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. 

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.

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.

Nearby Attractions

• Bears Ears National Monument 
• San Juan River
• Cedar Mesa
• Valley of the Gods
• Goosenecks State Park

Contact Info

Important Notices

• A permit is required in advance for floating on the San Juan River.

• Drinking water is seasonal and is typically available March through October.

Notifications and Alerts

• IMPORTANT VISITOR ADVISORY – LOCAL FLOODING AND EMERGENCY CONDITIONS

  Due to recent flooding and significant storm damage throughout the county, please consider avoiding travel within the Monticello Field Office area, particularly on dirt roads.

  Flooding has damaged roads, bridges and impacted local communities. Emergency response may be limited in some areas and take longer to arrive, with resources already stretched thin responding to these events. Please avoid unnecessary travel.

  If you decide to travel to the region, please take extra precautions and check local conditions before departing. Local highways may be closed, and dirt roads may be impassable due to erosion.

  For questions, please call the Monticello Field Office at 435-587-1500. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

• A location closure has been issued, and the facility is closed at this time. Reservation-holders will receive an email with additional information. Please check back for location closure updates.

Available Activities

• Camping - Camping
• Hiking - Hiking
• Historic & Cultural Site - Historic & Cultural Site
• River Trips - River Trips
• Photography - Photography
• Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive

Directions

<p>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.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>No refunds are available.</p>

Contact Information

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip