Overview Sand Island Campground’s two group campsites are ideal for groups wishing to be close to the town of Bluff and the San Juan River. The area offers outdoor enthusiasts many options for river floating, scenic driving and rock art viewing.Recreation Sand Island is the main put-in for the 102-mile section of the S…
Overview Sand Island Campground’s two group campsites are ideal for groups wishing to be close to the town of Bluff and the San Juan River. The area offers outdoor enthusiasts many options for river floating, scenic driving and rock art viewing.Recreation Sand Island is the main put-in for the 102-mile section of the San Juan River between Montezuma Creek and Clay Hills Crossing that provides boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. Within the campground there are numerous petroglyphs and pictographs on the ledges above and it is a popular destination for both sightseeing and bird watching. Facilities Group Site A is located near the boat ramp and features picnic tables, a fire grate, a shade structure and has water nearby. The site may be reserved in advance for groups of 10 to 20 people for a maximum of fourteen days. Group Site B can accommodate group sizes from 15 to 40 people and is located in Loop B of the campground and features picnic tables, a large fire grate, a shade structure, water on site and a single vault toilet. The group sites do not have dump stations or electric hook ups. There are dumpsters located at the campground entrance.Natural Features Sand Island Campground is beside the San Juan River. Nearby Attractions Sand Island is close to Goosenecks State Park, Bears Ears National Monument (Shash Jaa Unit), and Cedar Mesa.
Photos
Aerial photo of Sand Island area — Bob Wick/BLM
How to Get There
Sand 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.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Sand Island Group Sites
Heading to Sand Island Group Sites? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Sand Island Group Sites?
No central reservation system listed for Sand Island Group Sites. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251941) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Sand Island Group Sites?
Sand Island Group Sites has 2 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to Sand Island Group Sites?
Sand 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.
How do I contact Sand Island Group Sites?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-587-1500 or email: [email protected].
