There is a road through the American southwest that leads visitors on a “must-see” destination check list. From the Grand Canyon National Park, in AZ to Zion and Bryce in Utah, drivers speed through on their way from one Instagram-able spot to the next. Some of these motorists may notice the small sign just north of Kanab, UT, pointing toward the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, but most just drive on by and head to the bigger parks.

While there is good camping in the SP campground, much of it was dominated (read: packed to the gills!) by visitors with OHV equipment– which is allowed in the State Park in certain areas. We chose to camp outside at a nearby BLM camping area a short 10-mile drive away. 

Ponderosa Grove Campground is the kind you enjoyed as a kid, with sites well-spaced out and offering a modicum of privacy. There is only one small loop for bigger RV’s but lots of room for folks with a van, camper or even a small tent. Remember those? We were joined by many other people who seemed to be making the detour to this incredible location as most folks only stayed one night.  Bring your solar panel as there are no hook-ups.  Very few people were running generators which was awesome to not hear!

There is no water at this camping area, which might explain the ultra-low-cost of one night’s stay. However, the pit toilets were clean and lovely. When we visited, in 2021, this campground looked practically brand new.  And, you can get a shower pass at the state park for a few bucks...totally worth it after rolling in the sand all day.  

The nearest town is Kanab Utah, with all the usual suspects of groceries, laundry and liquor. We highly recommend Escobar’s Mexican Restaurant– excellent! Be sure to swing by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for a tour of this amazing facility.