The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Sand Island Campground and Recreation Area is on the San Juan River's banks about three miles west of Bluff, Utah. This Bureau of Land Management camping facility features drinking water in the warmer months. There are two reservable group sites, but the remaining 25 sites are available on a first-come basis. While boaters must obtain a permit before using it, there is a boat launch onto the river. This facility also has a day-use picnic area with picnic tables and fire rings. You will love fishing and boating on the San Juan River. Like other BLM RV camping locations, campers can stay for up to 14 days at this Four Corners campground for a modest fee. This campground is about 93 miles south of Canyonlands National Park, 105 miles south of Arches National Park, 300 miles east of Zion National Park, 325 miles east of Bryce Canyon National Park and 175 miles southeast of Capitol Reef National Park. It is also about 202 miles northeast of Grand Canyon National Park.
This out-and-back trail near Blanding, Utah, leads to ancestral Puebloan ruins where indigenous people lived about 700 years ago. The unusual red stone formation looks like a house on fire, which is this trail's alternate name. While the house on fire is the most popular, five other ruins are along this relatively flat trail. Length: 9.2 miles Intensity: Moderate
This trail allows you to see the Procession Panel rock art, depicting 179 human-like forms surrounded by various forms of wildlife coming from three different directions, converging on a central circle. Below the main panel are several smaller panels. Note that you will be walking on smooth rock faces during this hike, so ensure you wear shoes with good tread. Length: 2.8 miles Intensity: Moderate
This trail leads through Butler Wash, then through a canyon. When the canyon becomes wider, follow the route to the left. Keep hiking for about one mile, and you will discover the cave containing rock art and grinding stones. Continuing onto the alcove allows you to explore historical structures in various stages of decay. Length: 2.1 miles Intensity: Moderate
The San Juan River running through Sand Wash is a terrific place to flyfish in the spring and late summer for rainbow and German brown trout. The water usually moves too swiftly during the summer for the fishing to be great because of runoff from higher elevations. The best fishing usually occurs within an hour of sunrise and sunset as the fish are livelier.
Bluffs Cliffs, about four miles west of Bluffs, is a terrific place to climb on sandstone. When choosing a spot to climb, look for a reddish-brown varnished look as those rocks will be of better quality. In particular, climbers enjoy climbing Million Dollar Baby and Million Dollar Tower in the Cottonwood Wash.
Natural Bridges National Monument is a terrific place for viewing wildlife along several well-marked trails. While exploring this monument about 30 minutes north of Bluff, you may see mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, and various species of birds.
Valley of the Gods is a 17-mile unpaved scenic drive where you can see beautiful rock formations. Along its course are numerous areas with picnic tables, where you can pull over and enjoy dining. Start the drive off U.S. 163, about 15 miles west of the town of Bluff. The drive ends when the road intersects with Utah Highway 261.
Sand Wash is a terrific place to go RV camping along the San Juan River. There are 27 sites available, so it is a fantastic choice when looking for Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the Four Corners region. Another option is Creek Pasture Campground in Bears Ears National Monument. This campground has 32 campsites, each with a picnic table and a fire ring. Campsites are available on a first-come basis. Hamburger Rock Campground is also in the Bears Ears National Monument. This campground that does not take reservations sits at the base of Hamburger Rock, and great rock climbing is nearby.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is hard to find in this area, so you may have to abandon your search for BLM camping near me during your visit. Still, dispersed camping is available at Recapture Pocket, located about eight miles northwest of Bluff, and you will love exploring the hoodoos in this valley. While you will need to get a permit and pay an entry fee, boondocking is available at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which covers more than 25,000 square miles. You can camp for free next to the visitors center at National Bridges National Monument.
This area is filled with rock art, and much of the land belongs to the Navajo tribe. While they welcome you as guests, you must act respectfully. Other images have been left by some of the first Mormon settlers in the early 1800s. You will want to bring binoculars because the trail may run by the most vivid images and cliff dwellings, but there are others you will want to observe from afar. Never touch the art directly because it can destroy it. Be sure to stay on the trails as critical archeological finds may be nearby. While it can be tempting to make a mark, you should use paper instead to record your impressions of the sites. Many people find a hidden spiritual connection with those who have gone before when exploring this area. Others enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while others love the chance to hike and fish. Before leaving home to explore this area, learn more about BLM camping by reading this blog.
As a sign of respect, the Navajo people ask that you not eat or drink near rock art. Yet, you are sure to generate some trash while visiting other areas. Keep the area clean by packing out your trash so that those coming behind you can enjoy it. Practicing the "Leave No Trace" guidelines is appreciated.
From Bluff Fort Historic Site, head east on Black Locust Road. Turn right on North 6th East Street. Turn right on U.S. 191. Turn left on Sand Island Road. The location will be on your right after about 0.5 miles. Address: Sand Island, Sand Island Road, Bluff, Utah 84512 Ready to visit Sand Island? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
