Sand Island Group Sites

4.29

127 reviews

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

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

Opens BLM Monticello Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

4,318 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens BLM Monticello Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Sand Island Group Sites

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for group sites at Sand Island Campground is $65 per night, applicable to both Group Site A and Group Site B. Additional fees may apply for...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$65.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-587-1500Cworth@BLM.gov

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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 127 reviews

78 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslocationsites

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

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

Driving directionsSand Island Campground is located on the north bank of the San Juan River about 3 miles west of Bluff, Utah, on the south side of Highway 191.

The campground is accessible from Highway 191, with paved road access leading directly to the site. However, user reviews and authoritative sources mention proximity to the highway, which leads to occasional noise from large trucks during the night.

Nearby places

Bluff, UT (3 miles

approximately 7-minute drive)

Monticello, UT (approximately 40 miles away

estimated 45-minute drive).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Bluff, UT, located 3 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Sand Island Group Sites

The high desert climate here dances through dramatic seasonal changes that shape each visit differently. Summer days blaze with intense sunshine, occasionally punctuated by afternoon thunderstorms that roll through the canyons with spectacular displays of lightning and gusty winds. As autumn arrives, the temperature swings become more pronounced – warm days give way to crisp, star-filled nights that may require an extra layer or two. Spring and fall offer the most temperate conditions for exploring. Water taps flow reliably from March through October, after which winter visitors should come prepared with their own supply.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summer brings extreme heat and high mosquito activity per seasonal reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as offering more pleasant weather with cooler nights.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Water generally returns in March–Oct; spring offers river access though conditions variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but water often unavailable and conditions colder; limited winter camping appeal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; water is seasonal and generally available March through October.
Current Alerts: Water is typically unavailable November through February, and gusty winds can occur year-round.

About Sand Island Group Sites

Nestled along the winding banks of the San Juan River near Bluff, Utah, Sand Island Campground beckons groups seeking adventure in the heart of canyon country. Two spacious group sites provide the perfect basecamp for extended families and friends gathering under the vast desert sky. From your shaded picnic area, you'll have front-row access to world-class river floats, mesmerizing scenic drives through red rock canyons, and mysterious ancient petroglyphs that whisper stories from centuries past. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with sturdy picnic tables, fire grates for evening gatherings, and welcome shade structures that offer respite from the desert sun.

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

Historical Significance

Indigenous Heritage

Sand Island stands as a sacred gallery of ancient Native American artistry, where weathered sandstone walls display an extraordinary collection of petroglyphs and pictographs spanning thousands of years. These intricate rock art panels offer visitors a profound connection to the Ancestral Puebloan and other indigenous peoples who called these canyons home. Beyond its role as an outdoor museum, Sand Island serves as the gateway for river runners embarking on journeys through the San Juan's archaeological wonderland, where every bend reveals new glimpses into the rich tapestry of human history woven into these canyon walls.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here dances through dramatic seasonal changes that shape each visit differently. Summer days blaze with intense sunshine, occasionally punctuated by afternoon thunderstorms that roll through the canyons with spectacular displays of lightning and gusty winds. As autumn arrives, the temperature swings become more pronounced – warm days give way to crisp, star-filled nights that may require an extra layer or two. Spring and fall offer the most temperate conditions for exploring. Water taps flow reliably from March through October, after which winter visitors should come prepared with their own supply.

ElevationTucked into the embrace of the San Juan River canyon, the campground rests at the river's edge where ancient waters have carved their patient path through layers of geological time. This riverside setting places you at the heart of the Colorado Plateau's canyon country, where the interplay of water and stone creates an ever-changing landscape of shadows and light.

Natural Features and SceneryThe San Juan River serves as your constant companion at Sand Island, its muddy waters telling tales of distant mountain snowmelt as it winds through towering canyon walls. Majestic cottonwood trees line the riverbank, their leaves rustling with desert breezes and providing pools of shade that shift throughout the day. The true stars of the show, however, are the remarkable petroglyph panels etched into nearby cliff faces – an outdoor art gallery where bighorn sheep, spirals, and human figures dance across the rock, preserved by the dry desert air for modern eyes to marvel at. The surrounding canyon landscape paints a masterpiece of red rock formations, creating a natural amphitheater that glows golden at sunrise and sunset.

Geological RegionSand Island Campground sits within one of the Southwest's most geologically fascinating corridors, where the San Juan River has sculpted a masterpiece through millions of years of patient erosion. This archaeological treasure trove showcases the Colorado Plateau's signature red rock formations, while the river canyon walls reveal layer upon layer of Earth's ancient history. The region's unique combination of exposed sandstone cliffs and riverside terraces has created the perfect canvas for both natural beauty and human expression, making it a crossroads where geological wonders meet cultural heritage in spectacular fashion.

Best Campsites

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Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is typically at 11:00 AM local time.

Check-out

Check-out is typically at 11:00 AM local time.

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

Site layoutThe campground is divided into two loops: Loop A features Group Site A near the boat ramp, while Loop B hosts Group Site B with larger accommodations.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is mentioned for non-group sites in user reviews, but group sites must be reserved in advance.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made in advance; a $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night’s recreation fee for late cancellations. Changes to reservations may incur a $10 fee if entirely outside the original dates.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingHiking opportunities include trails leading to petroglyphs and pictographs on nearby ledges. Visitors can access these by walking east past the ranger station and towards the river.

BoatingThe campground serves as a primary put-in point for a 102-mile stretch of the San Juan River between Montezuma Creek and Clay Hills Crossing, providing access to scenic canyons and historical sites.

Wildlife viewingThe area is popular for bird watching and wildlife observation. Visitors have reported sightings of wild horses, lizards, and other regional fauna.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are abundant in summer near the river. Gusty winds and flash flooding are possible during thunderstorms. Wildlife, including fire ants and scorpions, may pose additional challenges.

Active AlertsWater is typically unavailable November through February, and gusty winds can occur year-round.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire grates. Gusty winds may affect fire safety.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in Bluff, UT (3 miles away), which includes basic medical facilities and police support. For more advanced care, Monticello, UT is approximately 40 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are located at the campground entrance. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located adjacent to the San Juan River, providing opportunities for river floats and paddling.

Camp HostBLM rangers are noted for being friendly and helpful. Contact the Monticello Field Office for inquiries.

Weather at Sand Island Group Sites

Reviews

4.3

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

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

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