Sand Island Recreation Area
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 23 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.
Notifications and Alerts
Notice of temporary closure of campsites 1-8: Loop A (campsites 1 – 8) are closed during the construction of a new accessible trail and improved parking. For your safety, this area will be closed to campers and visitors during that time. The trail upgrades will improve recreation access to an approximately ½ mile section of the Bluff River Trail and are completed in partnership with Bears Ears Partnership and the World Monument Fund.
The remainder of the Sand Island Recreation Area, campground and boat ramp remain open to public use. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Need to Know
A permit is required in advance for floating on the San Juan River.
Drinking water is seasonal and is typically available March through October.
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.
Nearby Attractions
- Bears Ears National Monument
- San Juan River
- Cedar Mesa
- Valley of the Gods
- Goosenecks State Park
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.
Changes & Cancellations
No refunds are available.
Contact Information
Mailing
BLM Monticello Field Office PO Box 7 Monticello UT 84535
Physical
BLM Monticello Field Office 365 N Main St Monticello UT 84535
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
Available Campsites
- Site 9, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 23, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 21, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 8, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 7, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
