Sand Island Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Sand Island Recreation Area

As part of the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Land Management oversees more than 245 million acres of land for the enjoyment and education of the American public. The Sand Island Recreation Area is a fantastic spot to enjoy BLM RV camping. Its most remarkable attraction is an archeological site known as the Sand Island Petroglyphs, an expansive 100-plus-yard rock wall featuring ancient Anasazi rock art images. The recreation area's 27 campsites are open year-round, and the fee is $15 a night. This campground, about 3 miles west of Bluff, Utah, is near the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument. It's also a fantastic jumping-off point for road trips to Utah’s spectacular national parks. Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park are approximately 93 and 105 miles to the north, respectively. The San Juan River is another reason to visit the Sand Island Recreation Area. If you’re into whitewater rafting, fishing, and boating, you’ll want to grab a river permit and learn about the applicable local requirements. Teenagers and adults must wear a personal floatation device (PFD) until downstream of Slickhorn Rapids. In any San Juan River location, children younger than 13 years old must always wear a PFD. There's also an extensive list of required gear you must bring, including a first aid kit and repair kit.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Procession Panel Trail

It usually takes hikers about 1.5 hours to hike this pet-friendly trail. Length: 2.8 miles out and back Intensity: Moderately challenging

Cold Springs Cave Ruin Trail

Plan to spend about 43 minutes hiking this trail. Bring binoculars because it's a fantastic place to view and photograph birds. This is not a pet-friendly trail. Length: 1.9 miles out and back Intensity: Moderately challenging

Fishing and Boating

You can access the 383-mile San Juan River via a boat ramp at the Sand Island Campground. Anglers can try their luck with rainbow trout, among other types of fish.

Wildlife Viewing

Bird activity tends to be light during the hottest summer months at the Sand Island Recreation Area. In the winter, you might spot birds, such as warblers, that have migrated to the vicinity.

Picnicking

Campsites at the Sand Island Recreation Area include picnic tables and fire grates. There’s also a dedicated picnic spot available for daytime use.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You have a couple of different options for RV camping at the Sand Island Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. If your group is traveling with one or two vehicles, the Sand Island Campground offers 27 first-come, first-served campsites with space for a tent or trailer. Amenities include seasonally available drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, and a picnic area. There’s an on-site boat ramp, which makes it easy to access the San Juan River for a fun day out on the water with your group. If you’re traveling with more than two vehicles, consider renting one of the two group campsites instead of the individual campsites. The pet-friendly Group A campsite accommodates 10 to 20 people, but it's not considered wheelchair-accessible. Group B is a pet-friendly, wheelchair-accessible campsite that can accommodate 15 to 40 people.

Free Camping

There's no free camping at the Bureau of Land Management Sand Island Campground. However, the fees are only $15 per night for the individual campsites. Considering many Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in Utah have implemented nightly fees, it's getting more challenging to locate truly free "BLM camping near me." However, free, dispersed, primitive camping is still available on BLM lands in the Bluff, Utah, area near Recapture Pocket. This area is worth visiting for the magnificent scenery. Access is available via low-clearance dirt roads that can be difficult to navigate during a downpour. We recommend calling the Monticello Field Office if you have any questions about the Bureau of Land Management free camping in that area.

RV Rentals Near Sand Island Recreation Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Sand Island Recreation Area BLM trip

Those planning to go whitewater rafting on the San Juan River should pack a first aid kit, portable toilet system, life jackets, life ring, rescue rope, and a whistle for convenience and safety. Anglers should bring their preferred fishing gear and plenty of bait, such as worms, minnows, or kernel corn. Don't forget a raft repair kit, air pump, fire pan, oars, paddles, bail buckets, and a bilge pump. Pack portable, easy-to-eat foods for picnics. You may also want to bring charcoal or firewood if you want to enjoy the fire pit. Don't forget marshmallows and supplies to make s'mores. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for many other helpful hints to know about BLM Camping.

Leave No Trace

Trash receptacles are ready for you to use in selected locations around the campground. Please put all litter in these receptacles before departing from the premises. Although some well-intentioned visitors leave behind food scraps for the local animals, it's not safe for them and could cause harm, so please also put the scraps in the garbage cans. If you're bringing along your four-legged family members, clean up any messes they’ve made to ensure an inviting area for everyone. "Leave No Trace" is the kindest way to leave your site for the next camper.

Sand Island Recreation Area Location

If you're driving to the Sand Island Recreation Area from Montezuma Creek, Utah, start by traveling north on East County Road 477 toward East Main Street, on which you'll make a left. Make a right turn onto UT-162 W, then be on the lookout for the abrupt left turn you’ll need to make onto UT-162 W/Trading Post Road. Drive 14.6 miles, then turn left onto US Highway 191 S / Main Street. After driving about 4 miles, turn left onto Sand Island Road. It's about half a mile from there to the campground and boat launch. The recreation area is set on the northern bank of the San Juan River at a latitude and longitude of 37.1518, -109.3336. Ready to visit the Sand Island Recreational Area? 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.