaken to the gentle murmur of the San Juan River as it winds past towering cottonwoods that provide welcome shade in this desert sanctuary. Dramatic red sandstone walls rise like ancient sentinels around the campground, their layered stories written in stone over millions of years. This remarkable convergence of water and rock creates an ever-changing canvas where morning light transforms canyon walls into glowing embers and evening shadows dance among the cottonwood leaves. The juxtaposition of lush riverside vegetation against the stark beauty of the surrounding desert offers photographers and nature lovers endless inspiration.
Geological RegionSand Island Recreation Area occupies a geological wonderland where the patient San Juan River has sculpted a corridor through layers of time itself. Majestic red sandstone cliffs reveal millions of years of Earth's history in their stratified walls, while ancient cottonwoods line the riverbanks in a ribbon of green through the desert. This remarkable landscape sits within the greater Bears Ears National Monument region, where mesas, canyons, and desert expanses create a textbook of geological processes. Here, the forces of water, wind, and time continue their eternal work, shaping a landscape that captures the imagination and humbles the spirit.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified for this campground.
Sites 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.
Sites Privacy"Lots 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 CampsitesLoop 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 Campsites
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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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThere are two loops: Loop A (8 sites) mainly for tent and van campers, and Loop B (15 sites) designed for larger RVs and trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round for camping. Drinking water availability is seasonal and typically provided March through October.
Reservation PlatformsPayments are made in person via self-register kiosks or through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Reservations cannot be done in advance.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. No advance reservations are available.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds or modifications are allowed for Scan & Pay transactions.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
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.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available nearby, including scenic trails in the Cedar Mesa area and access to petroglyph sites.Boating
The campground features a boat ramp for launching trips on the San Juan River. A river permit is required for use.Wildlife viewing
The San Juan River area provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, though specific species are not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter recreation options are not detailed for this location.Water Sports
River rafting is a key activity supported by the campground. Permits are required for such trips.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but campers must bring their own wood. Fire rings are provided at each site.
- Quiet hours are enforced, but specific times are not detailed in the source.
Hazards
General hazardsAnt infestations are reported by campers. Other dangers include wildlife and potential flash flooding along the river during storms.
Weather at Sand Island Recreation Area
50
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Monticello Hospital (39 miles), Bluff Fire Department (3 miles), Monticello Police Department (39 miles)
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch through October (drinking water is available during this period).
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are located at the entrance near the boat ramp. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the San Juan River, offering convenient access to river activities.
Common complaintsSome campers report ant infestations ('Replace the word sand with ant island.'). Others mention noise near Loop B from truck traffic on Highway 191.
HostFacility-specific inquiries can be directed to the managing agency (BLM Monticello Field Office) via phone or email.
Campground Map
BLM Monticello Field Office, 365 N Main St, Monticello, UT, 84535, United States
Driving directionsThe 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.
The campground is accessible by all passenger vehicles, and no high-clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicles are required. Roads are paved.Nearby places
Bluff, UT (3 miles), Monticello (39 miles), Blanding (25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Bluff, UT, approximately 3 miles away, including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
12 reviews
Sand Island Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 12 reviews
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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsSeasonal 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 12 reviewsCamper 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 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Loop A is noted for being suited to tents and vans, while Loop B is better for larger RVs and trailers. Loop B, however, suffers from noise due to proximity to the highway.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features or reviews specific to disabilities are not mentioned.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, though there are no specific comments on pet-friendly amenities or challenges.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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