How much does camping cost at Sand Island Group Sites?

Camping fees at Sand Island Group Sites range from $65/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sand Island Group Sites first-come first-served or reservation?

Sand Island Group Sites accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sand Island Group Sites before I book?

Yes! Sand Island Group Sites has 2 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sand Island Group Sites?

Sand Island Group Sites 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 Group Sites?

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

How many campsites does Sand Island Group Sites have?

Sand Island Group Sites has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sand Island Group Sites?

Pets are not allowed at Sand Island Group Sites. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sand Island Group Sites?

Sand Island Group Sites offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sand Island Group Sites?

Popular activities at Sand Island Group Sites include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sand Island Group Sites

4.22

127 reviews

BLM MONTICELLO FIELD OFFICE, PO BOX 7, Monticello, UT 84535, USA

Top 21% in UTFall

B-Report Card

Featured in:Group Camping Utah Primitive Camping

Quick Facts

4,318 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on BLM Monticello Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,318 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on BLM Monticello Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Sand Island Group Sites

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC-428720: $65.00; GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC-428721: $65.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$65.00

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Provider

435-587-1500Cworth@BLM.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

BLM MONTICELLO FIELD OFFICE, PO BOX 7, Monticello, UT 84535, USA

Sand Island Group Sites

BLM MONTICELLO FIELD OFFICE, PO BOX 7, Monticello, UT 84535, USA

Nearby places

Bluff, UT (3 miles

approximately 7-minute drive)

Monticello, UT (approximately 40 miles away

estimated 45-minute drive).

Weather at Sand Island Group Sites

Current alerts(6)

A permit is required for floating on the San Juan River
Annual, Senior and Access passes do not apply to group site fees.
Gusty winds are possible so always secure your tents and camping gear.
Summer thunderstorms can cause flash flooding and gusty winds; stay aware of current weather.

Best Time to Camp at Sand Island Group Sites

Best season: fall. Fall brings the most comfortable weather and the best overall experience — daytime highs typically in the 60s–80s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–50s — making hiking, river floats, petroglyph viewing, and photography especially pleasant. Cottonwoods along the San Juan and the warm late-afternoon light on red-rock cliffs create peak scenery in September–October, while crowds drop compared with midsummer. River access and seasonal campground water are usually still available through October, so you Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 21% in UT

Overview: fall is best season with comfortable temps and vivid cottonwood color; highly recommended.

Planning Tips

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

About Sand Island Group Sites

Sand Island Group Sites sits on the San Juan River near Bluff, Utah, operated by the BLM Monticello Field Office. The campground offers group tent and primitive camping with river access for boating and a short walk to ancient petroglyphs carved into riverside cliffs. Fall brings cottonwood color and comfortable temperatures, though highway noise carries across the water.

Sand Island Group Sites is designed for group camping, with options for primitive setups and no availability for individual or luxury accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall brings the most comfortable weather and the best overall experience — daytime highs typically in the 60s–80s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–50s — making hiking, river floats, petroglyph viewing, and photography especially pleasant. Cottonwoods along the San Juan and the warm late-afternoon light on red-rock cliffs create peak scenery in September–October, while crowds drop compared with midsummer. River access and seasonal campground water are usually still available through October, so you Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation4318 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe San Juan River winds past the campground at 4,318 feet elevation, its red-brown water cutting through canyon walls that expose millions of years of Colorado Plateau geology. Cottonwoods line the riverbank, providing scattered shade and vibrant fall color in September and October. The real attraction is the petroglyph panels on nearby cliff faces. Bighorn sheep, spirals, and human figures etched into the sandstone by Ancestral Puebloan peoples. The surrounding red rock formations catch warm late-afternoon light, especially striking during autumn.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available. Camping is limited to group sites and primitive setups.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground features numerous petroglyphs and pictographs, making it a cultural site of interest. No formal educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group Site A allows 10–20 guests, while Group Site B allows 15–40 guests.

Groups

Group Site A accommodates 10-20 people and Group Site B accommodates 15-40 people. Both sites have picnic tables, fire grates, and shade structures.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityBasic accessibility features include flat terrain and proximity to facilities like vault toilets and picnic areas. However, accessibility details for individuals with disabilities are limited.

Site SizeGroup Site A accommodates 10-20 people, while Group Site B allows 15-40 people.

PrivacyThe sites provide moderate privacy, with Group Site A located near the boat ramp and Group Site B set back from the entry road, offering slightly less exposure to traffic.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesFor easy river access and rigging rafts, choose Group Site A. Group Site B is better for larger gatherings and offers convenient amenities like a nearby vault toilet.

Best CampsitesGroup Site A sits near the boat ramp, making it convenient for river access but more exposed to traffic. Group Site B is set back from the entry road and holds larger groups (15–40 people versus 10–20), offering slightly more privacy and direct river access according to reviews.

Need help booking Sand Island Group Sites?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Sand Island Group Sites offers basic amenities that cater to group camping, emphasizing convenience for those engaging in recreational activities nearby. Amenities include picnic tables, shade structures, fire grates, and seasonal water availability. The two group sites are distinguished by their proximity to local features like the boat ramp and the San Juan River. Trash receptacles are located at the entrance. However, there are no electric hookups, sewer hookups, or dump stations onsite.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Sand Island Group Sites offers a variety of activities centered around the San Juan River's natural and cultural features. Popular activities include river floating, bird watching, rock art viewing, and hiking to nearby petroglyph sites.

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are the primary restroom facilities onsite.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Sand Island Group Sites

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From Booking Sources

4.2

127 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews consistently highlight the natural beauty of the campground, its proximity to the San Juan River, and the cultural significance of nearby petroglyphs. However, there are frequent mentions of highway noise, mosquitoes, and limited facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 127 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's scenic location along the San Juan River and access to petroglyphs are frequently praised. Visitors appreciate the clean and functional vault toilets, spacious group sites, and the...

Based on 127 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include mosquitoes, occasional unclean restrooms during peak times, and noise from the nearby highway. Some visitors also reported encounters with ants and challenging weather...

Based on 127 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site A is highlighted for its proximity to the boat ramp, making it convenient for river activities. Group Site B is praised for its spacious layout and shade but criticized for highway noise.

Based on 127 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray and securing tents due to frequent gusty winds. They suggest visiting during cooler months to avoid oppressive heat and mosquitoes. Early reservations are advised...

Based on 127 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are noted for high mosquito activity and extreme heat, while fall offers more pleasant weather but colder nights. Winter camping is limited due to the unavailability of water.

Based on 127 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campsite near the banks of the San Juan River. Quiet evening and close to one of the most underrated rock art panels in the Southwest." - Ken and Alicia Lund. "Clean, quiet, and...

Based on 127 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited specific feedback on accessibility features, though flat terrain and proximity to restrooms are noted as helpful for general access.

Based on 127 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

User mentions include the need to watch for fire ants, particularly for dog owners. No other detailed pet-related reviews are available.

Based on 127 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Sand Island Group Sites

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC-428720: $65.00; GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC-428721: $65.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$65.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-587-1500Cworth@BLM.gov

Go if

You want a group site on the San Juan River with easy access to ancient rock art and fall paddling.

Skip if

You need quiet nights or want to avoid mosquitoes during summer months.

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Campgrounds

Sand Island Group Sites

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 55% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 65 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Getting there
Grade A+.Booking
Grade A.Campsites

Watch-outs

Grade D.Bugs & weather
Grade C-.Crowds & noise
Grade C.Value

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Utah grades overall

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